COURSES

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Speaking
• Development of fluency and accuracy.
• Discussing a variety of given topics.
• Increasing pupils’ active vocabulary.
• Maintaining a short, unaided talk.
Further information
IELTS
The IELTS examination is marked on a 9-point scale
(1 = very poor; 9 = expert user). Most British
universities require 6 - 7, depending on the nature of
the course applied for. University applicants are usually
required to state their IELTS score on their UCAS
application forms. Some prestigious universities now
expect pupils to achieve a score of 7.0, and often insist
on a minimum of 6.5 or even 7.0 in each of the
four modules.
IGCSE
The IGCSE Second Language English examination
(syllabus 0510) is available at two levels, Core and
Extended.
The Core Syllabus contains less free writing and
fewer texts, but has a top grade of C, which is
accepted for entrance into many universities.
The Extended Syllabus is more demanding, but
allows a maximum grade of A*.
The skills needed for success in both examinations
are similar (this is not surprising as they are intended
to indicate readiness for further study).
These skills include:
• The ability to extract key information
quickly from academic texts.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely on a
given topic.
Practice in these skills is useful to all academic
subjects, and relevant to all pupils preparing for
university study.
The IELTS examination can be taken in March or
June, either in the Lower Sixth or the Upper Sixth
year, depending on a pupil’s ability and progress.
The IGCSE is only available in May of each year.
Language Support
Pupils needing specific language support in their
individual subject areas should speak to their EAL
tutor, or make an appointment with the Head of
the EAL Department, either directly or through their
group tutor.
See www.ielts.org for further information about
the IELTS (International General Certificate of
Secondary Education) examinations.
See www.cie.org.uk/ for further information about
the IGCSE (International General Certificate of
Secondary Education) examinations.
For further information, please contact:
Head of EAL, Mr R Orton,
rlo@millfieldschool.com
Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015 37