ABOUT US
GLOSSARY
Action plan - The practical next steps that you (the learner/coachee) take forward from a coaching session or training course.
Assessment - The process of making a judgement about whether you have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to achieve a particular standard.
C1 Advanced/CAE - C1 Advanced (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced) is an advanced (C1) qualification. This is an assessment of the English needed for demanding work and study situations. The exam is divided into five sections: reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. You are marked out of 100. This mark determines your CEFR level.
Can do statements - A description of what you are able to do in English at each level of the CEFR.
Cancellation - When you are unable to start or continue a course. Please see our Customer Handbook for our payment, refund and cancellation policy.
CEFR - The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The series of levels against which European languages can be referenced. Each level demonstrates a student’s progression in communicating in that language. This framework allows students to plan their study and set objectives.
CELTA - The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is a post-graduate level qualification taken by English language teachers. Many language schools require a CELTA or equivalent qualification (e.g. TOEFL - see below) as a minimum requirement.
Certificate - The formal record, documenting the achievement of a course.
Chemistry meeting - a first contact meeting, with no cost, to better understand your needs and objectives in coaching. We use this session to see if we can work together.
Complaints procedures - The process outlining how to make a complaint about any aspect of a course. See our Customer Handbook for what to do if you have a complaint.
Communicative approach - A method of training that emphasises the participation of students in learning vocabulary and grammar etc. This approach emphasises the importance of teaching grammar or vocabulary within a relevant context to students.
Course - This describes structured learning, conducted over a period of time and characterised by some form of attendance and assessment.
Course price/fee - This is the money to be paid for your course, which includes the cost of training and resources including a textbook.
Customer Service Charter - A section within our Customer Handbook which describes the customer service levels you can expect from us.
C2 Proficiency/CPE - C2 Proficiency (previously known as Cambridge English: Proficiency) is the most demanding of all Cambridge examinations. Achieving the C2 Proficiency qualification demonstrates you have achieved an extremely high level in English and are capable of communicating with near native fluency.
Distance/remote Learning - This describes any form of learning that does not involve face to face contact with a trainer and may include taking lessons by telephone or through an online platform.
DELTA - The Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This is a Master's level qualification that is typically taken by English language teachers. A teacher typically needs a minimum of two years teaching experience before starting the DELTA.
Entry test (sometimes referred to as a level test) - A series of questions designed to assess the level of a student before starting a course. This can encompass a review of the student’s grammar, vocabulary and core skills in speaking, reading, writing and listening.
Exit level - When a student successfully completes a level of the CEFR, they are then able to progress to the next level.
FCE - First Certificate in English is an upper intermediate (B2) level qualification developing your written and spoken English for every day work situations and study. The exam is divided into five sections: reading, writing, use of English, listening and speaking. If you gain an A grade this demonstrates you have reached a C1 level.
General English - The popular name given to English courses focused on developing a wide range of vocabulary and grammar at a particular level. This type of course is not designed to develop the business communication required for a particular profession.
Group coaching - Focused on the shared needs of a unique group of people, typically from different jobs/companies. Often thematic in focus - for example communicating with confidence to customers.
Guided learning hours (GLH) - A measurement of your supervised learning, which is the time spent learning under the supervision of trainer. This measurement does not include the time given to private study.
IELTS - The International English Language Testing System is a multi-level test, scored out of 9. It tests your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. There are two different pathways for the test - the ‘academic module’ supporting university entrance, or the ‘general training module’ supporting migration to another country. IELTS is the most widely accepted test for University entrance in the UK and the most popular of the Cambridge suite of tests.
Learning objectives, learning outcomes - The targets defined for each lesson and the overall course which are referenced against the ‘can do’ statements in the CEFR.
Level - A way of grouping communication training and qualifications according to the range and difficulty of knowledge and skills required.
Needs analysis meeting - a first contact meeting, with no cost, to better understand your needs and objectives in taking a Business English training course or Business Communication Workshop.
1 to 1 coaching - Focused on the unique needs of an individual.
Progression - The process of successfully moving from one level to another, higher, level.
Qualification - An assessed course of study developing knowledge and skills for a particular purpose which, if the candidate is successful in achieving the required standard, leads to the award of a certificate.
Quality assurance - The process of scrutinising the quality of a course.
Refund - When you are given back all (or a proportion) of the money you have spent on a course.
Registration fees - A fee charged for registering for an examination, in addition to the course fee/price.
Results - The information provided to you on your level of achievement at the end of a unit or qualification.
SMART objectives - Aims for a learning or coaching programme that are clearly defined and achievable by a particular point in time. SMART stands for Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Targeted.
Standard - The difficulty of a qualification which should be the same regardless of where it is taught or which organisation is delivering it to you.
Team coaching - Focused on the needs of a team within a company.
TOEIC - The Test of English for International Communication tests everyday skills in an international working environment. It encompasses two formats speaking and listening and reading and writing. It is a multi-level test. The TOEIC Reading and Listening tests are scored out of 990. The TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests are scored out of 200.
TOEFL - The Test of English as a Foreign Language is primarily an internet-based multi-level examination. It tests your core skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening and it is marked out of 120 points, and each skill area is allocated 30 points. It is the most widely used test in the world and is used by universities and immigration services across the English-speaking world.