St Marks International College: Perth


		St Mark's provides a comprehensive programme of courses for all students of all levels of ability, focussing on improving English speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. To find out more information about a course, click on a heading above.

General English

This is a course of English instruction designed for students with a general interest in English or who may need it for travel, study or employment purposes. The course is divided into morning and afternoon components therefore making it possible for students to study full-time (25 hours), part-time, mornings (15 hours) only or afternoons only (8 hours).

Classes
In the morning students study General English with other students at the same level. All skills are practiced, however the main focus is on language; grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. In the classes, students use a variety of materials to assist them in their language learning. Each class uses a course book, which will be loaned to them by the school.

Every week's teachers write a timetable for their class. Teachers encourage students to tell them about their interests and what they expect from the course. They also spend some time talking with students about their language learning. All this is done so that a timetable especially for the class can be made.

Specialist Classes
For higher-level students the school offers specialist classes. The classes include Cambridge Preparation (for PET, FCE, CAE and CPE), IELTS Preparation and Business. These classes are not always running, depending on the time of the year and student demand.

Friday Afternoon
Friday afternoon is a free afternoon. The Computer Laboratory is available for Internet access. The library is open and all independent learning materials are available for students to use, including videos, computers, listening materials and all the written resources. In addition to this the school provides a bus, which goes to the beach in the summer. In the colder months there is often a soccer game happening in the park close by.

		IELTS/TOEFL Exam Preparation
		This class is a Full-Time or Part-Time alternative to General English. This is the same price as General English so students can change between the two classes from week to week (numbers and space permitting). It is available to students from level 5 (Lower Intermediate) and above. You don't have to be enrolled for an exam to join the class. The class aims to provide students with practice in a range of skills tested by the exams. Although the exams do differ, the skills tested are largely the same and all the practice is useful. In addition, the teacher endeavours to tailor the focus of the course on those students in the class at the time.

Cambridge Exam Preparation

St Mark's offers full-time courses preparing students for all four of the most popular Cambridge Certificates. These certificates are detailed below.

The exams test and validate candidates' use of English (their vocabulary resource and their understanding of grammar) and their abilities at the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking). There is a test for each of these five areas. The whole exam is distributed over three days, the reading, use of English and writing test are held on one day, the speaking test on another day and the listening test on another day.

During the courses students will not only practise the skills mentioned above. They will also be given a full orientation to the exam layout and practise in completing exam components. They will have the opportunity to do several practice exams.

Included in the course fees is a course book and either a three-day trip to Rottnest Island (transport and accommodation paid for) or numerous excursions to places of interest (transport and entrance fees paid for).

Preliminary English Test (PET)
This exam is for students at an upper-elementary level. The exam is held three times a year: in March, June and December. St Mark's does not run a separate preparation course for PET. However students at the lower end of the First Certificate classes are encouraged to do this exam and teachers will provide opportunities for students to practise for the exam.

First Certificate in English (FCE)
This exam is for students at an intermediate level. The exam is held three times a year: in March, June and December. The course leading to the March exam is ten weeks long, while the other two courses have a twelve-week duration.

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
This exam is for students at an upper-intermediate level. The exam is held twice a year: in June and December. Preparation courses are of twelve weeks duration.

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
This exam is for students at an advanced level (close to native speaker level). The exam is held twice a year: in June and December. Preparation courses are of twelve weeks duration.

English for High School Preparation

Students wanting to undertake secondary education in Australia need specialised English preparation to meet the demands of high school. St. Mark's International College offers an EHP course specifically designed to meet those demands.

Aims
Our English for High School Preparation programme aims to:

equip students with the language skills necessary to succeed in high school

familiarise students with the various writing forms required in high school

equip students with independent study skills

give students an awareness of Australian culture

Course Structure
At St. Mark's, we recognise that a successful student needs to practise in the four macro areas - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. All four are equally important for students who want to achieve success in high school. This is reflected in our programme, which offers a balance in these areas. In addition, particular attention is paid to the development of vocabulary in the subjects of science, maths and geography. Students also read contemporary literature and keep up to date with current affairs - a necessity for high school education. Culture and history lessons are also part of the programme. Homework is given nightly and students have projects to complete. English for High School Preparation Hours: 08:30am - 10:00am (15 minute tea break) 10:15am - 11:45am (1 hour lunch break) 12:45pm - 2:45pm

Levels
Please use the table below as a guide to the English for High School Preparation exit levels at our college. If you require any further information please contact our English for High School Preparation Co-Ordinator.

Class Levels	Exit Levels
EHP0	Elementary
EHP1	Upper Elementary
EHP2	Lower Intermediate
EHP3	Intermediate
EHP4	Upper Intermediate/Advanced

Special Conditions
As students attending the course will generally be under 18 years of age, St. Mark's has developed a special set of conditions covering the acceptance of students entering the English for High School Preparation programme. All students are expected to comply with these conditions and parents will be asked to assist by ensuring that their child is fully informed of the rules prior to their departure for Australia. These conditions are designated to ensure that the student's stay in Australia is successful, happy and safe.

Academic Counselling
St. Mark's International College has developed an excellent relationship with local high schools and business colleges in Perth to ensure that students receive the best information available regarding their intended study programme and prospective institutions. Regular visits to and from such institutions allow students to make informed decisions about their future. The college offers an academic placement service to assist students in gaining entry to their chosen course and institution. In addition to academic counselling, St Mark's has a full time Student Welfare Officer to help students with any personal concerns. The friendly staff at St. Mark's are always ready to assist students whenever possible.

2007 School Terms	2008 School Terms
FIRST TERM 29 January - 6 April	FIRST TERM 4 February - 11 April
Holiday 9 April - 20 April	Holiday 14 April - 25 April
SECOND TERM 23 April - 6 July	SECOND TERM 28 April - 4 July
Holiday 9 July - 20 July	Holiday 7 July - 18 July
THIRD TERM 23 July - 28 September	THIRD TERM 21 July - 26 September
Holiday 1 October - 12 October	Holiday 29 September - 10 October
FOURTH TERM 15 October - 7 December	FOURTH TERM 13 October - 18 December

English for High School Preparation Extension/Holiday Programme
Mixed ability students to join from 1 - 4 weeks for additional Intensive English during their holidays. Fees are charged per week. Dates will be advised.

Independant College List
Download the Perth High School list which contains specific information about the most presitgious colleges.

CELTA Teacher Training

This class is no longer running

		Tour Group Programmes
		We welcome group tours from all over the world. Holiday courses are available at any time of the year for any length of time, for any age group, as a package according to your requirements (1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks or more). These programmes focus on practical English, cultural exchange and confidence building. They combine morning tuition with exciting afternoon activities and sightseeing as required.

		Private Tuition
		One to One tuition can be arranged for students of all ages.

		Saturday Class
		This class is no longer running

		Business English
		This class is a Full-Time alternative to General English. This is the same price as General English so students can change between the two classes from week to week (numbers and space permitting) This is a course of English instruction designed for students who may need English for business purposes. To join the classes students need to be at an English level of intermediate or above. The school can assess a student’s level when they arrive. Students who are not yet at an intermediate level can join a General English Class until their skills reach the correct level. Classes Students study Business English with other students at a similar level. The main focus of the course is on English in a Business context. So, the students will study grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and writing). Materials, practice and presentations will all reflect a business environment. In the classes students use a a variety of materials to assist them in their language learning. Each class uses a course book, which will be loaned to them by the school. Every week the teacher will write a timetable for their class. Teachers encourage students to tell them about their interests and what they expect from the course. They also spend some time talking with students about their language learning. All this is done so that a timetable can be written to meet the needs of the students in that particular class. TOEIC & BEC The TOEIC and BEC exams are Business English examinations. The teacher will also provide some practice for students who are interested in sitting for these exams. It is possible to sit the TOEIC exam in Perth. The teacher can provide a contact for students who are interested in doing this exam. Modules Students will be able to join and leave the class every week, but the class will operate on a 10-week module length. Course Hours The Business English classes start at 8:30 and finish at 15:00. Friday Afternoon Friday afternoon is a free afternoon. The Computer Laboratory is available for Internet access. The library is open and all independent learning materials are available for students to use including videos, computers, listening materials and all the written resources. In addition to this the school provides a bus, which goes to the beach in the summer. In the colder months there is often a soccer game happening in the park close by.

		Conversational English
		This is a class which is held during self access times for students. Any students from St Mark's can attend.

Agent/Rep Area