King’s is pleased to announce several successes in the Cambridge First Certificate of English exam.

The name of this exam is deceptive as it appears to imply a certificate of low level language learning. This is not the case as our courageous overseas pupils will testify. Candidates are required to perform in all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in an exam which proves the learner can ‘understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in a field of specialisation. Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.’

After only two terms of intensive study, ten of our overseas students boarded the minibus for the Cambridge Examinations Centre in Bristol on a chilly March morning to prove their abilities in the use of the English language. Cheered by the promise of a stopover at Burger King on the return journey they bravely went forth. Not only were they being examined in completely new surroundings, they were also in the company of many other overseas candidates, many of whom were university students. 

Olivia (L6^th Form) took and excelled in the Certificate of Advanced English, the penultimate and very demanding exam on the Cambridge ESOL English Language Learning scale.

Happily the Easter holidays intervened to distract the candidates from the painful wait for their results, and even more happily the results were all admirable. There were some well-earned ‘A’ grades, which in fact indicates that the learner is at Advanced Level; all the exam outcomes were commendable. The ability of our overseas pupils to settle in a foreign country, create bonds and friendships and learn so much high level English in such a short space of time never ceases to amaze!

Nicola Checketts – Head of EAL