Academic Intermediate & IELTS

Our Academic classes are a mixture of General English and exam preparation classes, with a  twelve weekly assessment programme. The exam preparation classes are Academic  Intermediate / IELTS I, and IELTS 2.  These classes have been designed to give you the best possible result. On the first day of school (Orientation day), there is an entry test, which all new students do to help us to place you in the right class.  Every class is 8 weeks long, but if you improve very quickly, you can move up to a more difficult class sooner than that.  You can show us you are ready to move classes by:

i.  Always doing your homework well;
ii. Speaking a lot of English in class;
iii. Getting excellent results on your test;
iv. Always attending class;
v. Giving your full attention in all classes.

 
   
 
   
 

IELTS and University

IELTS stands for ‘International English Language Testing System’ and is an exam you are required to pass if you wish to study at university in New Zealand.

AEC runs Academic Intermediate and IELTS classes to help you on your way to university.  There are required levels of English for entry to these classes.  AEC uses its ten-weekly assessments and a number of IELTS screen tests to make sure students are in the best classes for them and that students advance to higher classes when they are ready.

It takes time to prepare you to sit an IELTS test.  We are continually developing our systems, so that we can see how close you are to passing an IELTS test at the level you want.  Different university courses require different band scores to enter.  Medicine, for example, might require IELTS 8.0 while other courses may only require IELTS 6.5.  We can offer you advice on what score you are likely to need and when you should think about taking your test.

We book IELTS tests for our students at MIT.  You can book your own test if you prefer, but please remember that it is better to book with us as you will get the full benefits of the course as you can be sure then that your test date will match the beginning and the end of the course.

Every university will have their own entry requirements for the different Diploma and Degree programmes. This entry requirement includes IELTS.  But they also include the following:

(a) Previous education in your country;
(b) How long you have been studying English in New Zealand;
(c) Any other study of the same kind, at a preparation level, done in English (NZ);
(d) Their assessment of your suitability during the interview.

AEC does not guarantee acceptance to New Zealand universities.  We do not know of any language schools where this is the case.  We do however guarantee acceptance to Victoria University of Australia, and our Further Studies Advisor assists students with their applications to New Zealand universities and polytechnics.

 
   
 
   
 

IELTS: How will I know when I am ready?

Before you take your IELTS exam, you must know basic English grammar and vocabulary.  Basic grammar and vocabulary are taught during beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate and early intermediate classes. This might seem like a lot of classes to complete before you take your IELTS test.  However, without good grammar and vocabulary, you will not get the score that you want.  Our Academic Intermediate / IELTS 1 class is specially designed to provide you with the additional vocabulary and grammar you will need for academic writing and listening, and is also highly recommended preparation for those needing 6.0 or more. Taking the IELTS exam too early is a waste of money and time as you can only re-sit an IELTS exam three months after the last try.  

It is also important to remember that the IELTS class is designed to teach you IELTS skills and vocabulary and not general English.  When you go to university, you will need to be able to understand your lecturer easily, read, write and speak fluently.  A sound all-round English ability but NOT just the ability to pass the IELTS exam is required for you to succeed at university.   Being patient and realistic will benefit you in the long run.  Your teachers will know when you are ready to move up a class. They will also be able to give you advice on when you are ready to take the IELTS screen test.

We hold an IELTS screen test regularly.  Check the notice-boards or see the Director of Studies to find out the next IELTS test date.   Everyone is welcome to try the IELTS screen test.   It is free and you can take the test as many times as you like.  If you pass, you can join either IELTS 1 or IELTS 2 class, depending on the score you require and your screen test result.  If you fail the test, then you stay in your current class and try again when you feel you are ready.  The Director of Studies is Head of IELTS entry.  She will arrange a meeting with you after the test to give you feedback and advice about your results.