FCE (Cambridge First Certificate in English)

 

FCE is the most popular international examination among our students and their parents and it is well known and internationally recognised. Uruguay is among the countries with the highest number of approval rates all over the world (70%). Every year more than three thousand people take this examination in Uruguay.

 

At Queen Victoria Institute we work to increase this percentage. For example, in December 2008, the approvals rate was 94%. 

This examination certifies that the successful candidate is able to communicate fluently at a basic higher level. 

Lessons are given by one teacher using textbooks as well as practice books and materials of all kinds including software.

Frequency: Twice a week ( two 2 hour lessons). The number of lessons, practice and contact hours is significantly increased several weeks before the official examination.

 

 

CAE (Cambridge in Advanced English)

 

This course is meant to bridge the gap between FCE and CPE (Proficiency in English), where the students’ level of English is improved to match more demanding requirements.  Bearing in mind that the main aim is not the examination itself, it is not compulsory for our students to take it.

 

Lessons are given by one or two teachers using books and material adapted and specially prepared for this course.

Frequency: Twice a week ( two  2 hour lessons)  The number of lessons, practice and contact hours is significantly increased several weeks before the official examination

 

 

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)

 

Proficiency is considered, by far to be the top examination in the English language. Although many people mistake the word “Prof” (the one most commonly used when referring to this examination) for a course and examination leading towards a teaching award, CPE certifies that the successful candidate has a command of the language similar to the one of a native speaker University student.

Lessons are given by one or two teachers using textbooks as well as practice books and materials.

Frequency: Twice  a week (week ( two  2 hour lessons or three 1 and a half hour lessons)  The number of lessons, practice and contact hours is significantly increased several weeks before the official examination

 

 

BEC (Business English Certificate –University of Cambridge)

Preliminary, Vantage,  and Higher levels

 

BEC is a set of Business English examinations. Not only do both the course and the examinations train the student to deal with business situations, but they also immerse them in a number of situations which involve using the language in a real  working atmosphere.

   It is worth mentioning that these examinations  not only test the language itself but the performance of tasks in a limited period of time.

A student who wishes to take the Preliminary level should have completed at least  Module 6 (Adult course) or its equivalent Juniors 6th course.

  Lessons are given by one teacher using a text book as well as  material specially prepared for this course.

Frequency :  1hour 30 minutes lessons, twice a week

 

 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

 

TOEFL is mainly required by American and Canadian Universities for those students wishing to take courses there. This examination in particular, tests the proficiency of each applicant and in many cases determines the possibility of admission to the aforementioned university.

  This examination tests listening and reading comprehension as well as grammar and vocabulary through multiple choice questions.

There are two ways of sitting for this examination:

Paper-based: There are six fixed administrations of the test a year ( students can take it in Uruguay)

Computer-based: Administered on a weekly basis, students can sit for it once a month ( In Buenos Aires though it has recently been introduced in Uruguay as well)

 

  Paper-based tests also include  the TWE (Test of Written English) not required by some Universities. There is no extra charge for it and it is scored separately from the main PBT TOEFL.

  Computer-based tests always include the TWE

  It is worth mentioning that the score obtained is only valid for two years. After that period, students must sit for the examination again.

  Lessons are given by one teacher using material specially prepared for this course.

Frequency: One hour 30 minutes lessons, twice a week ( the length of the course depends on the level of English of the student and the score he wants to achieve)