ACADEMIC SERVICES
student profile - first day - lessons - monitoring progress - self-study facilities - advisory service - certificates & reports - test
STUDENT PROFILE
- We accept students from 16 years upwards. The average age of our students is between 18 and 25, but there is no upper age limit and we have students in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s attending courses. We welcome students from all over the world and have, on average, 10 different nationalities studying here at any one time.
FIRST DAY
- All students take a placement test on their first day. This lasts one hour. It allows the Director of Studies to assess their level of English and decide on the best class for them.
LESSONS
- Classes are small - with a maximum of 12 students - and of mixed nationalities.
- Normally, students will see 2 or 3 different teachers each day, depending on the course chosen. Our teachers work closely together to make sure students get a balanced programme.
- During each week there will be a variety of activities to practise Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, as well as to develop accurate Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation. The majority of activities will be working in pairs or small groups so that students can maximise their opportunities to use the language.
- We actively support Learner Training by showing students strategies and techniques that they can use to improve their language learning. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning so that they leave the school better equipped to continue using English for personal interest, work or further study.
MONITORING PROGRESS
- Students' academic progress is closely monitored. Academic staff hold weekly meetings to discuss student progress and development, and this includes recommending students who should change level. Progression to a higher level is based on ability, not on length of stay.
- Every 5 weeks, students have the opportunity to formally assess their progress by doing a test. The Wessex Academy also provides 1:1 tutorial sessions for students to discuss academic progress, problems, and strategies. Students are given a written record of each tutorial to keep. In assessing progress, reference is made to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
SELF-STUDY FACILITIES
- During their free time, students have access to the Library and Listening Centre where they can do further practice of language and skills. Academic staff are available to advise and assist in the choice of materials. There is also a Computer Room for students' use.
- Students can obtain advice on buying books and resources to aid their learning. The Wessex Academy Bookclub enables students to buy recommended books (dictionaries, grammar and vocabulary etc.) at discounted prices.
EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY SERVICES
- At the Wessex Academy , students can prepare for a range of examinations (FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, PET, KET, BEC). The Director of Studies will advise on which examination to take. Once enrolled for an examination, students receive full support and guidance, including a day-by-day Study Plan to follow outside of class.
- Students can get advice and assistance with university applications if they are thinking of continuing their education after their course at the Wessex Academy .
CERTIFICATES AND REPORTS
- On satisfactory completion of their course, students are presented with a course Certificate. If enrolled on a course for 8 weeks or longer, students also receive a written Report detailing their skills, attitude and progress.
TEST HEADING
- test test test test test


