Introduction

The King Saud University Preparatory Year English Programme is a unique opportunity for students to improve their English language skills alongside other key skills such as Maths and ICT. The continuing importance of English in the increasingly global world makes this language element vital to the Preparatory Year Programme.

The Syllabus

In its purpose built teaching centre, students will receive 20 hours of intensive tuition with their teachers each week. Beginning with a focus on general English, the first semester uses one of the best known and most successful coursebook series from world famous publisher Cambridge University Press; Interchange. Before any teaching can begin, each student is thoroughly tested using online placement tests, before being allocated a class according to their current English level. Once this has been done, the teacher can ensure that all lessons are tailored to the level of each class and therefore create a better learning environment.

This initial stage of the course is designed to give the students a strong foundation in the language, improving their command of English as well as improving their vocabulary, reading, writing and communication skills. In the process of improving these skills, students will also develop their confidence in the language and also their presentation skills. These all contribute to the life skills of the student and help to prepare them for their future studies and careers beyond KSU. As the course progresses, and students reach a higher level of English, the focus will switch to the academic side of the language. This will involve preparing students for the style of language they will need for their future studies.

The final assessment for the course is the highly regarded International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is used as a qualifying test for students wishing to attend university in many countries including the UK and Australia. Specialist material will be used to prepare students for this test with the aim of reaching an IELTS score of 5.0 by the end of the year.

Advanced Technology

Technology will play an important role throughout the whole of the English course with teachers using the latest in interactive whiteboard software in the classroom, as well as dedicated computer laboratories utilising the latest language software. In particular, the innovative programme, Bell English Campus, will be available to all students providing tailored supplementary activities for each level of the course, with each student having their own individual study module.

Staff

The course is run jointly by Bell International and Obeikan Research and Development. Bell International has over 50 years’ experience in English Language Teaching with teaching centres all over the world including the UK, China, Malta and Qatar. Bell brings all of its knowledge and skills to this new project and has developed a new syllabus specifically for KSU students. The project’s Academic Manager, Keith Ellis, is a highly experienced teacher and manager with great knowledge of the needs of Saudi students. Keith is supported by two highly qualified and experienced coordinators and a team of 64 teachers from all over the world. Together, their education and experience will ensure that the students are given the best possible start to their studies at KSU, and that they widen their opportunities in KSA and beyond.