Cambridge Exam Preparation

PET, FCE, CAE and CPE

Shafston is one of Australia’s largest providers of preparation programs for the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Cambridge exams are highly valued by employers in many countries, especially Europe. Shafston offers a very wide range of Cambridge preparation programs including all levels of the main suite exam preparation programs (PET, FCE, CAE and CPE) as well as the main suite of Cambridge Business Certificate (BEC Vantage and Higher) exam preparation programs.

We guarantee to offer every Cambridge program that we advertise, and pride ourselves on delivering a first-class exam preparation program delivered by well-respected Cambridge specialists..

Exam Success
Shafston students consistently score highly on Cambridge examinations. Preparation is rigorous. Included in every program is a full day of mock practice exams once every month for all papers.

There are three classes of passing grade available for the main-suite exams: A, B and C. If a candidate scores below a C but achieves good marks they may receive a certificate indicating language level. All candidates are provided with a Statement of Results which includes a graphical display of the candidate’s performance in each paper. These are shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak and indicate the candidate’s relative performance in each paper. Passing candidates are awarded a certificate.

New Computer-Based Cambridge Exams
Shafston students studying in a Cambridge exam course will sit the cutting-edge, computer-based exam at Shafston Cambridge Exam Centre right here on the premises.

Course books and learning materials
All students are supplied with the latest exam preparation course books and other supplementary materials for the course. Students are also encouraged to purchase an Advanced Learners Dictionary.

Afternoon Clubs

• Cooking Club
• Music Club
• Pronunciation Club (during Cambridge sessions)
• Sports Club
• Film Club

 

Preparation for Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)

(CRICOS CODE 046000J)

The Preliminary English Test is an Intermediate level exam. It is ideal for students who need a basic qualification in English. PET graduates can generally communicate satisfactorily in most everyday situations.

The PET exam comprises three papers:

• Paper 1 – Reading & Writing
• Paper 2 – Listening
• Paper 3 – Speaking

Students wishing to take the Shafston PET preparation program must firstly undertake a Cambridge pre-entry test which will indicate a student’s current level of proficiency. We can do this either prior to the student’s arrival (via fax) and/or on their first day.

 

Preparation for Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)

(CRICOS CODE 070043J)

The First Certificate in English is an Upper-Intermediate level exam. It is ideal for students who need to be able to communicate confidently in English in most situations.

FCE is one of the most widely-recognised English language qualifications by employers and educational institutions around the world. By the end of the course students will be able to communicate successfully in day-to-day situations.

The FCE exam comprises 5 parts:

• Paper 1 – Reading
• Paper 2 – Writing
• Paper 3 – Use of English (Grammar)
• Paper 4 – Listening
• Paper 5 – Speaking

Students wishing to take the Shafston FCE preparation program must firstly undertake a Cambridge pre-entry test which will indicate a student’s current level of proficiency. We can do this either prior to the student’s arrival (via fax) and/or on their first day.

Preparation for Cambridge FCE Exam Sample Timetable

Time	Monday	Tuesday		Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9.30am–11.30am	Integrated Core Skills – Theme based — Unit 7 The Price of Fame Incorporating Use of English/Reading/Writing/Listening/Speaking. Giving advice: Vocabulary development (Entertainment).
11.30am–11.45am	Morning Break
11.45am–12.45pm	Speaking Interview practice/ discussion.	Listening Strategies Key word recognition practice.		Reading Strategies Inference.	Test Strategies Time management and key words.	Review and Consolidation Unit 7 review exercises
12.45pm-1.45pm	Lunch Break
1.45pm-3.45pm	Writing Part 2 (report writing).		Use of English Present perfect.	Listening The psychology of fame (multiple matching).	Reading Gapped text: paragraphs.	Speaking Talking about fears. Role play: Giving advice.

Sample Homework

• Collocations worksheet
• Phrasal verbs worksheet
• Spelling changes worksheet
• Negative prefixes
• Exam practice - similar meanings

 

Preparation for Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

(CRICOS CODE 070045G)

The Certificate in Advanced English is an Upper-Intermediate -Advanced level exam. It is a challenging exam preparation course which allows students to prepare for the five papers of the exam. By the end of the course students will be able to operate successfully in professional or academic environments.

It is particularly suitable for students who need to use English at work or for study. CAE is recognised by most British universities for entrance level language requirements.

 The CAE exam comprises 5 parts:

• Paper 1 – Reading
• Paper 2 – Writing
• Paper 3 – Use of English (Grammar)
• Paper 4 – Listening
• Paper 5 – Speaking

Students wishing to take the Shafston CAE preparation program must firstly undertake a Cambridge pre-entry test which will indicate to us their current level of proficiency. We can do this either prior to the student’s arrival (via fax) and/or on their first day. If you would like more information, please contact us for an official Cambridge Exam Preparation Placement Test.

Preparation for Cambridge FCE Exam Sample Timetable

Time	Monday	Tuesday		Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9.30am–11.30am	Integrated Core Skills – Theme based — Unit 5 Dilemmas Incorporating Use of English/Reading/Writing/Listening/Speaking. Giving advice: Vocabulary development (Entertainment).
11.30am–11.45am	Morning Break
11.45am–12.45pm	Speaking Working in a collaborative pair work task. Information exchange.	Listening Strategies Listening for specific information		Reading Strategies Gap reading text Matching sentences to paragraph headings.	Test Strategies Skimming and scanning for specific information Summarising main points.	Review and Consolidation Unit 5 Review exercises
12.45pm-1.45pm	Lunch Break
1.45pm-3.45pm	Writing Paper 2, Part 1 Notices and Announcements – informing, persuading, advising and warning.		English In Use: Register Transfer – Using appropriate lexical items and structures transforming from informal to formal written registers.	Listening Sentence completion. Intensive listening for specific information in sentence completion tasks	Reading Multiple-choice reading comprehension	Speaking Comparing and contrasting. Practising Part 2 uninterrupted speech.

Sample Homework

• Vocabulary extension and development worksheet.
• Idiomatic structures worksheet.
• Informal writing task – responding to an email
• Changing meanings with affixes.
• Collocations and idioms.

 

Preparation for Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

(CRICOS CODE 038097F)

The Certificate of Proficiency exam is an advanced-level exam for candidates who have a fairly proficient level of English already. The course is challenging and rigorous. Our experienced teachers will help students to understand the intricacies of the CPE exam.

This is the highest Cambridge certification level and indicates full English proficiency in any academic or professional situation. Students who reach this level are approaching the linguistic competence of an educated native speaker. A CPE student’s level of English gives him/her access to the press and other media, and to areas of culture such as film, drama and literature. CPE is also recognised by most British universities for entrance level language requirements.

The CPE exam comprises 5 parts:

• Paper 1 – Reading
• Paper 2 – Writing
• Paper 3 – Use of English (Grammar)
• Paper 4 – Listening
• Paper 5 – Speaking

Students wishing to take the Shafston CPE preparation program must firstly undertake a Cambridge pre-entry test which will indicate a student’s current level of proficiency. We can do this either prior to the student’s arrival (via fax) and/or on their first day.