Standard General English
Helping to bring your English language skills to a whole new level
With our Standard General English Course, you get high-quality teaching and real-life local experience. Every weekday morning you’ll take classes from 09:00 – 13:00 in Ireland and 09:30 - 13:00 in the UK. While in Canada, the lessons are from 09:00 – 12:15. And every afternoon, you can study on our CES Online e-learning platform, or you can spend afternoons on our fun-filled social programme to get a real flavour of local life and culture.
Key Info
Details may vary between course location
Right from the start, our experienced teachers will help you focus on the four crucial skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. From Monday to Friday in the classroom, our course is designed to make sure you are always building your language skills, while gradually increasing your vocabulary and knowledge of grammar at the same time.
What you need to know
Lessons are designed for students of Elementary level and above.
In the UK there are 20 lessons, of 45 minutes each, per week (15.00 hours in total) from 09:30 - 13:00.
In Ireland there are 20 lessons, of 55 minutes each, per week (18.33 hours in total) from 09:00 - 13:00.
In Canada, there are 20 lessons, of 45 minutes each, per week (15.00 hours in total) from 09:00- 12:15.
Please note that levels Beginner (A0) and Proficiency (C2) class are subject to availability.
You can begin your Standard English course every Monday morning.
In Ireland, your classes run Monday to Friday, starting at 09:00 and ending at 13:00. Classes break at 11:00 for 20 minutes until 11.20.
In the UK, your classes run Monday to Friday, starting at 09:30 and ending at 13:00. Classes break at 11:00 for 30 minutes until 11:30.
In Canada, the Standard courses are from 09:00 – 12:15, Monday to Friday. Intensive lessons are from 09:00 – 14:00, Monday to Thursday and 09:00 – 12:15 on Fridays.
Our school buildings open at 08:30 Monday to Friday in all locations and at 9:00 in London. We are not open at the weekend.
Your lessons are developed by your teachers and take into account the needs of all students in your class. Every week a new programme will be shared with you so that you will be aware of that week’s learning goals.
All classes at CES use a coursebook. These are available from reception and form an essential part of your lessons. Please note, each level uses a different book, so you will need to purchase subsequent textbooks as you progress.
A level test will be sent to you in advance of your arrival. This will assess your grammar, writing and speaking skills and is used by our academic teams to place you in the most appropriate class.
We offer a system of continuous assessment during your study and at the end of each week our academic team will discuss which students should move to a different level in order to maximise their language experience.
If you have any questions about your level, please speak to your class teacher or to the Director of Studies.
Homestay
We carefully choose people and families to host hundreds of students every year. You’ll get to share meals with your host in their home while practising your English in a fun and relaxed setting.
Residential
If you need self-catering student accommodation, we can offer you many options, subject to availability, in Dublin, London, Vancouver, Toronto, Leeds and Worthing.
Enjoy life in your new home city just like the locals do. Our Social and Cultural Programme is a great way to improve your English, get to know your classmates, and truly experience and understand your new culture. From museum visits to sports afternoons and everything in-between, you’ll be kept busy.
Ready to Start your CES Journey?
CES has a dedicated team that will be able to look after all your needs and requirements with CES Online.