Bronte College of Canada

English Language Program

A strong background in English as a Second Language (ESL) can give you a lot of success in the future. Today, communication is more important than ever, and Bronte College of Canada’s English Language Program will help you learn how to strengthen you English and further improve it so that:

  • Your English will be correct and clear
  • you will read, write and speak confidently
  • Think in English and perform communication creatively
  • You will succeed with the TOEFL IBT
  • You will be ready for university preparatory courses offered at Bronte College

Each level of Bronte College’s English Language Program is 4 hours per day Monday to Friday, 220 hours in total.

Placement and Evaluation

Upon arrival, students are given an English language placement test to determine their level. Three levels are taught at Bronte College: Foundation of English, Intermediate and Advanced English.

Students’ performance is evaluated and recorded regularly. Vocabulary, reading and listening tests are given every week. Monthly comprehensive tests as well as many quizzes give students a clear indication of their progress.

Exit test and ILP

Following weekly, bi-weekly and monthly testing, an exit test is given to determine students’ progress. A successful exit provides opportunity for starting Independent Learning Program (ILP) studies at Bronte College in the same semester.

Resources

Resources used in Bronte College’ English Language Program include (but not limited to) the following:

  • New Headway and American Headway series, Oxford University Press
  • North Star Building Skills for the TOEFL iBT, Pearson Education (Longman) 2006
  • Various Penguin / Oxford Bookworms readers - classic or modern literature
  • Programs from CBC, CBS, NBC, BBC, CNN and other television networks
  • Oxford University Press online resources
  • Online educational audio resources

English Language Program Levels

Each level 4 hours per day Monday to Friday, 220 hours in total spanning approximately one academic semester.

The cost of the ESL program is $3,150.00 per semester (220 hours). For one week (20 hours), the cost is $315.00. Students who are able to exit from the Advanced level before 220 hours will be entitled to a 50% discount in ILP studies at Bronte College

1. Foundations of English

Students who arrive at Bronte College with very little or no English are carefully guided through the essentials of the English language. Grammar, vocabulary and all four skills are taught. Gradually learners become more and more confident speaking and understanding English, and by the end of the course they are able to write short but meaningful sentences clearly and correctly, and they can also communicate the most important ideas.

Results

  • You will speak and write correctly about everyday topics such as cinema, health, free time and future plans
  • You will build your vocabulary to 1000 words
  • You will be able to understand many types of reading passages
  • Your listening will improve and you will understand some dialogues and stories

2. Intermediate English

Students at this level are more comfortable with using English but need continuous help to improve their language performance. Although they are familiar with everyday words, most of the verb tenses and the basics of conversation, teacher support is necessary to eliminate typical ESL mistakes. Intermediate students receive specific training to further build their language skills. Reading comprehension, as well as listening skills are practised. A special attention is given to vocabulary building. New speaking skills are introduced and tested regularly. Students are also familiarized with the TOEFL IBT.

Results

  • You will speak and write more confidently on more challenging topics, such as intelligence, global issues and the environment
  • You will build your vocabulary to a minimum of 2000 words
  • You will be able to understand a great variety of reading passages, including newspapers, magazines, stories and essays
  • You will be able to understand native English speakers, movies, TV and radio programs more easily
  • You will be familiar with TOEFL IBT-type questions and your TOEFL IBT score will reflect upper-intermediate proficiency

3. Advanced English

Advanced ESL is the highest level of English language studies. Our aim is to lead students through the final steps of ESL studies. Completing this course enables students to enter secondary English studies (ENG3U), therefore the aim of the Advanced course is to prepare for academic studies both at secondary and university level. Very rigorous vocabulary study, academic listening, note-taking, essay writing, academic reading and high-level communication skills are all parts of this level. It is assumed that students exiting the Advanced course are fully prepared to integrate with English-speaking peers in their further secondary and post-secondary studies. Literary works are also studied to help students’ transition to secondary English classes. A very important focus is on TOEFL IBT skills to make sure learners achieve a high score on the proficiency test.

Results

  • You will master all the necessary skills to communicate at the level of a native English speaker
  • You will be able to discuss academic subjects and other sophisticated topics
  • You will build your active vocabulary to a minimum of 3000 words and you will be able to recognize hundreds of words only used in academic materials
  • You will be able to read academic texts quickly and successfully
  • You will be able to understand native English speakers, movies, television and radio programs
  • You will also know how to listen to lectures and take notes
  • You will be prepared for further secondary and post-secondary studies in an English environment
  • You will be expected to achieve a high TOEFL IBT score