English for Secondary Schools (High School Preparation)
Bring your English language skills up to the secondary school level with this targeted course.
080627B
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
Starting high school in Australia is an exciting opportunity. Our English for Secondary Schools (High School Preparation – HSP) course builds your English, confidence, and academic skills to help you transition smoothly into a mainstream classroom and Australian culture. Through project-based and content-based learning, with personalised support from experienced teachers, you will be prepared to succeed academically, socially, and culturally in your new school.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Our English for Secondary Schools (High School Preparation – HSP) course develops the essential English language skills needed for success in subjects such as Maths, Science, and Humanities through Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). You will build academic reading and writing skills, develop subject-specific vocabulary, and strengthen study skills including note-taking, research, presentations, and class participation, while building confidence to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Course Overview
With almost forty years of experience in teaching young students, Acknowledge Education (formally known as Melbourne Language Centre) is recognised as a leader in providing tailored English preparation courses in Victoria, catering to high school students.
The curriculum recognises the dual need for students to develop their general English language skills while also preparing them for future study in Australian high schools.
Morning classes prioritise English language and communication, with students grouped based on their English proficiency as determined through rigorous testing during orientation. Throughout the day, significant time is dedicated to exploring daily concepts within the English language in both classroom and educative settings, preparing students for their pathway schools. Students continue to delve into academic language relevant to the Australian curriculum in the afternoon, maintaining groupings based on their English proficiency levels. As students advance in their language learning, they will have opportunities to apply their new skills during monthly excursions around the city.
Specialist teachers are employed to teach mathematics and science, with students introduced to the concepts they can expect to study at their future schools. Homework is an integral part of the student program and is monitored by the classroom teacher on a daily basis. Excursions are organised regularly and include a range of cultural and social activities such as visits to museums, sightseeing tours, day hikes, sports days, and barbecues.
The course is underpinned by:
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), including maths, science, literature, history, geography, art and PE
Aspects of Victorian Curriculum Foundation–10 for EAL
Effective use of educational technology for both individual and group activities
Regular cultural/social activities and excursions
Excellence in teaching practice for all macro skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and enabling skills (pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation)
Regular liaison with a broad network of both independent and government pathway schools
Teaching
The teaching and assessment methods at Acknowledge Education include:
Traditional classroom delivery
Online support materials
Consideration of different learning styles, abilities and preferences
Group work and pair work, as well as individual assignments
Interactive educational games and activities
Regular formal and informal assessments and reports/feedback
Timetable
Time | Activity |
9:00-10:30 | Session 1 |
10:30-10:45 | Break |
10:45-12:00 | Session 2 |
12:00-12:45 | Lunch break |
12:45-14:00 | Session 3 |
14:00-14:15 | Break |
14:15-15:15 | Session 4 |
Assessment
High school preparation | |
Assessment | Feedback – Report |
Every 5 weeks | Every 5 weeks |
All new students take a placement test on their first day to determine their English proficiency and to place them in the appropriate class. Regular assessments are conducted to track students’ progress and to promote them to the appropriate class.
Students who are enrolled for more than five weeks will receive comprehensive progress reports which will also be sent to their chosen pathway schools (if we are advised of the details) every five weeks. The program manager regularly liaises with the schools’ International Student Coordinator to update them on their students’ progress at Acknowledge Education Pathway schools are also invited to meet their students at Acknowledge Education prior to mainstream course commencement. This ensures that students have a smooth transition into the school system and are confident in their new school life.
Diagnostic assessment at the beginning of the course is used to determine the proficiency level of students.
Continuous/Progress assessment is conducted to monitor and track students’ progress during the course.
12–18 years old
Acknowledge Education runs classes throughout the year, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. Saturday school can be arranged in special circumstances.
We accept new students every Monday.
Why Study with AE?
Real outcomes for international students in Australia. We understand your goals and provide pathways to achieve them.
140+ Year Heritage
Multi-Sector Education Excellence
Over 140 years of excellence delivering ELICOS, VCE, VET, and Higher Education across 8 national campuses.
98% Placement Satisfaction
Job-Ready Success
98% student placement satisfaction with programs designed alongside industry partners for maximum graduate outcomes.
Up to 50% course credit
Credit for Prior Learning
Get up to 50% course credit for prior learning in Australia. You may be able to reduce both your tuition and study time.
2 week average to COE*
Seamless Enrolment
Expert onshore support from consultation to CoE issuance, with an average 2-week processing time.
*Processing times may vary depending on document completeness and course availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enrol as an international student, follow these steps:
Submit an enquiry through our website or contact our admissions team
Provide your academic transcripts and English test results for assessment
Receive your Letter of Offer and accept the offer
Pay your initial tuition deposit
Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application
If you're currently studying in Australia and considering a new course, there are important regulations to be aware of:
6-Month Rule
Under Australian regulations, international students are generally expected to complete at least six months of their principal course before changing providers. If you wish to transfer before this period, you may need a release from your current provider. Release requests are assessed in accordance with applicable regulations and your provider’s policies, and may be granted in certain circumstances (for example, compassionate or compelling reasons).
Yes, we offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer for relevant previous qualifications. Credit transfer depends on the relevance and level of your previous studies and how they align with this course.
Contact our admissions team for a free assessment of your eligibility for credit transfer. Credit transfer may reduce your study duration and overall tuition fees, depending on the outcome of the assessment.
Changes to your course or provider may impact your student visa. You must ensure you continue to meet your visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment in a registered course.
For specific advice about your visa, please contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent/lawyer.
Students studying in designated regional areas may have access to additional visa-related benefits under current government settings.
Lower cost of living compared to major cities
Strong employment opportunities in growing regional economies
As visa regulations can change, students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
We provide comprehensive support services for international students:
Academic support and tutoring
Career services and employment assistance
Student welfare and counselling
Accommodation assistance
Orientation programs for new students
Support with understanding student visa conditions and compliance requirements