English for Secondary Schools (High School Preparation)

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

Assessment

All students complete an Initial placement test before the course begins. This diagnostic assessment determines their English level and ensures they are placed in the appropriate class. An initial report is shared with families and pathway schools (where details are provided).

Every 5 weeks, students complete Progress tests across all language skills. Teachers provide feedback on performance and support students to set learning goals and strategies for improvement.

Students enrolled for more than five weeks receive comprehensive Progress reports after each 5-week testing block, which may also be shared with pathway schools (if details are provided).

Students are also assessed continuously throughout the course through classwork, participation, tasks, and projects. They develop key academic skills such as presentations and debates, allowing teachers to closely monitor progress and provide targeted support.

12–18 years old

Acknowledge Education runs classes throughout the year, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

We accept new students every Monday.

English for Secondary Schools is a long-established program at Acknowledge Education designed to prepare students for entry into senior secondary studies in Australia. The course focuses on developing English language and academic skills to support a smooth transition into VCE and other secondary pathways.

The program is delivered at Acknowledge Education’s Melbourne campus, located at 168 Exhibition Street in the CBD. This central location provides students with access to a safe, convenient, and well-connected learning environment.

Yes, the English for secondary schools program includes regular excursions, cultural activities, and school clubs to support students’ social and cultural development. Students have opportunities to explore Melbourne through teacher-led excursions, typically every few weeks, while participating in activities such as conversation clubs, art, music, and other group experiences.

Students who complete the English for Secondary Schools program may progress to VCE at Acknowledge Education or transition to other Victorian secondary schools, depending on their pathway and preferences.

Acknowledge Education supports this transition by working closely with partner schools, sharing student progress reports, and arranging meetings with international student coordinators before students commence.

Acknowledge Education provides dedicated welfare support for under 18 students through the Your Care Team. This includes regular check-ins, academic and wellbeing support, communication with parents, and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Students who do not have a parent or approved guardian in Australia can nominate AE’s Your Care Team as their welfare provider. Please note that this service is available for an additional fee.

Acknowledge Education supports under 18 students with homestay and accommodation arrangements. Homestay options are organised through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN), placing students with carefully screened host families in a safe and supportive environment.

Airport transfer services can also be arranged through AHN to ensure students are safely met on arrival and transported to their accommodation. AE’s team provides additional support to help students settle in.

Please note that homestay and airport transfer services are subject to additional fees.