Welcome to Specialty Language Centre / Oxford College of English in Sydney. Our college is conveniently located in the heart of Sydney. We are a long established English language college (for 24 years), exist side by side with a senior secondary college called Oxford College, Sydney and Oxford College (Diploma Programs). Our college provides intensive, comprehensive and practical study programs to help improve your English and to prepare you for further study and career opportunities, with highly qualified and experienced teachers utilising the latest teaching methods and techniques. Specialty Language Centre is fully accredited by the National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS), a member of the ELICOS Association and registered with the Australian Government.

Our Students & Programs

We have a mix of nationalities, mostly Asian, which varies at different times of the year. Most of our students come here on a long term basis to study in an Australian college or university in the future. Our younger students, down to 12 years of age, study in high school preparation classes, in order to join an Australian secondary school at the grade of years 7 — 10, or year 11 and 12. Our adult students are usually aiming for a diploma or degree (via a foundation year or directly), which they can commence when their English is good enough.

We also have study groups, which can be any school age, and from time to time, special exam classes, such as Cambridge BEC or FCE. As with any privately run institution, we respond to changing student needs in order to keep up in a competitive environment. Specialty Language Centre/ Oxford College of English is also one of the leading schools in international English language exam preparation. We have a high success rate in:-

• Cambridge (CAE, CPE, FCE)
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Cambridge Business English Certificate 1& 2

Our Professional Staff

Since its establishment, Specialty Language Centre/Oxford College of English has developed a reputation for academic excellence and a high level of student satisfaction. We believe that this is due to our professional approach to the delivery of our courses.

Our college employs only qualified and experienced teachers who are professional, friendly and dedicated. All of our teachers have a degree from a recognized university and specialist qualifications in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language).

Our teachers also attend teaching and language workshops and conferences concerning new developments in their teaching fields, ensuring the most up-to-date teaching techniques are used in our classrooms. Most of our teachers have taught English in other parts of the world, and understand what it is like to learn a language and live in a foreign country.

The Student Welfare Officer helps you with any personal problems you may experience, such as adapting to life in a new country. The Office will also help arrange your accommodation with a family in Sydney.

The Academic Counsellor helps you with any enquiries concerning high school, college or university studies in Australia.

Teaching and Learning Process

Our teachers combine modern language learning resources with up-to-date teaching techniques to ensure that you progress as quickly as possible. During the course, emphasis is placed upon the four macro skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary development. Classroom materials are drawn from a wkde variety sources, including academic, high school business and general English texts, TV, radio, video, newspapers, journals and magazines. These materials are used in the classroom in a communicative and interactive way to ensure that you obtain maximum English language practice in all four macro skill areas.

Our Courses

General English Course (GE)

Specialty Language Centre/ Oxford College of English provides intensive General English classes from beginner to advanced level. Each student is tested on arrival and placed in a class of the appropriate level. In these classes students improve their accuracy and fluency to develop the necessary communication skills to assist them in a variety of social, travel and work related situations. The General English Courses involve participation in class excursions, cultural activities and computer sessions.

High School Preparation Course (HSP)

The High School Preparation Course is designed to prepare overseas students for entry into the Australian high school system. The course is designed to develop the necessary language and study skills required for academic success. Our college assists students in finding a suitable high school for their individual study needs, and handles the enrolment procedures.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

The EAP course at Specialty Language Centre/ Oxford College of English caters to students who have reached an intermediate level in English and who wish to undertake academic studies at college or university level. The programme provides students with the language and study skills they will need for entry into and successful completion of their chosen course of study.

English for Nursing and Other healthcare Professionals (ENOHCP)

The English for Nursing and other Healthcare Professionals course at Specialty Language Centre/ Oxford College of English has been designed for such overseas students who will be coming to Australia to engage in various courses of study for Health Professionals. There will be an emphasis on skills relating to Nursing students, but the course will also be useful for other occupational areas of the health industry, including Pharmacy and Medical studies.

English for Coordinating and management of Welfare, Community and Childcare Services (ECMWCCS)

The English for Coordinating and Management of Welfare, Community and Childcare Services course at Specialty Language Centre/ Oxford College of English has been designed for overseas students who will be coming to Australia to engage in various courses of study for Welfare and Community Professionals. While there will be an emphasis on skills relating to Welfare, Childcare and Community students, the course will also be useful for other occupational and industry areas, including any Coordinating and Management studies.

Policy and Procedures for Monitoring Student Attendance