At Clevercat, we provide exceptional education and support for students preparing for the IGCSE ESL (International General Certificate of Secondary Education English as a Second Language) examination. Our comprehensive approach focuses on fostering English language proficiency in all four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Our Teaching Methodology
Integrated Skills Approach
We believe in an integrated approach that seamlessly combines listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By incorporating various language skills into our lessons, we create a well-rounded learning experience.
Communicative Teaching
We prioritise interactive activities that encourage students to actively use English in real-life situations. Engaging in role-plays, debates, and group discussions helps students develop their speaking and listening skills while building confidence.
Contextual Vocabulary and Grammar
We understand the importance of teaching vocabulary and grammar in context. We employ exercises, games, and activities that reinforce understanding and application, making the learning process more meaningful.
Reading Comprehension Excellence
Developing strong reading skills is paramount in achieving success. Our curriculum includes a wide range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, articles, and academic materials. Students learn to comprehend, analyse, and interpret various texts effectively.
Writing Proficiency and Our Writing Lab
We foster excellent writing skills by teaching students different types of writing, such as descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and informative. Through guided practice, students learn to plan, organise ideas, and develop coherent and well-structured paragraphs and essays. Writing skills are fundamental for effective communication and academic achievement. Therefore, we prioritise the development of strong writing abilities within our teaching approach.
Our IGCSE Writing Lab serves as a dedicated space where students can enhance their writing skills through targeted instruction, practice, and feedback. As both teachers and mentors, we guide students through the writing process, offering valuable insights and techniques to improve their composition, structure, and style. LEARN MORE About the Writing Lab BUTTON LINK TO ‘Writing Lab
Exam Preparation
Clevercat is committed to preparing students for the IGCSE ESL examination. Our curriculum familiarizes students with the exam format and requirements. Practice tests, past papers, and strategic time-management techniques help students excel in their exams.
Authentic Materials
We incorporate authentic resources like news articles, videos, podcasts, and online materials to expose students to real-world English usage. This exposure enhances their language skills and cultural understanding.
Individualised Instruction
At Clevercat, we value the uniqueness of each student. Our teachers provide differentiated instruction to address students’ individual needs, ensuring they receive personalized attention and guidance.
Feedback and Assessment
We believe in the power of constructive feedback. We provide timely and meaningful feedback to students, empowering them to reflect on their work and improve their language skills. Through formative and summative assessments, we track progress and guide students towards success.
Our IGCSE Writing Lab – The secret to our students’ success!
At Clevercat, our IGCSE students have regular classes twice a week. In addition to these classes, we offer an extra dedicated writing lab session once a month. During the writing lab lessons, the focus is on developing specific writing skills required for the IGCSE exams, such as note-taking, summary writing, letter/email writing, academic essay writing, report writing, review writing, or article writing.
In the writing lab lessons, students are taught the essential components of each writing style, including vocabulary, tone, register, organisation, and structure. We provide comprehensive instruction on how to approach and excel in each type of text.
Following the writing lab lesson, students practice the specific writing skill or text type until the next writing lab lesson, which typically occurs monthly. During this time, they are expected to submit homework assignments related to the focus of the month. These assignments can include writing practice, completing exercises, or crafting compositions.
Each week, the submitted homework is diligently corrected and returned to the students with detailed feedback. We emphasise the importance of constructive feedback as a tool for growth and improvement. Students are encouraged to utilise the feedback they receive to enhance their subsequent assignments and further refine their writing skills.
This cyclical process ensures that students actively engage with and apply the concepts taught in the writing lab lessons. By continuously practicing and receiving feedback, students develop a deeper understanding of the specific writing skills and improve their overall writing proficiency.
Our approach aims to create a supportive and structured environment where students can gradually master various writing styles and confidently apply them during their IGCSE exams. We understand the importance of consistent practice, timely feedback, and targeted instruction to help students excel in their writing abilities and achieve success in their examinations.