GEOS NZ COURSES

Introduction

Teaching Methodology and Teachers
At GEOS NZ, all teachers are TESOL-qualified to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages. Geos NZ teachers come from New Zealand, England, Canada, the U.S.A., Scotland, Australia and other English-Speaking Countries. They have a wide range of experience and teaching styles, and students are exposed to a variety of approaches and accents.

Teaching Methodology at GEOS NZ is skills-based. This means that we teach the 4 macro-skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Each macro skill can be divided into sub-skills; for example, Speaking is divided into pronunciation, rhythm and stress, conversation techniques, situational and functional language, etc. Grammar, structure and vocabulary development are taught across all the skills. The teaching approach at GEOS NZ is communicative. This means that during the lessons, students are constantly involved in actively using English to communicate with their classmates and teachers in meaningful situations. Focus is on practical usage. Students are given a textbook to work from and the teacher supplies additional material from other books, newspapers, magazines, radio and TV broadcasts, songs, etc.

Students are interviewed and tested on arrival, and placed in a class that corresponds to their test result. There are 6 main levels of English at GEOS NZ, from absolute beginner to advanced. Every 10 weeks, students are tested again, and if they pass the test, they can move up a level. Students who find their classes either too difficult or too easy, can, after talking to their teacher and academic counsellor, try another class.

General English

23 hours/week (full-time) or 15 hours/week (part-time).
6 Levels from absolute beginner to advanced.
Course length 1 week minimum.
Classes are organised into 10-week modules.
Students can start on any Monday.

Format is Integrated Skills (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing). Students use a core textbook (e.g. Headway, New Interchange, Cutting Edge) .Class work is theme-based: activities are focus on a weekly or bi-weekly topic, usually following the coursebook syllabus, so that students can develop useful vocabulary and share ideas in group discussions. Grammar and structure are introduced progressively and used in class communication activities. Homework is given regularly. Every 5 weeks, students are tested and their progress is assessed. Students who pass the test, and have consistently participated in class and completed their homework, can move to the next level. Those who find their class too easy or too difficult, can ask to be moved to a more suitable level.

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Academic English

Cambridge First Certificate and Cambridge Advanced English Preparation Courses
A 10 or 12-week full time course (23 hours/week) designed specifically for students interested in sitting the Cambridge examinations. The format of the exams (Use of English, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) is introduced and the classes are designed to teach the skills and language necessary to pass the exam. These include interview techniques, essay writing, reading for gist and for specific information, grammar and vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs.
Entry level: Upper Intermediate A (FCE); Upper Intermediate B (CAE). Course entry is subject to a level placement test prior to arrival - students must be at a Upper Intermediate Level.

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Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Preparation Course
(GEOS Auckland only)
A 5-week part time course taught on Fridays afternoon, specially designed for students who intent to seat this World-recognised test. TOEIC program is the most widely used General Business English language Exam and is taken more than 5 million times each year around the world. As part of the TOEIC test-taking process, examinees will receive a document in support of their achievement. All test takers will receive a score report as part of their assessment, and have the choice to order a Certificate of Achievement.

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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Preparation Course

A 5-week full time course (23 hours/week) focusing on language skills relevant to this test. The TOEFL preparation course focuses primarily on listening comprehension, structure and vocabulary development. A wide range of language, from idiomatic, informal English, to very literary, formal English, is introduced and practised. Course entry is subject to a level placement test prior to arrival - students must be at a Upper Intermediate Level.

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International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Preparation Course
A five-week full-time course preparing students for the IELTS examination. Students can study continuously in several module until ready to get the IELTS score required. Class work follows the format of the exam (Reading, Writing, Interview and Listening), with emphasis on skills like writing analytical essays, describing figures and graphs, reading academic texts for general meaning and specific information, asking questions and participating in discussions, and presenting organised, developed answers to questions
Entry level: Students should be Intermediate or above. Course entry is subject to a level placement test prior to arrival

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English for Business Purposes (EBP)
(GEOS Auckland and Christchurch only)
This is a five-week course using authentic materials, role-plays and simulations to provide a realistic preparation for those needing to use English in the work-place.

Topics covered include: letters, faxes, and memos; telephone technique; international trade; marketing; meetings; sales and negotiation.

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Young Learner Programmes

Young Learner English + Activity Holiday Course

This is a 1 to 8-week course offered every year in summer and winter holidays (June to August and December to February). Students study in international classes in the morning, and in the afternoons students go on afternoon activities. There is a different activity each afternoon. Teachers accompany students in the afternoon on each activity.

Emphasis on personal care of all students; their pocket money, free time and selection of friendly, experienced host families.

The Takapuna Beach Campus is also available during the holiday season. Ideally positioned in a safe shopping centre next to the beach and is perfect for younger students (11 –17 years-old) who can avoid long bus trips with travel time to most host families only 10 minutes by bus or car.

Activities: rock climbing, horseriding, paintball, laserstrike, Go Karting, Archery, thermal pools, kayaking, IMAX, skating, bowling, Sky Tower, Aquarium, amusement park and more..

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Young Learner General English - High School Preparation (YLGE-HSP)

This high quality course is one of the best ways for an International Student, over the age of 11 to prepare for entry to a high school in NZ. Also it is ideal for students who are interested in learning English and meeting students of the same age from many different countries to gain International experience and views.

Every 5th & 10th week of GEOS NZ term, we assess our students for improvement by providing a test. "Academic Report" will be issued based on the results of the assessment. The report includes the teachers' comments. The report will be forwarded to the parents/legal guardian. An "Academic Recommendation Letter" will be issued based on successful completion of the course. This letter will help students go on to continue their studies in New Zealand High Schools.

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Study Tours combine English lessons, Homestay accommodation, sightseeing, excursions, cultural visits, and sporting activities. Programmes can be designed to suit the requirements of the group.

Sample Itinerary

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GEOS NZ TEACHER TRAINING CENTRE

GEOS NZ is an University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate authorised training centre. We offer a diverse range of programmes for international students and English native-speakers including Cambridge CELTA, TESOL + TKT and TECSOL Course.
Please visit our GEOS NZ Teacher Training section to find out more about the programmes offered and 2010 Dates & Fees

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SUPERLINK™ NEW ZEALAND

Enrol for a combined course of 12 weeks at any two or three GEOS New Zealand colleges and receive two one-way domestic air tickets to/from Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland.
Advance booking ad special conditions apply - see GEOS NZ SUPERLINK™ conditions. GEOS Oceania SUPERLINK™ is also available - conditions apply.

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