SERC host IELTS teacher training programme

SERC’s International Department hosted an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) teacher training programme at the Lisburn Campus recently in conjunction with the British Council.   The IELTS teacher training workshop is a two-day programme aimed at teachers in institutions who are preparing students for the Academic module of the IELTS test.  

Sixteen participants attended the course, travelling from as far afield as Thailand and Indonesia and the course covered the writing, reading, listening and speaking modules of the IELTS test. This was the third year that the programme has ran and has proven very popular attracting participants from across globe.  

The workshop provided participants with a brief overview of the IELTS test including the test format and a guide to test results. This was followed by an analysis of the main features of each paper, focusing on those aspects which students may find more difficult. A brief overview of the British Council’s Road to IELTS online IELTS preparation material was included in each workshop, with suggestions on how teachers can exploit this material, both in class and for student self-access.  

The workshop involved active participation by teachers and provide them with practical classroom activities to improve their students’ skills, strategies and performance in the test.  

The SERC IELTS Test Centre conducts monthly tests in Lisburn. Candidates can choose from two versions of the test - Academic or General Training – depending on the organisation they are applying to and their plans.  

Natalie Le Seelleur SERC Head of International School of English said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide IELTS at SERC and working with participants all over the world. This provides not only development of the English language, but also a channel to share experiences and learn from others.”  

IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English language test for study, work and migration. IELTS scores are accepted by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies. SERC is committed to providing solutions to meet the needs of local and international markets.  

The training programme is run in conjunction with the British Council and is offered annually. For more information please contact SERC’s International School of English via email at english@serc.ac.uk