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All students who do not have English as their first, or native language, are subject to English Language testing. Additionally, students may be assessed for other reasons including apparent communication difficulties while airborne with ATC &/or instructors, or in Ground School.
Testing may be done in the home country as part of a pilot selection process or on arrival at the College.
The English assessment comprises three tests:
• a 15 minute listening test;
• a 30 minute grammar test;
• a personal interview lasting 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the language level of the applicant.
All teachers in the Language program are not only qualified to teach English as a second language, but are also have an aviation background.
The Language program can provide:
• English language testing & grading;
• Pre-departure courses for overseas students;
• English language training & support;
• an integrated course of Technical English Support related to every stage of training from ab initio flying to Airline transition training.
• where required, students who are progressing slowly can be assessed to differentiate between flying/language problems.
In aviation, the emphasis on English language skills is very pronounced both in written, as well as oral output, on the ground as well as in the air. In the case of students with non-English speaking backgrounds, while the College flying training operations have a strong inbuilt English language emphasis that assists most cadets in achieving the required levels of language competence, there is still a percentage of students who struggle with language issues. Many such cadets face difficulties throughout the course, particularly in the more difficult advanced stages of their training.
With this in mind the College has implemented the following steps to improve the English language skills of its non-English speaking cadets:
• All cadets will only speak in English, during working hours, in all areas of the college.
• After hours, all cadets are to continue to use English in the Mess and in other semi-public places.
• After hours, cadets are encouraged to continue this endeavour in their residential units, however it is not compulsory.
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