English Courses (Junior)

We offer a wide range of English exams: TIE, Trinity , IELTS, Cambridge (YLE, KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC), among others.

General English Course with TIE Exam preparation

Our General English course is designed to make you more proficient in everyday English situations and activities.

The General English course with TIE Exam preparation is designed to cover all the aspects of the English language including the various sub-skills and areas of competence: the basic 4 skills ( Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking), communicative language (e.g. turn-taking, asking for clarification), types of interaction (e.g. obtaining goods and services, interviewing), and more linguistic skills (e.g. vocabulary range, phonological control). The course aims to combine the usage of English with Vocabulary, Grammar & Pronunciation.

The course will definitely help you to improve your ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, enabling you to engage more confidently in English-speaking environments.
A wide range of classes and levels ensures that every student will be placed with students of the same ability, therefore learners can definitely enjoy improving all aspects of their English in a lively and friendly environment.

Exam Preparation Course Overview​

Junior TIE (JTIE)

Junior TIE is designed for all students attending secondary schools. In all other respects the preparation and conduct of the exam is similar to TIE – any procedural changes are explained in the teachers’ guidelines.

The Test of Interactive English (TIE) is an international EFL exam and can be taken by junior and adult students on either short or long courses in Ireland as well as abroad.

TIE has been designed for all students of all abilities and motivations following either long or short courses in language schools or other educational institutions. TIE is a learner-centred exam which is flexible, i.e., designed to recognise and accommodate the needs and interests of each learner whatever their level of English, age, cultural or educational background. The test is task-based with the content chosen by each individual learner and can therefore be used to assess learners with the following needs and motivations:

  • learners of English for general purposes;
  • learners of English for vocational, professional or academic purposes;
  • learners of English as a second language.

The Test of Interactive English (TIE) is a recognised English Language Examination designed specifically to meet the needs of all students coming to Ireland to learn and improve their English. TIE is designed to assess learners’ communicative and interactive skills in both predictable and spontaneous situations.
It assesses the students’ level of language ability in speaking and writing, with the receptive skills (reading and listening) being tested indirectly through preparation for the test and through the skills required to interact effectively during the test.

TIE Exam Preparation

The TIE is designed for students studying English in Ireland. It assess candidates communicative and interactive skills, both speaking and writing. The test is flexible and learner-centred, based on content chosen by the student. The student prepares for the test by reading a book, following a news story and doing an investigation/project. Students receive their certificate giving their CEFR level within 10 days.

All our Long-term Academic Year students do the TIE. It is also popular with students on the short-term General English course. The beauty of this exam is that you only need to book it 14 days in advance and it is available to be taken every week in in certain venues all-year round. Note: TIE Junior is available for under-18’s

Our in-depth exams support students to develop their language skills and improve their English step by step.

TIE Examinations

TIE is an integrated four skills test of language ability available in two versions, A1-B1 and B2-C2. TIE takes a unique approach to language testing in which Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing skills are considered to be inter-related and reliant on each other, where receptive language skills support and underlie productive skills – much as they tend to do in real life!

The exam consists of two units: The Speaking exam, within which Listening skills are embedded and the Written exam, within which Reading skills are embedded. The Spoken and Written exams incorporate tasks which candidates can prepare prior to the exams, choosing topics and texts in which they have a personal interest.

CERTIFICATE After taking TIE, each candidate is awarded a certificate recording their 2 grades. This certificate tells candidates their level for each part of the test – oral and written – and awards them a separate grade for each section.

Candidates are awarded the qualification at the level they have achieved on the day of the exam. In other words, candidates are eligible to be awarded either a qualification of a lower or a higher level of attainment than the one they had initially aimed at.

Each Qualification is clearly matched to a level of the CEFR. It is used worldwide to benchmark language ability, and plays a central role in language education and policy.

Dates & Locations

English Course and Exam Preparation Highlights

English Course and Exam Preparation Highlights

More about the Course:
These courses are designed to help you prepare for the TIE examination. Courses focus on improving learners’ abilities in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English. This course will offer you:
  • Weekly Tutorials, advice, tips and guidance on exam topics and strategies.
  • Exam practice in class and workshops, study group with experienced teachers.
  • Selected training material tailored to students’ needs and the requirements of the exams.
  • Regular exam practice in class under teacher supervision
  • Simulation tests and mock exams with authentic exam papers, applying the strategies and knowledge from the classroom, under real exam conditions & timings.
  • Overall enhancement of learners’ abilities in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English.
The test is task-based with the content chosen by each individual learner and can therefore be used to assess learners with the following needs and motivations:
  • learners of English for general purposes;
  • learners of English for vocational, professional or academic purposes;
  • learners of English as a second language.
Students generally attend classes in the morning and/or in the afternoon which follow the same layout as a General English Course. There are 15 or 20 hours of English classes per week held Monday to Friday and split into two or three sessions per day. Class size is restricted to a maximum of 15 students and all levels are available from Elementary (A1) to Advanced (C1). Two or three teachers, covering different prearranged areas of the syllabus, work alternately with each class. One teacher takes the first session which focuses on language in use, vocabulary and grammar practice. After a short break, the second teacher starts the next session which covers conversational practice, pronunciation, listening and speaking. After lunch, when planned, the third teacher starts the afternoon session which is designed to be realistic and authentic real-life simulation, applying the strategies and knowledge from the classroom, under real-life conditions, creating the bridge between classroom learning and real-life challenges in order to improve learners’ confidence. This work share provides variety for the students and allows them to benefit from different personalities and teaching styles. All our teaching staff are university graduates and are qualified to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL)

All of the staff at IELS are committed to offering students the best education during their stay. We inspire students to work diligently to improve in all aspects of the English language.

Our experienced teaching staff are well trained and highly qualified in what they teach. They are up to date with the latest methods in teaching English as a foreign language and combine academic excellence with the sensitivity and receptiveness for each student’s individual needs, talents and potential.

All teachers are university graduates with qualifications in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and are respected for their knowledge and professionalism.

Classes are on from 9:30 until 13:00 with a 30-minute break at 11:00. After class, there is a 60-minute lunch break. After lunch, depending on the programme, there will be sports, activities or a cultural trip. Students must be ready at the designated time.

The first day in the college is somewhat different to the rest. Students are advised to arrive at 9:00 to allow for unforeseen delays as they may not be familiar with the bus timetable or the route. At 9:30 there will be a short introduction by the camp manager and principal. After there will be an assessment test, which is used to determine the level of English so students can be placed in the appropriate class.

After the test students meet in the main hall again. Here a staff member will go through the college rules and some other important information. The students are then taken on a tour of the college. At the end of the tour, students will be divided into their appropriate classes and attend the second-morning class until lunch time. After lunch students on the general course go on a familiarisation trip, while students on the specialised sports courses have training.

Please note that all students on “Play Sport and Learn English” programme MUST bring their training equipment with them on the first day.

Students on the familiarisation tour will arrive back to the college by approximately 17:00. For further excursions to the city centre, students staying with the host families, do not return to the college but travel directly home to the host family.
Students on “Play Sport and Learn English” programme will finish training at approximately 17:00 – 17:30.

Students will receive the English course materials and workbooks as part of the programme. After completion of the English course, a Certificate of Attendance will be issued to each student. It certifies the progress that has been made and the level of English reached.

Extracurricular Activities Highlights

Read more about:

In addition to classes, students go on half-day cultural trip. These are normally to local visitor attractions such as galleries, museums, sports stadiums or other popular sites.

Full-day excursions, usually on Saturdays, are also part of the programme. Students travel to places of interest, normally outside the city. There are no organised activities on Sundays as many groups, host families or friends like to organise their own day.

Evening activities are held several times every week. These can include discos, Party nights, karaoke, quiz night, sports & games competitions, movie nights, barbecues and much more. Evening activities normally take place between 20:00 and 22:00 but this can vary depending on the activity and age group of the students.

The activities programme provides students with an opportunity to absorb some of the world’s rich heritage in a fun and relaxed way while also allowing students the opportunity to improve their English. This informal and social aspect of the programme is key to improving language skills. It also allows students from different nationalities to get to know each other outside the classroom. Some of the friendships made at “IELS” will last a lifetime.

Accommodation & Supervision Highlights

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Located in one of the quietest residential areas of the city. We aim to enhance student’s learning process and experience through a relaxed and secure environment where learners feel confident, relaxed and safe.

Students attending “IELS” should stay with host families. All our families are inspected and carefully selected by our accommodation officers who maintain regular contact with each host family during a student’s stay. Host families are conveniently located to the colleges and most have many years experience looking after students.
 Accommodation is arranged on a full board basis with packed lunch Monday to Saturday.

Students normally share a room with a student of a similar age but different nationality. Unless specifically requested and if feasible there is only one student of any particular nationality in each family.
 Students normally travel to classes each day by public transport like bus, DART (suburban train) or LUAS (tram) or TUBE. Private transfers can also be arranged at an additional cost. 
Living with a host family gives a perspective into Irish or British family life. The interaction with a host family plays a prominent role in developing language skills.

Boarding schools offer an alternative to the “host family” option for students who wish to immerse themselves in the complete school experience. Boarding offers a unique community orientated way of life and suits students who are outgoing, sporty & adaptable. It offers a comprehensive academic and extracurricular environment which serves to develop each student to their full all-around potential. The “IELS” campus is a self-contained community, which offers children a degree of independence and freedom to explore whilst providing a safe and secure environment. The well-being of our students is at the heart of our boarding provision. With a generous staff to student ratio, we guarantee round-the-clock care within a happy, well-ordered environment. We encourage staff to cultivate a friendly, lively, family atmosphere to ensure all students feel comfortable, contented and supported while they are away from home. The College can accommodate residential students on-site, most in comfortable double or triple rooms accommodation. All the accommodation used by the Language School students is of extremely high quality. Each bedroom is either situated very close to our modern wash and toilet facilities or, alternatively, has its own en-suite shower room. Each student will have their own wardrobe, drawers, desk and chair. The catering facilities provide both hot and cold meals and a wide range of snacks.It is open before school and at break times.

Residence and apartments offer an alternative to the “host family” option for students who wish to immerse themselves and independently in the complete campus and/or local experience. 

This type of accommodation offers students a degree of independence and freedom to explore. 

All the accommodation used by the Language School students is of extremely high quality. Each bedroom is either situated very close to our modern wash and toilet facilities or, alternatively, has its own en-suite shower room. Each student will have their own wardrobe, drawers, desk and chair.

We have self-catering and catering solutions in place. The catering facilities provide both hot and cold meals and a wide range of snacks.

All of the staff at “IELS” are committed to offering our students the best education during their stay. We inspire our students to work diligently so they can effectively improve their English proficiency. Our experienced teaching staff are well trained and highly qualified in what they teach. They are up to date with the latest methods in teaching English as a foreign language and combine academic excellence with sensitivity and receptiveness to each student’s individual needs, talents and potential.
 All “IELS” teachers are university graduates with qualifications in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and are respected for their knowledge and professionalism. The activities programme provides students with an opportunity to absorb some of the world’s rich heritage in a fun and relaxed way while also allowing students the opportunity to improve their English. This informal and social aspect of the programme is key to improving language skills. It also allows students from different nationalities to get to know each other outside the classroom. Some of the friendships made at “IELS” will last a lifetime. Students travel to the locations with their group leader(s) and one or more “IELS” activity leader. All students are supervised by “IELS” activity leaders. During the day, students take part in supervised school classes, training sessions, activities and excursions. During the evening, students will also have a programme of supervised activities. All the students have 24-hour emergency assistance.

Weekly Timetable

SAMPLE WEEKLY TIMETABLE (General English with TIE Exam Preparation )
TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
9:30-11:00 CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS Full day Excursion Activity day
11:00-11:30 Morning Break Morning Break Morning Break Morning Break Morning Break
11:30-13:00 CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
13:00-14:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
14:30-16:30 CLASS or Extracurricular Activity CLASS or Extracurricular Activity CLASS or Extracurricular Activity CLASS or Extracurricular Activity CLASS or Excursion / Sport
18:00-19:00 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner
EVENING Evening Activity Evening Activity Evening Activity Evening Activity Evening Activity
The Educational Programme is recognised by the Irish and British Departments of Education. The courses are structured on 5 levels (CEFR) divided into 20 lessons per week. Schools, English courses, teachers, teaching method and learning experience are reviewed, inspected, checked to precisely meet the linguistic and organizational standards imposed by ACELS in Ireland and the British Council in the UK.
* Please note: Schedule is subject to change without notice.

Fees

June, July and AugustAccommodation3 WEEKS4 WEEKS MORE WEEKS
General English with TIE Exam Preparation Host FamilyTBQ*TBQ* TBQ*
General English with TIE Exam Preparation College/Residential TBQ*TBQ* TBQ*
General English with TIE Exam Remote Preparation N/ATBQ*TBQ*TBQ**
* TBQ: To be quoted.
** Please contact us for more information.

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Enrolment Process

In-person format

Step 1.
Application to IELS
Step 2.

IELS Review Application 

Step 3.

IELS sends offers via email and meetings

Step 4.
Decision Time
Step 5.

Booking Confirmation

Step 6.
IELS selection and placement procedure (IPA)
Step 7.
Pre-departure orientation meeting
Step 8.

Departure

Online/Remote/Virtual format

Step 1.
Application to IELS
Step 2.

IELS Review Application 

Step 3.

IELS sends offers via email and meetings

Step 4.
Decision Time
Step 5.

Booking Confirmation

Step 6.

IELS starts coaching and mentoring

Step 7.

Programme starts

Blended formula

Step 1.
Application to IELS
Step 2.

IELS Review Application 

Step 3.

IELS sends offers via email and meetings

Step 4.
Decision Time
Step 5.

Booking Confirmation

Step 6.

IELS starts coaching and mentoring

Step 7.
Programme starts
Step 8.

Departure