We live in a globalised world where English has transcended its natural boundaries and become not only a vehicle for communication, but a tool of study and work.
Today, proficiency in English is essential. At a time when borders are becoming a thing of the past, Mater Salvatoris School equips its students for developing their aptitudes in a society where the pursuit of higher learning abroad is an ever more frequent option. There are also many students who opt for a bilingual degree, there being no language barrier for them when it comes to choosing a course, and indeed when they embark on their careers.
At Mater Salvatoris, English is more than a language. Our students learn grammatical structures and vocabulary but, yet the main aim is for this knowledge to enable them to gain insight into the history and culture of English-speaking countries. At the same time, an exploration of the customs, cuisine, folklore, literature, geography and the political and financial landscape of Anglo-Saxon cultures helps our students acquire a mastery of the language and an understanding of the people.
Our School has received Advantage Premium accreditation as part of The British Council’s Exam Partnership Programme. It also has extensive experience as a Cambridge University learning and examination centre.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL
In order to achieve its objectives, Mater Salvatoris School has developed an internal project aimed at English language mastery, which is assessed by Cambridge examinations as part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
OBJECTIVES OF OUR OWN PROJECT
| Year | European Level | Cambridge Exam |
| 2nd Baccalaureate | C2 | Proficiency (CPE) |
| 1st Baccalaureate | C1 | Advanced (CAE) |
| 3rd and 4th Secondary School | B2 | First (FCE) |
| 2nd Secondary School | B1 | Preliminary (PET) |
| 6th Primary School | A2 | Key (KET) |
Through games, songs and rhymes, Pre-School students acquire the vocabulary naturally and progressively. At the end of this stage, children are able to formulate and understand short sentences.
To establish the foundations for correct pronunciation, the School uses a method of phonetic reading and writing, known as Synthetic Phonics, an attractive, accessible and fun way to learn, approved by the government of the United Kingdom for use in schools
At this level, we continue to make progress in learning English. In addition to daily Language classes, Natural and Social Science, Drama and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) are taught in English to help students acquire this second language naturally and spontaneously.
From the 4th year of Primary School, verbal expression is encouraged through two subjects—Culture on the Stage and English Culture—through which we achieve one of our main objectives: an understanding of the tradition and history of English-speaking countries.
In their Primary School years, the girls take two official Cambridge University exams:
To enhance learning as much as possible and ensure that students receive the necessary attention, Secondary School classes consist of smaller groups formed according to their level of knowledge.
Students begin to obtain a mastery of the language at this level. In class, they continue to fine-tune their knowledge in order to develop their language and communication skills.
At this level, students can take the Cambridge University exams:
These exams require specific preparation that the School offers it students in an integrated way within the classroom for PET and First and with trainers from the British Council for the Advanced and Proficiency exams.
Therefore, when they leave the School, students have the level required (C1/C2) to choose any university degree, whether it be bilingual or abroad.
