Szczecin International School - Szkoła warta zachodu

FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate Advanced in English) examinations are designed by Cambridge ESOL and delivered by The Bell International (Szczecin).

Such external examinations:

     •  assesses all language skills a second language learner should possess - reading, speaking, listening, writing, use of English
     •  assesses objectively
     •  confirms the level of English
     •  provides examination experience
     •  is awarded a widely recognised certificate

An FCE Candidate can:
     •  do office work in the medium of English and therefore operate effectively in English in many clerical, secretarial and junior managerial posts
     •  deal with routine letters and telephone enquiries
     •  take and pass on most messages that are likely to require attention during a normal working day
     •  understand most correspondence, reports and factual product literature s/he is likely to come across at work;
     •  deal with all routine requests for goods or services;
     •  give a clear presentation on a familiar topic;
     •  answer predictable or factual questions;
     •  keep up a conversation about professional experiences;
     •  scan texts for relevant information and understand their general meaning;
     •  make simple notes that are of reasonable use for an essay or revision purposes;
     •  understand detailed instructions or advice;
     •  make notes when someone is talking;
     •  write a letter including non-standard requests;

A CAE certificate holder can:
     •  read quickly enough to cope with the demands of an academic course;
     •  read the media for information;
     •  participate effectively in meetings and seminars within his/her own area of work;
     •  take reasonably accurate notes in meetings;
     •  write a report that communicates the desired message;
     •  handle a wide range of routine and non-routine situations in which professional services are requested from colleagues or external contacts;
     •  follow abstract argumentation, for example the balancing of alternatives and the drawing of conclusions;
     •  write letters and essays on most subjects;
     •  understand correspondence expressed in non-standard language;
     •  can deal with unpredictable questions;
     •  take part in a discussion and argue for or against a case;
     •  keep up conversations of a casual nature for an extended period of time and discuss abstract topics;
     •  prepare or draft professional correspondence;
     •  pick up nuances of meaning /opinion;
     •  guide visitors round a place and describe it in detail;
     •  efficiently evaluate the usefulness of source materials;
     •  understand complex opinions /arguments as expressed in serious newspapers;
     •  make critical remarks/opinions;
     •  express disagreement without causing offence.

The exams are held three times a year - in March, June and December and are preceded by registration in The Bell International (at least 2 months before the exam). Before the registration begins the English teacher will hold a general mock exam which will be aimed at predicting the possible chances of passing the exam. The result of the mock exam will affect the final grade in English.