By Rinaldo Fanara, Coordinator of English courses with official exams at the Caxton College Language Academy

In today’s globalised world, proficiency in English has become an indispensable skill for both personal and professional development. As our world grows increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate effectively and engage in cultural exchange opens up a wealth of opportunities in academia, careers, and social interactions.

It’s crucial to make the most of the period when students are most receptive to learning. At younger ages, the human brain exhibits greater plasticity, making it easier to acquire new language skills. Official English language certifications play a key role in this process. They provide a tangible way to validate and certify one’s level of English proficiency, offering students internationally recognised accreditation that bolsters their knowledge and abilities.

At our school, we recognise the importance of thorough preparation for external exams, particularly the highly respected Cambridge C1 and C2 exams. These qualifications are an excellent way for students to showcase their advanced English skills, whether for university applications, future careers, or personal goals. Our commitment is to provide the best possible support to help our students succeed.

Our Year 13 classes are specifically tailored to cover everything students need to know for the C1 and C2 exams. Given that our students are already studying in a British school, they typically have a solid foundation in English. We build on this by helping them refine their language skills, master advanced grammar and vocabulary, and develop effective exam strategies. Our aim is to ensure they feel confident and fully prepared to overcome the challenges of the Cambridge exams.

We also believe in the value of regular feedback and independent study. Teachers provide ongoing feedback to help students improve, and we offer a range of resources, including practice papers, online tools, and reading materials. We encourage students to practise at home as well, reinforcing what they’ve learned and ensuring they are fully prepared on exam day.

For younger students, Caxton Language Academy offers C1 preparation classes. Year 11 and Year 12 students can join these classes to build a strong foundation in advanced English and begin preparing for their future exams. If they feel ready, they even have the option to take the C1 exam during the academic year. This flexibility allows students to progress at their own pace and achieve their goals sooner.

By offering these tailored preparation classes, we aim to help our Year 13 students achieve the best possible results in the Cambridge C1 and C2 exams. We want every student to leave school with the language skills and confidence they need to succeed in whatever path they choose to pursue.