INTRODUCTION
Students in the hostels at Colombo Hindu College, Ratmalana are very weak in the English Language. We have so far coaching the students in English on an amateur basis and find that the present system is not good enough. It has, therefore, become necessary for students to be conversant in English to face the emerging challenges with confidence. We have got a tailor-made course designed for students from grade 6 to Grade 11 studying in the National curriculum. This course will help the students speak, read & write English correctly, improve their pronunciation and broaden their word base and cultivate the habit of reading.
COURSE CONTENT
The course is designed to provide a better understanding of the language, build confidence and competence in all the 4 skills of the language, supplement English taught at school, inculcate the habit of reading, and make language learning an enjoyable experience.
- Graded grammar exercises designed to give a clear understanding of the structure of the language.
- Reading comprehension based on a variety of topics of interest to improve reading skills and to broaden vocabulary.
- Paragraph and essay writing to improve writing skills.
- Dialogues to improve oral communication.
- Listening activities.
- Poems and stories for enjoyment and appreciation.
PLACEMENT TEST
The course is conducted in three levels and each level will be of 03 months duration. Students will be placed on an appropriate level based on the marks obtained at the placement test, students will be placed either in Preliminary (Level I), Intermediate (Level II) or Upper Intermediate (Level III).Classes are conducted by qualified & experienced lecturers.
PRELIMINARY (LEVEL I)
This level is designed mainly for those who have a basic knowledge of English. Students will be taught from the very beginning. At the end of this course, the students will be able to write and read simple texts, be able to use the language in simple social situations, and begin to enjoy literature.
INTERMEDIATE (LEVEL II)
This level is aimed at those who have a better knowledge of English and those who have passed Preliminary Level of the English for junior students ’ course. At the end of the program the students will be able to read English books, write simple paragraphs, engage in conversations without fear, and appreciate poems and stories written for juniors.
UPPER INTERMEDIATE (LEVEL III)
This level is aimed at those who have a better knowledge of English and for those who have passed the Intermediate (Level – II) of our English for junior students’ course. At this level language is taught primarily through children’s literature. At the end of the programme the student will be able to express his/her thoughts confidently in writing, deliver speeches and take part in debates, and enjoy and appreciate poems, dramas and prose written for juniors.
ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Duration : 9 to 12 months (approximately 4 months per level)
DONORS FOR THIS SPECIAL EFFORT
It is envisaged that we will initially have two batches of approximately 30 students each and teach them for two hour duration per day from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm from Monday to Saturday (one batch on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays and the other batch on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). The cost of this exercise would be approximately SL Rs. 60,000 (= US $ 600) per month. On this basis the cost for one year would be SL Rs. 720,000 (=US $ 7,200).
Our proposal is very ambitious and we need to raise funds towards the specialized training in English as an on going exercise for the students. It will be noted that finance required for training one student works out to approximately US $ 10 or £ 5 or Aus $ 12 per month.
We appeal to philanthropists to consider sponsoring one or more student to follow this course in English and may remit their contribution quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
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