Special Interest Group (SIG) classes give you the opportunity to study particular areas of English.

SIGs are a regular part of the Intensive English course and all students on that course can choose the SIGs which interest them.

SIGs can also be taken by themselves as part-time courses.

SIGs provide six hours of lessons of each week in the afternoons.

A choice of SIGs is offered every six weeks, depending on students’ preferences. The school cannot guarantee that specific SIGs will be available but most students get their first or second choice.

Note that most SIGs are for students who have reached Intermediate level. Pre-intermediate students take Fluency and Discussion classes in the afternoons.

Academic Reading and Writing
A preparation course for Academic study

• Presentation skills
• Learn how to plan and write an essay
• Learn how to research a subject effectively
• Improve your reading strategies

This course is for you if
You want to improve your reading and writing
You are preparing for academic study at University
You need to take an academic English exam such as IELTS or TOEFL

Business English
Study the language you need to conduct business in English.
Topics include: communication, meetings, entertaining the client, brand power, reports, cash flow, public relations.
This SIG will focus on the written and spoken language used in everyday business.
This SIG will also help you with the language tested in the TOEIC test. You may take the TOEIC at King’s School if you wish.

IELTS
Specialised classes to help you succeed in IELTS

• Study exam techniques and strategies
• Read more quickly and effectively
• Pick out important information as you listen
• Answer different types of questions
• Organise your writing.

Fluency and Discussion
Speaking, speaking and more speaking!
Improve your fluency, pronunciation and vocabulary and gain in confidence.
Varied and interesting topics – join in the lively discussions, role plays, mini-presentations, drama activities and more…….

Postgraduate Study Skills
Are you going to university in the UK, USA, Australia or Canada to study for a Postgraduate degree, such as a Master’s or PhD?
This six week SIG will help you develop the skills necessary to cope with postgraduate studies!
On this course you will:

• Develop the reading skills you need for research and writing a dissertation or thesis
• Find out how to fill in a successful application form, write a personal statement and use a library for research
• Visit a university campus
• Listen to lectures and take efficient notes
• Work on producing a thesis
• Participate in seminar discussions

Pronunciation
Improve your spoken performance in English

• Concentrate on sounds, stress, rhythm and intonation
• Sound units (phonemes)
• Articulation of sounds
• Primary and secondary stress
• Sentence rhythm Intonation, emotion and meaning

Oxford and British Life
A cultural overview of life in Oxford and Britain, through discussions, visits and presentations.
Topics include:

• Customs and Festivals
• The British Education System
• Architecture of the Oxford Colleges
• English Literature and History
• British Humour

English through Art
Practise your English while you work in the Studio.

• Learn to draw in different styles
• Discover new artistic techniques and media
• Explore art from different artists, cultures, times