In order to be aligned with the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for Modern Language, AHI offers students the possibility to take Cambridge tests at the end of each learning cycle, in order to reach B2 level by the end of middle school age. However, due to the demanding nature of Italian state exams at the end of Year 9, an accelerated programme is run in the Middle School, so students can take the test at the end of Year 8. This is made possible through in-depth grammatical work in Year 7, followed by two hours of First Certificate practice per week in Year 8, which prepares them to take the exam in May. In Year 9, students continue their language studies by working through Cambridge Advanced English work, to maintain their high standard of English.
Common European Framework Level | General English Main suite | Cambridge Young Learners Tests | Suggested time for attending the exams at Acorn House |
---|---|---|---|
C2 Good user | CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English | ||
C1 Competent user | CAE Certificate in Advanced English | ||
B2 Independent user | FCE First Certificate in English | Year 8 class | |
B1 Threshold user | PET Preliminary English Test | Year 6 class | |
A2 Waystage user | KET Key English Test | YLE Flyers | Year 4 class |
A1 Breakthrough | YLE Movers | Year 3 class | |
YLE Starters | Year 2 class |
Levels
Select each item to expand content
YLE Starters-Movers-Flyers
What are the YLE Tests like?
Each of these tests has three sections:
- Reading and Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Marking and results
- In the Reading and Writing papers correct spelling is required.
- Candidates must follow the rubric carefully and keep within the words limit.
The completed question papers are returned to Cambridge to be marked. Results are reported in a way designed to provide positive encouragement to the learners. All candidates who complete their test receive an award, which focus on what they can do. Average shields awarded are reported on the certificate
Score
The Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking sections each count for 25% of the marks.
PET
Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know you have an intermediate level of English.
What is the PET exam like?
The test has three sections:
- Reading and writing are taken together – 90 minutes2.
- Listening – 30 minutes
- Speaking – an interview – 10 minutes
The Pet for school exam has content of interest to school-age learners.
Score
“Pass with Merit”; “Pass”; “narrow Fail”; “ Fail”
FIRST (FCE)
What is the FCE test?
The test has five sections:
- Reading - 60 minutes
- Writing – 2 essays – 80 minutes
- Use of English – 45 minutes
- Listening – 40 minutes
- Speaking – interview, normally with another candidate, 15 minutes
Paper- based or computer based exam.
Score
A, B, C (pass), D ,E or U (fail)
FCE A grade to pass is accepted for entry to some universities
Level
B2 / Upper intermediate