British English Language Programme – B1

The British English Language Programme – B1 (Intermediate) is designed for learners who possess an established foundation in English and wish to communicate with greater clarity, confidence and independence across a broader range of familiar situations. The programme is based on the learning outcomes associated with Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is informed by the linguistic and skills-based areas addressed within the Cambridge English B1 Preliminary framework. The curriculum provides balanced development across listening, speaking, reading and writing. It addresses topics related to everyday life, education, employment, travel, personal interests, social relationships, future plans and general issues appropriate to the level. Learners develop the ability to understand the main points of clearly delivered spoken English, participate in discussions on familiar subjects, express opinions and preferences, describe experiences and ambitions, and provide brief reasons and explanations for their views. The programme also develops learners’ ability to understand factual texts, articles and descriptive reports, and to produce connected written communication, including personal and semi-formal correspondence, emails, descriptions and short narratives. Systematic attention is given to grammar, functional vocabulary, sentence structure and the organisation of ideas. Learners also develop clearer pronunciation and greater awareness of the stress, rhythm and intonation associated with natural British English. Academic and Professional Description The British English Language Programme – B1 (Intermediate) aims to develop learners’ linguistic and communicative competence in accordance with the descriptors and learning outcomes of CEFR Level B1. The programme adopts an integrated approach combining the systematic study of grammar and vocabulary with the practical application of English in familiar personal, social, academic and professional contexts. It supports learners in progressing from basic language use towards a greater degree of functional independence and continuity in communication. The curriculum addresses the following areas: Listening Understanding the main ideas and relevant details in clearly delivered conversations, instructions, interviews and spoken materials concerning familiar subjects. Speaking and Spoken Interaction Participating in conversations and discussions related to work, study, travel and personal interests; expressing opinions, plans and experiences; and providing brief explanations and reasons. Reading Understanding factual texts, articles, correspondence and descriptive reports appropriate to the level, and identifying main ideas and supporting information. Writing Producing clear and connected texts on familiar subjects, including personal and semi-formal letters, emails, descriptions and short narratives. Grammar and Vocabulary Applying an appropriate range of grammatical structures and functional vocabulary to discuss experiences, probability, opinions, comparisons and future plans. Pronunciation and Fluency Improving clarity of speech, stress, rhythm and intonation, while developing the ability to speak with an appropriate degree of continuity in British English. Upon successful completion, learners are expected to understand the main points of familiar subjects, manage most routine situations encountered while travelling, produce connected texts and communicate experiences, opinions and plans at a level consistent with CEFR B1.