This workshop is part of a series of Cambridge English: First for Schools skills workshops.

The focus of this seminar is to familiarise teachers with the Cambridge English: First for Schools Writing and Use of English papers and to give practical ideas for supporting students preparing for the exam.

The first part of the seminar gives an overview of the Writing paper, and highlights the test focuses and task types of the test. Participants then go on to consider each part of the test individually, and how it will benefit and motivate school-aged learners. Participants' activities focus on the different marking descriptors of the general mark scheme, and how to use these descriptors to analyse sample scripts. Finally, a set of classroom activities is provided for participants to use in their own lessons.

The second part of the seminar gives an overview of the Use of English paper, and highlights the structure and task focuses of the different parts of the test. Participants' activities focus on strategies for dealing with multiple-choice and open cloze tests, spelling, typical structures (e.g. reported speech) and brainstorming ideas for classroom activities. Classroom activities form an integral part of the workshop and teachers will take away ideas that they can use in their own lessons.

This is an activity-based workshop with group feedback sessions during which participants can share ideas. The overall aim is to show how exam preparation can be integrated into an existing school curriculum and can benefit all students, whether they are taking the exam or not.

Seminar timetable:

Monday 27th February, 2012
9.30 - 11.00 h
Coffee break
11.30 - 13.30 h

We believe that the professional exchange and the networking among teachers during seminars are very important. Therefore, we provide enough time for such interaction and networking as well. Cambridge Staff will be present at this seminar to support you with any queries you might have.

Seminar Presenter: Rosie Burke Rosie Burke has been working in Spain since 1977. Having been the director of a Language School for over 20 years she is now a freelance teacher and teacher trainer in Barcelona. Over the years she has taught at all levels in both schools and companies. She has extensive knowledge of Cambridge ESOL exams due to her work as Centre Exams Manager in administering the exams and as a speaking test examiner at all levels.