English language development and preparation for international examinations, underpinned by the educational experience of Cracow International School.
Cracow International School – Language & Exam Centre builds on the experience of an international school where English is an integral part of everyday learning and communication.
From the early years through to secondary education, students at Cracow International School learn in an international, English-speaking environment. English is not simply a subject they study; it is the language through which they learn across the curriculum, work on projects, give presentations, take part in discussions and communicate on a daily basis.
This experience informs our approach to language education. We see language development as a long-term process: from building confidence in communication, through increasingly effective and independent use of English, to advanced language competence and preparation for international examinations.
The Language & Exam Centre brings this experience to programmes designed for children and young people at different stages of their language development.
Our approach is grounded in the knowledge, standards and teaching practice developed through years of international education at Cracow International School. These principles are reflected in each programme and adapted to the age, level and learning objectives of its students.
International Education and Examination Experience
The Language & Exam Centre draws directly on Cracow International School’s extensive experience in delivering international education and preparing students for internationally recognised examinations and qualifications.
Cracow International School provides English-medium education through Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
This combines many years of experience in developing students’ English with a strong understanding of international curricula, assessment standards and examination requirements.
Cambridge International Education
Cracow International School is accredited by Cambridge International Education and delivers Cambridge programmes across different stages of education. CIS is also an official Cambridge Examination Centre (PL027).
OxfordAQA
Cracow International School is accredited by OxfordAQA, providing access to a broader range of international qualifications and examinations.
Cambridge English
Cracow International School is a Cambridge English Preparation Centre, reflecting our experience in preparing students for Cambridge English examinations.
Pearson Edexcel
Cracow International School is an accredited Pearson Edexcel examination centre, authorised to administer Pearson Edexcel examinations and qualifications on site.
Our accreditations and recognised statuses with Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, Cambridge English and Pearson Edexcel reflect the school’s extensive experience in international education, English-medium teaching and preparation for international examinations.
This experience is central to the Language & Exam Centre, where language development is combined with structured and informed examination preparation.
Language Development
Language & Exam Centre programmes are designed for children and young people at different stages of their English language development. Effective communication is central to our approach – from developing confidence and fluency in everyday English to expressing increasingly complex ideas and preparing for international examinations.
At earlier stages, students develop all four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – alongside an increasingly broad range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Particular attention is given to using this knowledge actively in communication.
As students progress, they engage with increasingly complex spoken and written English and develop the ability to communicate in greater depth across a wider range of contexts and purposes.
At B2 and C1, language development is complemented by systematic examination preparation. Students continue to develop the language skills required at their level while becoming familiar with examination formats, task types and assessment requirements. They learn how to approach individual components of an examination and apply their language skills effectively to different types of tasks.
Our Approach to Teaching
Our approach reflects the experience of an educational environment in which English is used every day for learning, collaboration and communication.
We therefore teach English not simply as a body of vocabulary and grammar to be learned, but as a language to be used. Students develop their knowledge of English systematically while also learning how to apply it in conversation, discussion, presentations, written work, collaborative tasks and projects.
Our programmes develop listening, speaking, reading and writing alongside vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. As students progress, they are expected to draw on these areas of language with increasing confidence and independence.
In English SpeakUp, new vocabulary and language structures are introduced and consolidated through structured practice before being applied in communication, practical activities and project work.
In English SpeakUp 9–12, students are given greater scope to formulate their own responses, take part in discussions, present ideas and complete more extended collaborative and project-based tasks.
At B2 and C1, students work with increasingly demanding spoken and written material, develop and support arguments, produce more extended responses and learn to adapt their language to different contexts and purposes. Examination preparation is integrated into this broader language development, with students becoming familiar with the requirements and strategies relevant to their chosen examination.
Cracow International School – Language & Exam Centre Programmes
Our programmes address different stages of language development while sharing a common emphasis on systematic learning, effective communication and the practical use of English.
English SpeakUp 7–9
Designed for children aged 7–9 who already have some knowledge of English. The programme develops vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing, with particular emphasis on using English actively through communication, practical tasks and project-based activities.
English SpeakUp 9–12
Designed for students aged 9–12 who are ready to develop greater fluency and confidence in using English. Students extend their language skills through conversations and discussions, expressing and supporting opinions, producing longer responses, presenting ideas and working collaboratively on a range of tasks and projects.
B2
The programme combines English language development at B2/B2+ with preparation for an internationally recognised language examination. Students work with increasingly complex spoken and written English, develop longer and more structured responses, and strengthen their ability to express and support ideas. Alongside their language development, they become familiar with the examination structure, task types and assessment criteria.
C1
The programme combines advanced English language development at C1 with preparation for an internationally recognised language examination. Students engage with complex spoken and written material, develop and support arguments, produce extended responses and adapt their language to different contexts and purposes. The programme also supports students in preparing for further education where English is required for engaging with more demanding subject matter, texts and academic tasks.
The Experience Behind Our Programmes
International Educational Environment
Experience gained in a school where English is the everyday language of learning and communication.
International Standards
Cracow International School’s experience and accreditations across international education and examination programmes, including Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, Cambridge English and Pearson Edexcel.
English in Practice
Systematic language development combined with meaningful opportunities to use English actively across a range of contexts and purposes.
Examination Experience
Extensive experience in preparing students for international examinations, supported by a strong understanding of examination standards, formats and requirements.