University Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee. October Report on Amendments to English Language Policy

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1 October 2012 Report on Amendments to Language Policy 1. Purpose To clarify the University s requirements and standards for evaluating the language ability of all applicants who are not native speakers of. 2. Background Newcastle University has historically accepted a number of different language qualifications to determine the language competence of non-native speaking students (Appendix B of the University Language Policy). Changes to UKBA guidance reduced the number of exempted countries, however, the original UKBA guidance allowed the University to choose its own method of assessing the Tier 4 (General) student s language ability. 3. Key Issues Oral feedback from the recent UKBA compliance visit (24 th January) clarified a key factor is that we must be able to verify that the students are proficient at CEFR level B2 in each of the four components of language learning (i.e., reading, writing, speaking and listening). It was also reported back from local HEIs that pre-entry evidence of a Secure Language Test (SELT) is a critical factor. Whilst the staff are confident that the qualifications listed in appendix B are still satisfactory in terms of demonstrating language competency for progression on our programmes, the majority of these do not include specific tests of the four components, and therefore not on the UKBA list of approved qualifications (note added to comments section of Appendix B). In order to ensure compliance with UKBA requirements, it was agreed at the University Working Group for the UKBA and International Students (30 th August 2012) that the decision on recently agreed exemptions to allow O level equivalent (Nigeria: WAEC, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius: IGCSE) be revoked, and that a SELT would be required for all students requiring a Tier 4 Visa. 4. Implementation/Communication/Monitoring Plans Requirements to be changed with immediate effect, as per revised Appendix B (attached), however, for students who had already received an offer for 2012/13, and given an exemption from a SELT, the offer honoured where possible. That a review of UELA results be carefully conducted in relation to students who were exempt from the SELT requirement and that, if appropriate, 1

2 students be required to undertake in-sessional study on a compulsory basis with a re-test requirement The IO is to investigate opportunities for alternatives to SELT testing in key countries where possible. Any subsequent changes to UKBA list of approved qualifications to be reported to ULTSEC as soon as possible for inclusion in the language policy at the earliest opportunity. 5. Summary of recommendations to ULTSEC To consider and approve the revised Appendix B list of alternative qualification to the Language Policy. Stephen North, International Officer On behalf of the Language Policy Review Working Party 08 Oct

3 Language Policy Appendix B: Alternative Qualifications (as at 12/09/12) Name of Test or Examination Examination Board / Comments UKBA Approved Tests Business Certificate Higher Cambridge ESOL A B B Minimum profile of weak in each sub-skill (CEFR B2 level). For Business students only. Certificate in Advanced Cambridge ESOL A B C Minimum profile of weak in each sub-skill (CEFR B2 level). Certificate of Proficiency in Cambridge ESOL C or higher C or higher C or higher Minimum profile of weak in Candidates not obtaining grade C may be awarded certificate stating ability at CEFR C1 level). IELTS (Academic) Cambridge ESOL Minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking required (CEFR B2 level). ESOL Skills for Life Level 2 Cambridge ESOL Pass Pass Pass Not to be confused with Skills for Life Entry qualifications. Pass required in each sub-skill (CEFR1). If Speak to Communicate taken, minimum of level of Borderline required. Pearson Test of Academic PTE Mininum of 51 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking required (CEFR B2 level). Test of as a Foreign Language (TOEFL IBT) Other Tests for Business ETS Minimum of 22 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 21 in Listening and 23 in Speaking required (CEFR B2 level). London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Level 3 Pass Level 3 Pass Level 3 pass mapped to CEFR B2-C1. Not tested in INTO Newcastle Test of INTO Would be considered to satisfy CEFR B2 level provided 55% in each sub-skill achieved. London Tests of Edexcel International Level 4 Level 4 Level 3 mapped to CEFR B2. Level 4 required to meet entry requirement. Test in for Educational Purposes (TEEP) University of Reading (UK) Speaking sub-skill not assessed. May be available as a separate element from Not tested in each sub-skill. UK GCSE AS and A Level GCSE in language All UK examination boards Grade C Grade C Grade C Grades A*-C comparable to CEFR C1. Not tested in AS or A Level in language and/or literature All UK examination boards Grade C Grade C Grade C

4 Name of Test or Examination Examination Board / Overseas GCSE/O Level and Equivalent European Baccalaureate ( 1st language) European Baccalaureate ( 2nd language) HKEAA Use of Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination in Syllabus B International Baccalaureate A1 Syllabus International Baccalaureate A2 Syllabus International Baccalaureate B Syllabus International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) 0500 ( 1st language) International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) 0510 ( 2nd language) O Level Language 1115, 1119, 1120, 1123, 1125, 1126, 1127 Hong Kong and Assessment Authority Hong Kong and Assessment Authority IBO Standard level: 4 IBO Standard level: 5 IBO Standard level: 6 Comments would be the mother tongue, and at a level comparable with GCE A level, IB Higher level. Subject grades are combined to give overall Bac grade Level 2 exams at CEFR B2-C1 level. Subject grades are combined to give overall Bac grade. Not tested in B C C The board suggests that a grade D equates with an O level pass. TOEFL equivalents published suggest these grades are safer. Sub-skills assessed but not reported individually. A B B The board suggests that a C grade on this exam equates to a D in the U of E exam. Not tested in each sub-skill. Standard level: 4 Standard level: 5 Standard level: 6 Standard level: 4 Standard level: 5 Standard level: 6 taken in studies in Language and Literature Group would be first language, and at a higher level than B studies. Not tested in taken in studies in Language and Literature Group would be first language, and at a higher level than B studies. Not tested in Whilst not yet mapped to CEFR levels Higher level anticipated to be C1 level, and Standard Level B2 level. NB: Ab Initio Standard level not considered. C C C Grades A*-C comparable to CEFR C1 level. Not tested in C C C Grades A*-C comparable to CEFR C1 level. Not tested in C C C Syllabus: 1115 now replaced by 1123, 1119 (Malaysia), 1120 (Brunei), 1125 & 1126 (Mauritius), 1127 (Singapore). Grades A*-C comparable to CEFR C1 level.

5 Name of Test or Examination Examination Board / European School Leaving/Matriculation Qualifications Denmark: Studentereksamen (Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination) Also: Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) (Higer Preparatory Examination) and Hojere Handelseksamen (HHX) Finland: Ylioppilaustutkintotodistus/ Studentexamensbetyg (Finnish National Matriculation) Norway: Vitnemål videregående opplaering (School Leaving Certificate) Sweden: Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan (School Leaving Certificate) Grade 10 in Laude) in Grade 10 in Laude) in Comments Grade 9 in Laude) in Grade 5 in Grade 4 in Grade 4 in The highest pass, M Special Distinction) in, indicates exceptional performance. Not tested in Netherlands: VWO Grade 8 in Grade 8 in Grade 8 in Germany: Abitur France: French Baccalaureate Other School Leaving/Matriculation Qualifications 12th Standard Examination All CBSE/ISC (National India Senior Secondary School Boards) Certificate West Bengal (State Board) West African Senior School West African Exams Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Council Singaporean Integrated Singapore-Cambridge Programme Qualification is assessed in all 4 sub-skills and would satisfy UKBA CEFR B2 requirement. For Non-EU students requiring a visa SELT required. 70% in 70% in 70% in C4 in C5 in C6 in NB: Applicants for a degree or higher qualification may be exempt from the usual Language requirements as indicated in the policy if they are able to provide evidence that they have successfully completed two full academic years of degree level study taught and assessed in within a reasonable time-frame (not more than 5 years before the PG degree) in one of the countries listed in Appendix A. The University reserves the right to ask for a Secure Language Test (SELT) if necessary to satisfy the UKBA visa requirements.