Skip to content

Teaching method

ALPE is a private school in Geneva which specialises in English language teaching for children and teenagers.

  • For more than 25 years, we have been in the field, very close to the children and in most cases at the very place of their schooling.
  • Recognized as a GOLD Preparation Centre by the University of Cambridge since 2019.
  • ALPE now has more than 1000 students, English-speaking teachers, and more than 15 levels of courses.
  • More than 200 children sit for different exams of the University of Cambridge with us each year.
  • ALPE offers them from the age of 4 (first primary) and until the end of their schooling, a pleasant and effective learning experience of English.

 

An invaluable asset and a definite advantage for their school, university and professional future!

GOLD Preparation Centre

Cambridge – exam preparation 

Each year, more than 3 million candidates sit for the Cambridge University exams. These exams are recognized by universities and secondary schools around the world and in the workplace. They are tangible and reliable proof of English language qualification.

The Children’s Language Association (ALPE) has over 20 years of experience preparing children for Cambridge exams.

In Great Britain and the Anglo-Saxon countries, a large number of universities use the CAE to certify a candidate’s level of English, a necessary condition for admission to higher education.

Cambridge exams in detail

Preparation over 2 years

  • Child-friendly design and content
  • Flexible dates
  • 3 exam sections (written comprehension and expression, oral comprehension, oral exam)
  • Each participant receives a certificate

See on Cambridge’s website

Preparation over one year

Corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At this skill level, learners are able to:

  • Understand commonly used phrases and expressions relating to areas of direct concern to them (eg, information about family or a particular person, work, shopping, the immediate environment).
  • Make themselves understood in simple, routine situations that are limited to a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.
  • Describe in simple words their origin, background, immediate environment and other areas, while making a connection with their immediate needs.

The KET assesses the abilities: reading, listening, speaking and writing and consists of three sections:

  • Comprehension and written expression
  • Oral comprehension
  • Oral exam

See on Cambridge’s website

Preparation over 2 years

Corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages At this level of competence, learners are able to:

  • Understand the essential points expressed in common language and when the conversation revolves around familiar topics such as work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Master most of the communication situations that one may be confronted with while traveling in terms of language.
  • Express themselves simply and coherently on familiar topics and their personal areas of interest. Applicants can report experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and goals. They can also provide short explanations or justifications for their plans or opinions.

PET is divided into three sections:

  • Comprehension and written expression
  • Oral comprehension
  • Oral exam

See on Cambridge’s website

Preparation over 2 years

Corresponds to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At this skill level, learners are able to:

  • Understand the essential message of texts dealing with concrete and abstract subjects and lead a technical discussion in their own specialist area.
  • Express themsleves with ease and spontaneity in a way that allows a normal conversation to unfold with native speakers without requiring special effort on either side.
  • Speak clearly and in detail on a variety of topics.
  • Be able to argue a current issue, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation.

The FCE is divided into five sections:

  • Written comprehension
  • Written expression
  • Oral comprehension
  • English in Use
  • Oral exam

See on Cambridge’s website

Preparation over 2 years

Corresponds to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At this skill level, learners are able to:

  • Apprehend a wider spectrum of difficulties in understanding longer and more linguistically demanding texts and also to grasp their implicit meaning.
  • Express themselves with ease and spontaneity without having to search for their words.
  • Use language resources flexibly and effectively in a social and professional context, or in a training or study context.
  • Approach complex topics in a clear, structured and detailed manner, and be able to relate topics using diverse and appropriate language resources.

The CAE is divided into five sections:

  • Written comprehension
  • Written expression
  • Oral comprehension
  • English in Use
  • Oral exam

See on Cambridge’s website

Determine your child’s English level

You can test and determine your child’s English level online for free.

Click on the button which corresponds to your child’s age.

Please note the score obtained and contact us at +41 (0)22 755 21 11.

This test takes approximately 10 minutes.