Cambridge EFL Examinations At "Klasika"

     Riga Private Secondary School “Klasika” was founded in 1993. It is situated in a beautiful old building near the centre of Riga. We accept students into grades 1 – 12 ( aged 7 – 19).

    The education system of our school is based on classical principles, that are always actual and have been checked for a long period of time. At “Klasika” we aim to make a special atmosphere so that every child can feel himself/herself an individual. We also offer a wide range of educational opportunities so that all students can develop their talents. Our students study in Latvian and Russian languages. Moreover, we specialize in teaching English from the 1st grade (4 lessons a week).

   Since 1997 we have cooperated with the British Council and the students of our school have been taking Cambridge EFL examinations. The exams take place once a year on fixed dates in March. The tests are available at 6 levels: Starters, Movers, Flyers – for children aged 7 to 12; Key English Test (KET), Preliminary English Test (PET), First Certificate in English (FCE) – for teenagers.

   In March Inga Benina (Director of the Examinations Centre) organizes the exams at our school. The students are tested in their own classrooms in a friendly, relaxed, but controlled atmosphere. All four of the main language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as knowledge of grammar and vocabulary– are tested, in order to give a comprehensive picture of the learners’ overall level of English and their ability to communicate in real situations. Trained oral examiners visit “Klasika” to assess the children’s performance in the speaking test. All other tests are sent to Cambridge and marked by UCLES examiners.

  In March 2003 the examinations’ manager of educational enterprises in London, Nick Boddy made a visit to our school. He noticed that the examinations are led on a high level and according to the standards of Cambridge University.

  In May it has become a tradition to have an annual meeting attended by teachers, students, parents and guests from the British Ambassy, the British and Baltic Councils. There the students get their certificates. For 10 years more than 500 students have got Cambridge Certificates at „Klasika”.

  These are the most honorable guests who have participated in the ceremony:
 ·        The director of British Council Mr Ian Steward - in 1999 and  2001,
 ·        HM Ambassador Mr Ian Bond - in 2005,
 ·        The director of British Council in Latvia Ms Kalvina - in 2005 as well,
 ·        The third Secretary of the British Ambassy in Latvia Ms Pip Morgan - in 2006.

   Our students are happy and excited to get their diplomas. They know that the certificates are respected throughout the world. And in order to get a well paid job or continue their studying abroad they will need a certificate that can proof their English language proficiency. Our students say: “The certificate of Cambridge University is our passport to Europe”.

   The students of our school are inquisitive. They like to participate in different projects.

  And we are open to any kind of cooperation.

The report was written by an English teacher
  Mrs Helen Kornejeva (elena.korneeva@inbox.lv)