PURPOSE
This policy sets out the Global Leadership Institute (GLI) requirements for, and expectations of, students’ English language proficiency at the time of admission and during their courses of study. Independent of GLI requirements and expectation the student must provide a satisfactory Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score or equivalent and should, if required meet the requirements of student visa as set out by Department of Home Affairs.
This policy also considers language proficiency after admission:
ensuring that early diagnostic methods are used to identify students who need additional language support;
Including opportunities in course design, wherever possible, which allows students to demonstrate the expected level of English language competence.
Referring students at risk to English language support sources as appropriate.
DEFINITION
English language proficiency means the ability of students to comprehend and create meaning appropriately in spoken and written forms during student’s course of studies.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
GLI Academic Board is responsible for the English Language Policy and will evaluate its adequacy. Minimum English Language Proficiency requirements will not be waived for any domestic or international applicant seeking entry to a course of study at GLI. The GLI will offer a pre pathway program to assist with English Language Proficiency.
The Program Directors will ensure that courses include opportunities to assess students’ language competences early in the course. As a result of this assessment, teaching staff will provide feedback to guide students in how to further develop their language competences, including directing them to appropriate learning resources. The Program Director will also ensure that courses include opportunities for students to develop relevant academic and professional literacies, including both oral and written literacies, to help students develop critical capacities in appraising relevant literature and in presenting their own work.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (ELP) REQUIREMENTS
All applicants graduating from Australian high schools and have a rank score, will meet the English Language Proficiency requirements for entry to the full GLI maters program, provided they meet the GLI Admission Rules.
English is the applicant’s first language; OR the student has
Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to GLI, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least at least 80 in the internet-based test with no sub score less than 20; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 58 with no skill less than 50 (see below); or
The completion of a pre pathway course or pathway program i.e. a graduate certificate developed by GLI to support professionals which meet the above requirements or are supported by reference letters from the workplace.
LANGUAGE SUPPORT
GLI students are responsible for addressing their own language development needs and acting on feedback provided about their English language proficiency. They will be encouraged to take advantage of the support provided by GLI including the pre pathway and pathway programs.
At the start of each semester GLI will provide an academic orientation and associated pathway programs designed to support students’ academic and English standards. The academic orientation and associated pathway programs introduces students to the GLI culture of learning, literacy requirements and the need for students to take responsibility for continuing to develop their language competences as they progress through their course.
GLI also provides support for the development of students’ English language proficiency throughout their course of study, applying course-integrated and non-integrated strategies designed for the particular requirements of disciplines and student cohorts.
Students identified as being ‘at risk’ due to insufficient English language proficiency will be provided with additional support, which may include an intensive academic and English proficiency at a pre pathway course held at the beginning of each semester or as required.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PRE-PATHWAY COURSE OR PATHWAY PROGRAM IN A GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
GLI will provide a pre pathway introductory course to allow a student to be supported their academic studies and develop a required English language proficiency to advance to a pathway program, namely a Graduate Certificate which would fulfil the English and academic proficiency requirements to complete a Masters’ course.
GLI sets the minimum course requirements in an approved English language test. International applicants must have completed and achieved the minimum score in any of the tests outlined below within 24 months before starting their studies.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST AND MINIMUM SCORE
| English Language Test | AQF Level 8 and Above |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic | Overall 6.5 with no sub-band less than 6.0 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | At least 80 in the internet based test with no sub score less than 20 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Overall 58 with no skill less than 50 |
Scope
All students
Key Stakeholder
All staff and students
