Academic IELTS Foundation Course: Targeting Band 4 - 4.5
This course is tailored for students at an A2 English proficiency level who are preparing for the Academic IELTS exam and aiming to achieve Band 4 to 4.5 or higher. Utilizing Sakura Academy’s studying materials, it adopts a linear teaching approach to simultaneously build general English skills and introduce IELTS assessment elements. The curriculum integrates all four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) within topic-based units, starting with everyday topics to build confidence and progressing to IELTS-relevant themes. This helps students develop foundational academic English for university-level programs taught in English, while familiarizing them with exam formats in a supportive, level-appropriate manner.
Course Objectives
- Familiarize students with the IELTS test format and question types through activities suited to A2-level learners, while enhancing overall general English proficiency.
- Strengthen the four core IELTS skills - Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking - along with grammar and vocabulary, using an integrated approach where skills reinforce one another.
- Build academic English competencies essential for higher education, such as data commentary, critical discussions, source summarization, and precise argumentation.
Course Requirements
- Prerequisite: English proficiency equivalent to CEFR A2 level.
- Placement Test: A mandatory IELTS-format placement test must be completed prior to enrollment to confirm suitability.
- No additional prerequisites beyond the specified proficiency level.
Skill Targets
Listening
- Students will develop listening strategies, become aware of IELTS activity types, and build confidence through ideas that support short- and long-term linguistic goals.
- Target: Approximately 11–15 correct answers out of 40 by course end.
Reading
- Students will cultivate ideas and language skills that integrate with other areas, while acclimating to IELTS question types in a level-appropriate way.
- Target: Approximately 10–14 correct answers out of 40 by course end.
Writing
- Students will enhance writing for everyday communication, familiarize themselves with IELTS Task 1 and Task 2 formats, and learn development techniques and assessment criteria for exam tasks.
- Target: Band 4 to 4.5 by course end.
Speaking
- Students will build skills and confidence on familiar topics to advance general English knowledge, while gaining familiarity with IELTS-style questions.
- Target: Band 4 to 4.5 by course end.
Computer-Based Readiness
- Master on-screen highlighting and note-taking techniques.
- Achieve a typing speed of 30–40 words per minute for Writing tasks.
- Practice strict timing protocols during full-test simulations.
Textbook and Materials
- Textbook: digital copy provided by Sakura Academy
- Supplementary Materials: Available via the Sakura Academy Portal, including practice tests, vocabulary builders, academic English resources, and IELTS-specific exercises.
Syllabus Flexibility
- Pacing and emphasis may be adjusted based on diagnostic assessments, ongoing performance, and mutual agreement between instructors and students. Sakura Academy aims to provide a flexible and supportive learning environment tailored to each learner’s needs.
- For further information, placement consultation, or course inquiries, please contact Sakura Academy directly.
Related Courses
Beginner Chinese Communication Course: HSK 1 – 2 Foundation
This course is designed for complete beginners or learners with limited Chinese proficiency who aim to build a strong foundation in Mandarin Chinese and achieve HSK Level 1 to HSK Level 2 proficiency. Through Sakura Academy’s integrated learning approach, students will develop Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills together with pronunciation, tones, grammar, and essential vocabulary for daily communication. The course emphasizes practical communication, interactive classroom activities, and real-life situations such as self-introduction, shopping, transportation, dining, and everyday conversations. Students will also become familiar with pinyin systems, basic Chinese characters, and beginner-level HSK exercises in a supportive and structured learning environment.
8 - 12 months
Advanced Academic IELTS Band 7+ Course
This course is designed for students with an IELTS Band 6 or higher proficiency, aiming to achieve Band 7 or above in the Academic IELTS exam. It strengthens skills in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, aligned with the IELTS exam format, while equipping students with academic English proficiency for success in university-level programs taught in English.
6 to 8 months (depending on the progress of learners)
English Foundation Course for Young Learners
This course is designed for elementary-level young learners who are beginning their English learning journey. Using Sakura Academy’s English Foundation materials, the program develops students’ confidence and communication skills through an integrated approach to Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The curriculum follows a structured and child-friendly learning pathway, combining interactive activities, storytelling, vocabulary development, phonics, and communication practice. Each unit begins with a “Big Question” to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful language use. Students gradually build a strong English foundation while developing creativity, teamwork, and confidence in using English naturally in everyday contexts.
4 months