Author: Ed Itor

NEAS Congratulates Southern Cross University Lismore on completing a successful Quality Review Activity.

The recent NEAS Quality Review of SCU Lismore commends the centre for its commitment to professional development. Despite teaching staff being employed on a casual basis, they are employed in a manner that allows them time to prepare materials, mark student work, and participate in professional development sessions. Peer observations are also conducted at least once a year, ensuring ongoing improvement in teaching practices.

SCU’s English program continues to demonstrate its relevance to the university. The NEAS-endorsed online program, now in its second year, serves students at partner universities in north-east China and is set to expand to Japan. Supported by a SCU language teacher onsite, students in this program can progress to the EAP program as a pathway to university studies.

International students at the Lismore campus are warmly welcomed and encouraged to get involved in both campus and community activities. These include volunteering at the local Koala Rescue hospital, participating in student organisation events, and joining university clubs such as gardening and bouldering. The orientation process is continuous and supported by the Careers Advice unit, counsellors, library staff, accommodation advisors, and Surf Life Savers during the season. The university’s partnership with AHN provides additional support through homestay options, and student services are conveniently located near the large outdoor food court on campus.

October 2024

Congratulations to Future English on achieving Quality Endorsement with NEAS.

Future English, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, benefits from its central position within an Arcade of shops and eateries. As part of Laurus Education, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering Vocational Education Training (VET) courses, Future English provides General English programs across five levels, from Starter to Upper Intermediate. Many students from Future English transition into VET courses, such as Cookery and Hospitality.

With a strong marketing department and an international network of education agents, Future English recruits students both off- and on-shore, with most students coming through agents. Students are from a broad range of countries, including Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Albania, Macedonia, and Russia. Students are enrolled in either morning or evening classes.

Future English fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, with transparent communication between staff, students, and management. A sense of community is enhanced through excursions, and student wellbeing is supported by a dedicated Student Support Officer.

Students have expressed their satisfaction with the courses and outcomes, with feedback such as “my school is very good, I love it,” “I am very, very happy,” and “this is a good way to achieve our goals.” Teachers have also shared positive sentiments, stating, “I am glad to work here and contribute to students’ progress,” “great school to work for, extremely organised, good resources, and a very friendly environment that makes you feel supported by a community,” and “my co-workers are friendly and supportive, which is also motivating for me.”

October 2024

NEAS congratulates Macquarie University College on successfully completing a Quality Review Activity.

Located at Macquarie University campus in North Ryde, the college offers a range of English Language Programs (ELP) including five- and 10-week Direct Entry Programs (DEP) for Foundation, Diploma, UG and PG studies, as well as General English and Academic English. Through its English Medium Instruction Centre, the college also provides teacher training programs for international educators and hosts regular study tours from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The campus and facilities were praised by both staff and students. Students noted that the premises were always kept tidy, and they appreciated the support received at the college reception from “the lovely staff.” The teaching and study spaces were also well-regarded, with students describing the technology in the classrooms as “very good.” Students also complimented the Learning Hub, where they could study before or after classes and borrow laptops when needed.

The review noted the centre’s structured processes for assessment validation and moderation, which teachers found “useful” for their professional development. Teachers appreciated the regular communication with senior staff, allowing for feedback on course content and assessment. Students in the Focus Group similarly remarked that the courses were well-designed, with lessons described as “very well prepared” and “very, very clearly” explained by their teachers.

Students also valued the daily homework tasks that “help improve our language level,” and appreciated the post-assessment discussions with their teachers. They highlighted the supportive atmosphere, noting the useful orientation day and ongoing assistance from student counsellors, which helped them adjust to their new learning environment.

October 2024

Congratulations to Pinnacle English Online Placement Test (PEOPT) on achieving NEAS endorsement as a quality product and service.

NEAS reviewed PEOPT using Quality Area K of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, evaluating its underlying research, fulfilment of purpose, quality assurance processes, innovation, and contribution to the English Language Teaching (ELT) community.

Designed to meet the needs of both ELICOS providers and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, PEOPT ensures accurate student placement by assessing key language skills such as speaking, reading, and writing. A standout feature is the integrated speaking recorder, which is compatible with all devices and enhances usability and user experience.

Developed in collaboration with experienced professionals in the ELT and VET sectors, PEOPT offers a comprehensive assessment of speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills. It is adaptable across contexts and follows a continuous review process, incorporating feedback from academic staff and stakeholders to maintain its relevance and quality.

October 2024

Congratulations to Whitsundays College of English (WCE) for completing a successful quality review activity with NEAS.

Whitsundays College of English (WCE) continues to foster a positive and supportive environment, enabling students to achieve their English language goals. The College is equipped with well-furnished classrooms, a computer laboratory accessible outside of class times, and a spacious teacher preparation room, where each teacher has a designated workstation and access to a range of online resources and library.

Beyond the classroom, WCE offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including excursions, to enhance students’ learning experience, promote cultural integration and encourage social interaction with the broader community.

Students participating in the recent Focus Group praised their teachers for being “kind and helpful,” and for providing personalised feedback after tests and during class activities. They described their teachers as “friendly” and “engaging,” with lessons designed to encourage active student involvement. Teachers also expressed appreciation for the supportive work environment, noting regular staff meetings and open communication with management.

September 2024