Category: Endorsements

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

Congratulations to MEGA Education on completing a successful quality review activity with NEAS.  

MEGA Education has successfully completed a Self-Assessment exercise.  A NEAS Self-Assessment is a structured activity that allows ELT providers to evaluate their quality against the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework and plan for continuous improvement. 

MEGA Education highlighted several key areas of strength. The centre has initiated a continuous professional development program for teachers, focusing on contemporary teaching methodologies.

MEGA Education is also developing personalised learning plans and promoting extracurricular language learning opportunities for students. The centre has made efforts to enhance communication with parents and guardians by implementing regular updates on student progress and well-being. These actions reflect MEGA Education’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in education and student support. 

September 2024

NEAS is pleased to announce the completion of a quality review activity at SELA Sydney. The review confirmed SELA’s ongoing commitment to providing quality English language education across its expanding campuses and diverse student community. 

Located on levels two and six of 401-403 Sussex Street, SELA Sydney is situated in the heart of Chinatown, offering students easy access to local eateries and public transport. The recent expansion includes a new extension campus on Thomas Street, Haymarket, featuring modern classrooms and well-designed breakout areas, which support an effective learning environment for students. 

SELA Sydney serves a diverse group of students from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Thailand, and Mongolia. The college offers courses including General English, IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation. 

The focus on continuous improvement is reflected in SELA’s regular collection of student feedback. This feedback is shared with teaching staff and used to enhance course delivery and student services. Regular meetings between teachers, the Director of Studies (DoS), and the Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) help to support ongoing curriculum development and teaching practices. 

September 2024

NEAS congratulates ELS Language Centres Malaysia (ELS) on the successful completion of the 2024 Self-Assessment Quality Review. This achievement demonstrates ELS Malaysia’s commitment to delivering high-quality education in line with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, strengthening its reputation as a leader in English language education in Malaysia.

Specialising in English language training, ELS Malaysia provides a diverse range of programs, including General English, English for Academic Purposes, and specialised courses for professionals and students. Working within the global network of ELS language centres, the institution distinguishes itself for its rigorous curriculum, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities. The NEAS endorsed ELS Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) is recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education as a benchmark for university admissions. This recognition allows students to present the ELS CIEP qualification as proof of English proficiency when advancing to partner universities.

ELS Malaysia is dedicated to the continuous quality improvement of its educational offerings. The centre regularly reviews its practices and plans enhancements across four Quality Principles in Areas A, E, and G of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. In alignment with NEAS’s recommendations, ELS Malaysia has incorporated these principles into its operational goals.

Following the 2023 NEAS Quality Review, ELS Malaysia has committed to holding an annual in-person professional development workshop to foster collaboration among its four centres. The centre is also focused on enhancing academic support by developing supplementary materials and personalised study plans to meet the diverse needs of its students. Recognising recent visa changes that allow international graduates from select countries to stay in Malaysia for up to a year, ELS Malaysia is planning to recruit marketing staff from its partner universities, to specifically target relevant markets.

In terms of risk management, ELS is implementing robust measures, including improved backup systems, additional financial protocols, and strengthened customer feedback mechanisms. The centre is also refining its communication strategy, upgrading security protocols, and refining stakeholder interactions to strengthen its risk strategies.

ELS has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to evaluating its current practices and has shown initiative in establishing a process for continuous quality improvement.

August 2024

NOVA Institute of Technology is a multi-campus VET provider, offering General English (GE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at its main campus in Melbourne, with additional locations in Adelaide and Sydney. The Melbourne campus is centrally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, providing easy access to public transport, dining options, and shopping centres. The campus occupies a single floor and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a central common area where students can socialise, use microwaves, and engage in informal conversations with peers, teachers, and staff.

Currently, the Melbourne branch delivers GE and EAP programs to a diverse student body from countries such as South America, Thailand, and India. To enhance language learning outside the classroom, NOVA Institute holds informal fortnightly combined English language classes, where students enjoy ‘potluck’ dining by bringing a dish to share. Teachers actively encourage students to participate in language exchange opportunities in Melbourne.

For professional development, NOVA Institute of Technology has a dedicated PD calendar featuring in-house and external events, including those from NEAS. Compulsory peer observations are conducted once per term, which have proven highly effective. Additionally, teachers participate in professional development opportunities offered by English Australia, National Geographic, Pearson, and Cambridge University Press whenever possible.

August 2024

NEAS congratulates The University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET) for successfully completing a Quality Review Activity.

The University of Sydney’s Centre for English Teaching (CET) continues to provide high-quality education to international students, predominantly from China, with most students enrolled in their Direct Entry Courses (DECs). CET also offers specialised courses for study groups from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with short academic skill development programs.

Courses at CET are delivered via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), mirroring the platform used for primary university courses. Feedback from the Student Focus Group was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing enthusiasm for their studies and a strong sense of support from the CET team. One student remarked, “This is a real college, and you can feel it,” highlighting the authenticity of the learning experience.

Students were confident in their language progress and praised the constructive feedback from teachers. CET also offers additional support through at-risk support classes, an “intervention club” aligned with the intervention policy, and a “transition program” to assist students as they progress to further study at the university. Management reported that tracking CET students into the first year of their primary university courses has yielded positive results.

CET’s commitment to student well-being is evident, with two dedicated counsellors available five days a week. Students can easily access support via reception, email, or an online form.

Teachers at CET appreciate the centre’s open-door policy, which fosters direct communication with management regarding teaching schedules, content, and other concerns. Professional development (PD) is regular and CET management also actively promotes attendance at external conferences, such as the NEAS Management Conference, the English Australia Conference, and UECA, ensuring continuous professional growth for their staff.

August 2024