English at Earlscliffe: Language Learning That Speaks to the Individual

Posted: 28th April 2025

At Earlscliffe, we believe that language learning should be more than just vocabulary lists and grammar rules. It should be an immersive, dynamic, and personalised journey. 

Miss Lana Golubeva has now been appointed as Curriculum and Area Manager for EAP and Modern Languages, and she has now further expanded the English language development programme to not only teach English, but to bring it to life.

Miss Golubeva brings a wealth of international experience and an infectious passion for language learning. She champions a curriculum that is built around the interests, ambitions, and everyday experiences of our students. Whether a student is pursuing GCSEs or A-levels, their English lessons at Earlscliffe are tailored to complement their academic studies and personal passions. This might mean discussing medical ethics for a budding biologist, exploring campaign speeches for an aspiring politician, or analysing visual language in photography for an artist.

“When English connects with a student’s world, it’s no longer a foreign language. It is simply a way for them to express themselves” says Lana. “Whilst we are intending for them to continually improve their English speaking, listening and reading, we are also encouraging them to share their own thoughts and experiences, confidently and clearly.”

We use visuals and clear imagery to make new vocabulary more memorable and contextual. From discussions on global business trends to debates on modern art, every lesson is infused with relevance and energy. 

Lana draws on her own experiences as an international student to connect with our students and the challenges they face. Her empathy for the demands of learning and writing unfamiliar words – particularly in mastering spelling and pronunciation  enriches and informs their learning journey, as well as supports the teaching faculty.

Beyond language itself, our students develop essential life skills like critical thinking and collaboration. Lessons often involve group work, problem-solving activities, and real-world scenarios that encourage students to reflect, question, and grow together.

Earlscliffe is an accredited Cambridge centre. Therefore we are proud to offer students the chance to sit their Cambridge exams such as IELTS, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE right here on campus. This eliminates the stress and time lost from travelling to distant test centres – a common hurdle at many other schools.

Whether a student arrives with beginner-level English or is aiming for top IELTS scores so that they can access the very best universities in the UK, Earlscliffe provides the structure, support, and spark needed to thrive. 

Categories: General News