At Cork English Academy, we offer group courses for students of Elementary level (A1) and higher. Our structured assessment and monitoring process ensures that each student is placed in the appropriate level and supported throughout their language learning journey.

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Student Levels

We follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) to structure our levels:

• Elementary (A1)
• Pre-Intermediate (A2)
• Intermediate (B1)
• Upper Intermediate (B2)
• Advanced (C1)
• Proficient (C2)

A1 Minimum

CEA does not offer courses at Absolute Beginner level (A0).

At A1 level you should be able to introduce yourself in English and be able to answer very basic questions about yourself for example:

• Your name
• Your age
• Where you live
• People you know (family members, friends)
• Things you like (activities, hobbies)

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Assessment and Monitoring Process

1. Initial Assessment

Before arriving, students complete an independent online placement test to assess their English usage and listening skills. The test results provide a starting point, but they are only one part of a broader process to ensure the most suitable placement.

• Language skills are evaluated against CEFRL level descriptors.
• On the first day, students participate in an induction session where placement results, levels, and progression are explained in detail.

2. Continuous Monitoring

We continuously monitor student progress to ensure they are on track to achieve their learning goals:

• Spoken Skills: Assessed through regular communication activities in class.
• Weekly Progress Tests: These evaluate grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills, and results are reviewed and discussed in class.
• Individual Feedback: Teachers provide weekly oral feedback, offering guidance on strengths and areas for improvement.

3. External Summative Tests

For students in specific courses, such as IELTS or TIE preparation, external tests serve as summative evaluations at the end of the course.

4. Academic Support

Our Academic Directors are available for private meetings to provide additional support and strategies for language improvement at any stage of the course. Meetings can be arranged at the school reception.

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Progression Through Levels

Advancing through levels depends on each student’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and effort. While some students progress quickly, others may need additional time to meet the learning outcomes.

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Criteria for Level Advancement

Students move to the next level based on a combination of continuous assessment and formal testing.

• Spoken Skills: Teachers continuously observe communication activities in class.
• Weekly Tests: These formative assessments evaluate grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing.

Teachers use CEFRL level descriptors to compare each student’s performance at their current level and the next higher level. Once a student demonstrates consistent ability to meet the criteria for the higher level, they are promoted.

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Supporting Your Progress

Our structured approach ensures that every student has a clear path to success. If you have questions or concerns about your level or progress, you can speak with your teacher or arrange a meeting with the Academic Team.

Start your English language journey with confidence at Cork English Academy!

Cork is a small city and really easy to get around.

There are lots of parks and green spaces dotted around the city centre and neighbouring suburbs, as well as beautiful walkways following the banks of the River Lee.

Some of our favorite parks in Cork city are listed here.

Bell’s Field, Cork City

Bell’s Field is situated nearby to the scenic viewpoint Audley Place and can be accessed by walking up Patrick’s Hill or Richmond Hill in the immediate city centre. The walk up the steep (but short) hills are definitely worth it for the views.

Fitzgerald Park, Cork City

Fitzgerald Park is a public park in Cork city and the location of the Cork Public Museum. The park is located on the Mardyke and is a short distance from Cork city centre and University College Cork. 

The Lee Fields

Lush grass and buttercups, walking by the Lee river. Nice flat walk and long enough to feel you’ve done a good workout. The better know walkway is on the South Side of the river and has an official pathway for bikes and pedestrians.

The lesser know walkway is more of a track with no footpath. It is suitable for pedestrians but not really bikes. It is on the north side of the river and can be accessed by walking out the Lee Road. The track starts at Google point VFWH+CH Cork , just where the Lee Road meets a Cul-de-sac called Mount Desert.

An even lesser known part of the Lee Fields is an area known locally as the ”Hell-Hole”. It includes a deep area of the river where some people swim. It can be accessed near the Angler Rest Bar on the Carrigrohane Bridge at Google Coordinates 51.897137, -8.568638. Follow the river west along the north side.

Regional Park – Ballincollig

The Regional Park Ballincollig ( 7km outside of Cork City). Take the City Bus No. 220 ( 25 minute bus journey and runs every 10 minutes).

The Park has several playing pitches, a skate park, river walks, numerous picnic areas, woodland trails and paved walkways as well as being a National Monument status site.

There is a Parkrun held here every Saturday at 09.30 – This is a free weekly 5km run with between 200 and 300 people taking part each week.

The Regional Park Ballincollig is located on the South bank of the River Lee and much of it lies on the river’s floodplain. Gunpowder was manufactured there from the 18th century to the start of the 20th Century. From here, it was transported to Cork City and the Port of Cork for supply to the British Armed Forces worldwide. The Regional Park itself comprises of the now defunct Gunpowder Mills complex, most of the original buildings and the network of sluices and canals installed in the grounds.

The Lough, Cork City

The Lough is a 4 hectare lake located in the centre of the city and is a unique coarse angling area. It is primarily a carp fishery, however it also holds eel and small quantities of tench, perch and rudd. It is also a bird sanctuary. Open air Yoga sessions take place here. Many people use the area for slack lining.

Also from June 21st 2023 – Irish dancing at the lough ”Céilí Cois Locha” will return 19.30-21.00pm (every Wednesday for the Summer). All are welcome.

Tramore Valley Park

Tramore Valley Park, Cork City – Photo @dacograph

Tramore Valley Park has a BMX track. The Cork BMX Club are located here. The park has an outdoor gym and rugby pitches. The park also has a 2.5km looped walkway.

There is a Parkrun held here every Saturday at 09.30 – This is a free weekly 5km run with between 70 and 100 people taking part each week.

Beaumont quarry is a unique natural location within Cork city.

It is an old abandoned limestone quarry that lies adjacent to Pairc Uí Rinn and Temple Hill, just southeast of the city centre. Not only is it an important place for recreation, it is also very important for local biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Given its close proximity to the city, Beaumont quarry is a haven for Cork’s urban wildlife.

The Glen River Park . The Glen is a predominantly residential area on the north side of Cork City. The area consists of mostly housing estates near an ancient glacial valley known as the ‘Glen River Park’.There is a Parkrun held here every Saturday at 09.30 – This is a free weekly 5km run with between 50 and 70 people taking part each week.

A stroll down The Marina is popular by many people. The area is particularly characterised by its location on the River Lee and the start of Cork Harbour.

Cork’s Marina was originally called the Navigation Wall or in essence it was a guidance or tracking wall to bring ships into Cork City’s South Docks area. It was completed in 1761. Follow the Historical Trail of Cork’s Marina Walkway here.

The Marina is one of Cork City’s most popular amenity sites. The Marina Walk is a beautiful pedestrian walkway that follows the River Lee, starting from Cork harbour towards Blackrock Village There is also an adjacent old passage railway line that connects cork city, Blackrock, and passage west. Not only is this area popular with people, but it is also an attractive location for urban wildlife. There are several different habitats along this route, such as the rocky shore by Blackrock Castle Observatory, coastal woodlands surrounding Blackrock Road and Blackrock Village, marshy wetlands, and native woodland near Marina Walk, and the freshwater pond at Atlantic Pond. This unique area is home to a wide diversity of species and is an excellent hotspot for birdwatching in the city. 

The Atlantic Pond is a unique site for the city. Its combination of freshwater, surrounding woodland, and proximity to Cork Harbour makes it an ideal habitat for freshwater, coastal, and woodland bird species, including the Grey heron that can be easily spotted nesting on the small island at the centre of the Atlantic pond. If you are very lucky, you might even spot one of the city’s incredible urban otters at Atlantic Pond. Otters are a very elusive animal, but they have been spotted here on rare occasions! Just down from the Atlantic pond is a marshy wetland surrounded by woodland, boasting an impressive diversity of native tree species which have attracted woodland birds and insect species. Blackrock Castle Observatory is the perfect habitat for wading birds and coastal plants. When the tide is low, a wide variety of bird species can be seen foraging together on the muddy banks.

This is one of the most popular locations in Cork City for running and walking. Located just 3 kms east of the city centre at Blackrock Castle, most of the route is on public walkways and free of traffic. It has largely flat with nice scenic views out over the river and harbour areas. It is very easy to navigate as you are either following the river or staying on the public walkways.

The Greenway is part of a trail that extends from Cork City to Passage West on the old Cork City to Passage West Railway line which operated for 72 years before closing in September 1932.

The walk was opened in November 2007 to commemorate the 75 years of the closure of the railway and features many historical plaques and photographs describing the history of the route.

The oId railway line now hosts a pedestrian walkway where several of the railway platforms can still be viewed, as well as the railway bridges, and the steel viaduct that crossed the Douglas estuary.

Just off the Monaghan Road running parallel to the the Marina Walkway and behind Pairc Ui Chaoimh , is this new area in Cork with open green spaces, bridges, ponds and a smooth paved platform perfect for roller blading, skating, running and walking. This is where Roller Criu Cork hang out, an adult skating group for all levels using roller skates, quads and blades!

Located along the north side of the River Lee heading East, you will find this park along the Lower Glanmire Road. Named The Millennium Park or 2000 Garden it marks an important part of the Port of Cork. You are just as likely to see large merchant shipping vessels from here as small rowing club boats – all happily sharing the river together !

Listen to past and current students of our school as they share their experiences in Ireland, including their courses, teachers, the challenges and successes they’ve faced.