Richmond Park
Academy
Courses for children
- B Intermediate level B1 B2
B1 Preliminary for Schools
An intermediate course for students who have mastered the basics and want more practical English for everyday life, study and travel. At B1, learners develop the ability to read straightforward texts, write emails and letters on familiar topics, understand factual information and communicate with more independence and confidence.
B1 Curriculum overview
B1 Preliminary for Schools shows that learners have mastered the basics of English and have practical language skills for everyday use. It is the next logical step after A2 Key for Schools and before B2 First for Schools. At this level students can read simple textbooks and articles, write letters and emails on everyday subjects, understand factual information, and show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.
This level should be described as developing independent learner confidence. Students move beyond simple communication and begin handling longer texts, fuller writing tasks and more developed speaking responses.
Cambridge’s B1 format includes separate Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking papers. In writing, candidates complete an email and then write an article or a story; in speaking, they describe a photograph, discuss alternatives and express opinions in more sustained ways.
B1 for Schools focuses on
- reading straightforward texts for main ideas and detail
- writing clear, organised everyday texts
- understanding spoken information, opinions and mood
- speaking in longer turns and discussing familiar topics with more confidence.
In summary:
B1 Preliminary for Schools helps students become more independent users of English. At this level, learners read and understand straightforward texts, write clear everyday pieces such as emails and articles, and develop the confidence to describe, discuss and express opinions in spoken English.
B2 First for Schools
Curriculum overview
B2 First for Schools is the next stage after B1. At B2 level, learners can communicate effectively face-to-face, express opinions and present arguments, follow the news, and write clear, detailed English.
B2 First for Schools can best be described as a high-level school-age course for learners who are becoming confident, flexible users of English. The curriculum includes more demanding reading, vocabulary and grammar development, more structured and purposeful writing, listening for attitude and opinion, and interactive speaking tasks such as comparing, justifying, evaluating and negotiating ideas. The B2 curriculum emphasises effective communication, presenting arguments and producing clear, detailed writing, which makes this level ideal for older teenagers preparing for advanced study and more sophisticated use of English.
In summary:
B2 First for Schools is for students who are ready to use English with real confidence. At this level, learners develop the ability to understand more complex texts, write clear and detailed responses, and discuss, compare and justify ideas with fluency and control.
