FCE – The Cambridge exams as seen by our successful students
The results of the March examination period (Cambridge exams) have arrived and we are happy to announce that all of our candidates have passed. We congratulate them on their certificates!
Two of our students, who passed the FCE exam in March, talk about the preparations, taking the exam, plans for the future. Both of them are third grade high school students and have been learning English since the earliest age. They came to Patuljak when they were eight grade of primary school and they are currently preparing for the C1 level - CAE (Certiicate of Advanced English) exam.
Why FCE?
Nadja:" When we came to Patuljak, the plan was to take some of the exams. Since we were at the B1 level at the time, we decided to skip the Cambridge exam for that level (PET). We were aware that, in that case, we would have to work really hard to prepare for the FCE exam, which is a serious exam, but on the other hand it offers many opportunities. That is the exam needed to study at university whether we want to study here or abroad.”
Ana: “I still haven’t decided whether I will study abroad or not, but if I choose to do so, the proficiency in English will be one of the main requirements, and now, after I passed the exam, I wouldn’t have a single problem studying in English with everything such a feat involves – listening to the lectures, studying, understanding, active participation in conversation.”
On the preparations
“Learning at Patuljak, from the start, to the final exam preparations, has helped us a great deal. We passed through mock exams in our classes and we also learnt everything that we need to know in the exam. The classes are demanding, we work hard and have diverse activities. There is a clear methodology of work, which is good for us because that is how you learn well and acquire knowledge. We have to admit that we didn’t work a lot outside of classes, although we know we should have paid more attention to homework, as the teachers always say. The preparation served us well to perfect what we know, and of course, to hang out. “
Taking the FCE exam and what next
“We weren’t nervous. Perhaps a little, but we knew what to expect in the exam and what everything looked like. Somehow we knew that we would pass. After the exam we got the motivation to work harder and to prepare for the next level, the C1. We are fully aware that we are expected to work very hard because this is one of the two highest levels of language proficiency. Right now the certificate is not what matters most to us - what we would really hate is stop learning English now, after so many years.”
We use this opportunity to congratulate all of our students who passed the FCE and other exams (PET, KET, FLYERS, MOVERS, STARTERS) in March. The preparations for the May examination period and winning new Cambridge certificates are under way.