Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
Every year, many Discovery Summer students prepare for and take this internationally
recognised exam in spoken English. It is optional and offered at extra cost (£130).
We recommend you take this exam to give you confidence in using specific language and to gain an internationally-recognised certificate. It will also give real focus to your English studies.
With the support of English Student Hosts, international students achieve impressive results.
The GESE exams are for students who are learning English as a foreign, second or additional language. There are 12 levels. These are grouped into four stages: Initial, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. The number of tasks in the exam depends on the stage
Trinity GESE exams use real-life language, tasks and topics.
You practise language areas appropriate to your level.
The exam is open to all ages. At each stage there is a new task which increases the linguistic and cognitive demands for the candidate.
As preparation time at Discovery Summer is limited and topics in higher-level exams are more complex, we strongly recommend that younger learners (e.g. 8-11 year olds) do not take exams at grade 8 or above. Your Director of Studies will advise you about which grade to take.
Teachers guide and support students in their preparation.
English Student Hosts often help you practise; speaking with an English friend helps you build fluency and accuracy and introduces colloquial language
Preparation classes are given for one week before the exam, usually in place of English Skills or English Workshops.