Programs
There are six levels in the LEAP Program, from intermediate to advanced. At all LEAP levels, the program focuses on developing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills important for academic success at English language universities and colleges.
Projects and Presentations are an important part of each LEAP level as they encourage students to work creatively and cooperatively. In addition, projects and presentations integrate skills that students will need in university and college classrooms.
The first level of the program is LEAP Level 3. There is no LEAP Level 1 or 2, because LEAP does not offer courses at the beginner or elementary levels. Our lower level program, STEP (Skills Training for English Proficiency), offers classes at the upper-beginner to pre-intermediate levels.
On the first day of the program, students take a placement test to determine their level.
LEAP Level 3
In LEAP 3, students are exposed to a wide variety of listening and reading input. This rich language environment enhances students' opportunities to use English for meaningful oral communication and information exchange. Writing provides an additional means for students to build vocabulary and express ideas related to weekly topics.
Process Project
The Process Project introduces students to simple research and presentation skills. Students research the steps in the processing of a food item. Students present information in small groups using a process flow chart. Students are encouraged not to memorize, but use notes. Total time: 5-10 minutes.
LEAP Level 4
The main objective of this level is to develop students' ability to understand and express themselves on topics of general interest, both orally and in writing. Short newspaper articles and ESL short stories are used to develop reading skills. Journal writing skills, as well as descriptive and narrative writing, are introduced.
Famous Canadians
Students work with a partner to research and prepare a formal presentation on a famous Canadian. Total time including introduction, conclusion and question period: 10-12 minutes, evenly divided between the two students.
LEAP Level 5
At this level students are introduced to a variety of note-taking strategies using authentic readings and listenings. They are also taught different styles of academic paragraphs. Some activities at this level include: planning and conducting interviews on campus, presenting information in small groups, and reading a short novel.
Poster Session
Students work with a group (2-3 people) to research a topic related to the course and to prepare a poster. The poster is used as part of the presentation. Total time with introduction, conclusion and question period: 15 minutes.
LEAP Level 6
Students at this level are encouraged to read faster and with increased comprehension. Readings are selected primarily from newspapers and popular magazines. Students use the information from readings and listenings as a basis for discussion. At this level, students can explain information and express their ideas in small groups with increased ease and fluency. In addition, students write summaries and short essays, using information that they have synthesized from different sources.
Formal Presentation
Students work with a group (3-4 people) to prepare and produce a formal presentation. This presentation includes appropriate audio-visual support and an activity period planned and led by the presenters. Total time with introduction, conclusion and activity period: 45 minutes.
LEAP Level 7
One of the main objectives at this level is to develop students' ability to present and defend an argument both orally and in writing. Students read and take notes on long (2-5 page) articles and college level materials which they then discuss in small groups. They participate in panel discussions and informal debates. Students are required to incorporate paraphrases and quotes into their essays, with proper citation and referencing.
Debate
Students work with a team of 4-6 people to prepare and engage in a debate. This includes argumentation, question and rebuttal periods. Questions from the floor are also taken. Total time with question period: 20-30 minutes.
LEAP Level 8
At this level students read excerpts and chapters from college and university textbooks. They also lead seminar groups based on these readings. Students at this level are confident speakers in small group discussions and participate fully in class discussions as well. Students write a research paper equivalent to what is expected of first year university students. Students who complete this level with a grade of 70% or higher receive a certificate of graduation from the LEAP Program. Graduation from LEAP 8 meets the language requirement for entrance into the Arts and Science (University-transfer) Program at Langara College. It also meets the pre-requisite for entry into college credit English (English 1107).
Research Presentation
This is an individual presentation whereby students present the information they have gathered for their research paper. Students share their experience in a formal academic style. They present for 10 minutes and conduct a 5-minute question period.
