Subject: You have been helping to run a new music club at your college. Now the college principal wants to get more people involved with the club and attract new members. The club organiser has asked you to write a report for the principal outlining what the club currently does, explaining the club’s future plans and suggesting ways of getting more people involved with the music club. Student’s CAE Report Answer: RockSun – present situation, future plans and improvement suggestions The objective of this report is to outline the current condition of the RockSun music club, shed some light on the club’s plans in the near future, and propose novel ways of attracting new visitors. Present situation At present, the activities that the club organises are twofold: gigs of indie bands at least once a week at weekends; musical instrument courses for wannabe musicians on weekdays. Regrettably, the club does not enjoy much popularity among students, despite it being located in the heart of the campus near the dorms. This is, firstly, due to the prices at the club which are on the expensive side and, secondly, the fact that performers visiting the club are chiefly little-known artists. Both factors greatly discourage many potential customers. Plans The future of the club looks bleak and some corrective actions are required. The club management, aware of the gravity of the situation, is planning to expand its operations to attract new visitors. In the first place, additional musical courses, including singing lessons by reputable teachers, are planned. Additionally, the club intends to attract better known artists for the weekend concerts. Suggestions to attract more visitors The actions planned, which are certainly a step in the right direction, may not be sufficient. What could attract more visitors is reducing food and drink prices as it is one of the most important factors on which any club’s popularity is based. Furthermore, weekly musical quizzes with prizes might appeal to the club’s target customers. Your local authority is conducting a survey into language learning habits of the people between 1645 in the area. They have asked for a report on the types of methods used in state run schools and language centres. They have asked for some suggestions on how to improve their facilities, teaching methods and resources. Introduction The main purpose of this report is to analyse the effectiveness of language teaching in the local area. It will offer a review of what is available and also make some recommendations on how to improve. Facilities Due to a lack of funding during the economic recession, the facilities available have not been renovated since more than a decade ago. What´s more, because of this scarcity of investment, much of what there is has been over used and/or damaged to some extent. Many modern private language centres have sprung up around the city in recent years but they are both unaffordable and difficult to monitor. There are a fair few teachers working who are quite frankly not up to the job. Teaching Methods The methodology used by most teachers has not changed over the last 15 to 20 years or so and therefore needs to be improved. Teachers need the correct type of training that is not only theory based but also practical and ready to input into the system. Some teachers see language teaching as an easy ride and seem to be running down the clock to retirement, to the distain of their students. Resources There is a case of follow-the-book syndrome apparent in the local area. Teachers need to be given the freedom to use their creativity and also the training to be able to implement it in the classroom. This way resources will be more varied and students will be able to relate to them more easily. Recommendations Taking all of the factors of this report into account, the best plan of action would be to increase funding to ensure progress. What is more than just money, it is essential that this funding gets to where it is most needed. I would suggest teacher training and resources to be the priority.
