Alpha College is approved by ACELS. ACELS assures the quality of English Language Teaching in Ireland on behalf of the Department of Education and Science by imposing comprehensive guidelines to ensure the provision of a quality service to students and the implementation of a rigorous inspection scheme.
Some comments from our last inspection report include
- Highly competent, experienced, committed personnel occupy key roles. This ensures delivery of a quality service to students
- The continuity among key staff is testament to a positive and supportive working environment
- The teaching observed ranged from satisfactory to excellent with the majority at the higher end of the continuum
- The facilities create an excellent learning environment
Alpha is a full member of EAQUALS (European Association of Quality Language Services. The aim of EAQUALS is to promote and guarantee quality in modern language teaching institutions. To achieve these aims it has established and published a demanding set of criteria for membership. These are laid out in the form of a Code of Conduct, Student, Staff and Information Charters and backed up by a rigorous inspection scheme.
Some comments from our last EAQUALS inspection include:
- At the focus group meeting the students complimented the school on its high standards of customer services and its commitment to quality. The students confirmed that the staff are competent and approachable, helpful and friendly.
- The inspectors saw well planned classes, purposeful activities focused on developing speaking and listening skills and involving pair and group work
- There are clear and effective placement procedures. The inspectors saw no evidence of misplacement or student discontent arising from class levels
- The quality management systems in place at the school are transparent, professional and coherent, and so is the accompanying documentation. Both inspectors felt that it is an area of excellence
- The inspectors visited 4 host families, all of them easily accessible by bus, the commuting time under 30 minutes. The inspectors found the host family accommodation and related services, including opportunities for further language practice of a high standard.
- Students at the focus group meeting expressed their satisfaction with the quality of host accommodation provided by the school and appreciated the social aspect of it and an opportunity to practise the language. They also pointed out that if problems arise they are dealt with quickly and effectively
