"This course transformed how I teach speaking skills. My students now approach their exams with genuine confidence rather than memorised answers. The specific techniques for different grade levels were particularly valuable."

Graduate / Preparing Learners for GESE

Examiner-developed GESE exam strategies that work

This fully online course distils 20 hours of GESE‑trainer insight into a clear, 101‑style guide for the Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) classroom. Created by professional‑support tutors, it shows you how to swap memorised scripts for authentic communication.
 

Step‑by‑step guidance walks you through every phase of the GESE exam, from a Grade 1 greeting to a Grade 9 interactive task. You’ll also collect plug‑and‑play lesson frameworks that slash preparation time and discover techniques that help learners speak naturally under pressure.
 

Every Trinity GESE interview is completely unscripted: candidates must join an authentic, two‑way conversation – no predictable question list, no bank of model answers. That spontaneity is why GESE is prized by schools, universities and employers, yet it also raises the preparation bar. This course turns unpredictability into opportunity, equipping you to help students thrive in a truly communicative environment.

What you'll learn

Decode the Trinity GESE blueprint

  • Demystify grades, stages and assessment criteria.
  • Pin-point exactly what examiners reward at each level.
  • Guide students through conversation, topic, and interactive phases.

Teach authentic speaking

  • Replace memorisation with spontaneous, natural conversation.
  • Implement techniques that help students think on their feet during unscripted interactions.
  • Practise repair phrases, fillers and turn-taking cues for smooth delivery.

Coach grade-specific strategies

  • Build confidence for Initial-stage greetings and picture prompts (Grades 1-3).
  • Guide engaging Topic talks and subject-area chats (Grades 4–6).
  • Master Interactive-phase tactics and higher-level discussion skills (Grades 7–9).

Balance accuracy and fluency

  • Target the functions and grammar bands examiners expect.
  • Provide targeted feedback that improves performance without hampering confidence.

Harness positive washback

  • Embed GESE tasks that lift overall speaking confidence far beyond the test.
  • Track progress with can-do checklists and reflective journals.

Craft high-impact preparation lessons – fast 

  • Adapt plug‑and‑play lesson frameworks that slash planning time.
  • Downloadable game boards, topic planners and speaking mats.

Prepare parents and learners for exam day

  • Share practical checklists for ID, timing and online test setup.
  • Provide mindset tips to manage nerves and build last-minute confidence.
Teach the skills that matter! Mastering Trinity GESE preparation equips you to build truly unscripted, authentic communication in your learners – a talent they can carry into any real‑world setting.

Become an ESOL speaking skills specialist

Demand for GESE‑prep teachers stretches from language centres and mainstream schools to global online programmes. GESE is

  • The most‑taken Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK visas.
  • Widely chosen across Europe, India, wider Asia, the Middle East and South America.
  • Officially administered in China by the Beijing Education Exams Authority (BEEA) and the Hubei Exams Authority (HBEA).
  • A key admissions requirement in Hong Kong and neighbouring regions for entry to top primary and secondary schools.

Mastery of GESE exam preparation positions you as a go‑to specialist for spoken‑English success, unlocking more teaching opportunities and equipping your learners with communication skills that open doors to study, work and migration worldwide.

 

Sharpen your GESE teaching to

Develop learners’ authentic, unscripted communication skills.

Prepare them for the world’s most‑taken SELT for UK visas and for competitive school admissions in Hong Kong and beyond.

Build a confidence‑rich classroom where practical speaking strategies last far beyond the exam.

Showcase your specialist expertise in developing real-world speaking skills.
Developed by experienced members of the Trinity regional GESE support team, including TESOL trainers and GESE course book writers.

Who should take this course?

Perfect for teachers who

Need a practical, ready‑to‑use toolkit for GESE exam preparation.

Aim to promote authentic, real‑world speaking – not just exam performance.

Are transitioning from general English to exam‑focused classes.

Lead or mentor colleagues responsible for GESE success.

Want engaging, learner‑centred activities that work across Grades 1–9.

Typical participants include

Newly qualified CertTESOL/CELTA teachers eager to add a sought‑after specialism.

Experienced instructors looking to sharpen their GESE approach and boost learners’ spontaneous communication.

Parents and private tutors preparing learners for GESE exams.

Preparing Learners for GESE curriculum

This 20-hour online course is designed for teachers of all experience levels, whether you're new to preparing learners for GESE or already have exam preparation experience. Four concise modules guide you step‑by‑step from exam overview to grade‑specific mastery.

What to expect

The course features engaging multi-modal content, including

  • Sample‑exam videos with commentary.
  • Lesson demos & downloadable resources.
  • Interactive quizzes and reflection tasks.
  • Peer discussion forums.
  • Access for 3 months – study when it suits you.

End of module quizzes

At the conclusion of each module, you'll take a short consolidation quiz designed to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. These quizzes focus on the essential points covered in the module and allow multiple attempts. After each attempt, you'll receive feedback on correct and incorrect answers, helping you identify areas that may need further review.

 

Final quiz

The course culminates in a comprehensive final quiz, testing your overall knowledge and readiness. You'll need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to pass. You have up to three attempts to succeed, ensuring you have ample opportunity to revisit course material and refine your understanding. Successfully passing the final quiz earns you a digital credential, which includes an e-certificate and a credential badge, verifiable on platforms like LinkedIn.
 

Module 1: Introduction to GESE

In this module, you will

  • Map the 12 grades and 4 stages of GESE.
  • Discover exactly what examiners reward.
  • Explore the learner journey, soft‑skill gains and positive washback.
  • Compare in‑person and online exam options.
  • Collect practical prep tips and resources.

Key units/topics

  • What is GESE?
  • GESE framework  
  • Examiner expectations
  • A learner’s journey
  • Benefits & soft skills
  • Washback
  • GESE online vs in‑person
  • Exam‑day insights
  • Avoiding memorisation
  • Preparation toolkit
  • Glossary & quiz 

Module 2: The Initial Stage – Grades 1‑3

In this module, you will

  • Master skills, functions and grammar for beginner candidates.
  • Practise eliciting language and giving effective praise.
  • Analyse Grade 1‑3 exam videos with expert commentary.
  • Design confidence‑building conversation activities for young learners.

Key units/topics

  • Exam format & candidate profile
  • Communicative skills
  • Language requirements
  • Challenges & solutions
  • Sample exams & feedback
  • Lesson demo
  • Resource bank 

Module 3:  The Elementary Stage – Grades 4‑6

In this module, you will

  • Handle the new Topic phase with step‑by‑step guidance.
  • Help learners choose, plan and rehearse compelling topics.
  • Strengthen conversation skills across set subject areas.
  • Use sample Grade 4‑6 exams to benchmark progress.

Key units/topics

  • Functions & grammar by grade
  • Topic selection & forms
  • Visual aids
  • Practising the topic
  • Conversation subject areas
  • Activity share
  • Sample exams & commentary

Module 4: The Intermediate Stage – Grades 7‑9

In this module, you will

  • Navigate the three‑phase exam, including the Interactive phase.
  • Coach students to manage sophisticated topics and visuals.
  • Develop strategies for spontaneous interaction and higher‑level conversation.
  • Evaluate performance with Grade 7‑9 exam videos and feedback. 

Key units/topics

  • Candidate profile & language demands
  • Topic phase deep‑dive
  • Interactive phase techniques
  • Conversation expansion
  • Activity exchange
  • Sample exams & debrief
  • Course wrap‑up 

Final quiz

In the final quiz, you will

  • Review and consolidate your understanding of key concepts.
  • Assess your knowledge and readiness to apply what you've learned.
  • Reflect on your learning journey and future teaching approach.

Verify your skills with a digital credential

Complete the course

After completing the course modules, you will need to take the final quiz. You will need to achieve a score of 50% or higher to complete the course and immediately receive your Preparing Learners for GESE digital credential. You can retake the final quiz up to two times (three attempts in total), and you can revisit any sections of the course to study up on questions that you find challenging.

Instant, verifiable credential

Your digital credential includes an e-certificate, which can be downloaded and printed, and a credential badge which can be displayed on your social media and LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to showcase your achievements.
 

Our credentials are incorruptible digital certificates encoded on blockchain, to ensure they cannot be altered or copied by anyone and can be easily verified by institutions. We use the same credential issuing platform as leading universities including Harvard, Oxford, Berkeley, and Johns Hopkins.

Get to know our trainers

Click thumbnail to view full trainer details

Maria Björning-Gyde, Dedicated to animal welfare

Maria Bjorning Gyde is an examiner, moderator and marker on all Trinity TESOL panels, including the DipTESOL, CertTESOL, TYLEC, CertPT and CertOT. She has more than 25 years’ experience in New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Maria also dedicates her time to education and projects related to animal welfare issues and behavioural change for a One Health approach in Bali.

Kevin Clare, Enjoys a good bottle of wine

Since 2009, Kevin has been involved in teaching English in a range of different settings, teaching adults, teenagers and notably young learners in Australia, Daqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. He has worked in language centres as a Director of Studies and in various roles in international schools. At English for Asia, Kevin directs courses and conducts online training for teachers in Hong Kong and around the world.

CELTA, PGCE, BA

Karin Xie, Personable and always curious

Karin began her TESOL career teaching English to young learners in Mainland China, before moving on to teach a wider range of ages and levels. Her roles have included senior teacher and in-house teacher trainer. Karin regularly presents at teacher conferences and has conducted research projects on teacher questioning in classrooms, learner autonomy, and how English environments impact learning.

Trinity CertTESOL, Trinity DipTESOL, TrinityTYLEC

Lora Guo, Enjoys reading mystery stories

Lora is an experienced course developer and teacher trainer. Starting as a teacher at English First, she found her interest in various areas in TESOL. In addition to teaching, she is a marker on our Trinity CertPT and is involved in the development of curriculum and learning tools, such as learning apps and assessment systems. She has also provided educational product training and teacher training for new and experienced ESL teachers.

Trinity CertTESOL, MSc TESOL

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Preparing Learners for GESE

20 hours total study
Access for 3 months
Created by experienced GESE trainers
Digital credential Digital credential
Proven strategies to raise learners’ performance from Grade 1 to 9
Your complete guide to teaching authentic speaking through GESE.
¥1,122.00
- % OFF
¥1,122.00
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