What this covers
You’ll hear steadier English in the moments that matter: work instructions understood first time, short conversations handled without freezing, and test tasks answered with a plan instead of guesswork.
You reached out for English classes, tutoring and exam prep, because English is getting in the way at work, study, or in day-to-day conversations. We track progress with weekly focus points you can hear outside the classroom. If you’d like to go ahead, we’ll book the assessment and set the first start date.
We start with a placement test and a short needs interview, then we choose the right mix of group classes, one-to-one tutoring, or exam coaching. Each week has a clear speaking focus, a small set of homework, and a quick check-in so we adjust the level and the pace before anyone gets stuck.
A bit about us
Coal Wharf English is a small teaching team in Newcastle. Hannah McAllister started it after years of seeing the same problem in adult classes: people could do exercises on paper, then go quiet in real conversations. We built our lessons around spoken practice, listening, and the vocabulary people need for work, study, and daily life.
People pick us because we place carefully and we move people when they’re ready. We don’t guess a level from a chat at the door. We use a placement test, we ask what English has to do in the learner’s week, and we teach to that. You’ll always know what this week is for, and what we’re listening for next.
Meet the team
You’ll deal with the same few teachers each week, so you’re not explaining the situation over and over.
Team
Hannah McAllister, Director and ESL teacher. Hannah runs the initial level assessment and sets the weekly focus so lessons match what English needs to do outside class.
Raj Singh, ESL teacher. Raj teaches group ESL classes and keeps speaking practice practical, using the kinds of instructions and conversations learners meet at work.
Mei Chen, ESL teacher. Mei leads pronunciation and listening work, with short drills you can repeat at home and use immediately in conversation.
Callum O'Reilly, IELTS and PTE coach. Callum coaches IELTS and PTE, focusing on task strategy, timing, and the scoring rules that decide band and overall results.
“They placed me correctly and my speaking improved week by week.”
HR coordinator, a busy workshop team
Your sessions
Sessions run as either group classes or one-to-one tutoring, depending on what the placement shows. Most sessions are 60-90 minutes. Bring a notebook and your phone for audio practice. For exam prep, bring any past scores or test dates if you have them.
1. Placement check First session We’ll run a short placement test and a guided speaking check, then ask a few questions about what English needs to do week to week. For a workplace plan, we’ll ask what tasks matter most, such as safety briefings, toolbox talks, rosters, or phone calls. 2. Weekly lesson Each session Each lesson has a speaking target, listening practice, and the vocabulary you will use in real situations. We correct in the moment when it helps, and we note patterns to work on next time. You’ll leave with a short homework set tied to that week’s focus. 3. Clinic time Most weeks We set aside focused time for pronunciation, sound changes in fast speech, and listening for key words. We use short recordings and repeatable drills. If confidence drops in certain situations, we practise those exact phrases and responses until they feel usable. 4. Progress check Every 4 weeks We do a quick review against the level descriptors we placed you on. If the learner is ready, we move them up a level or change the mix of class and tutoring. For exam learners, we track scores by task type so the next weeks target the lowest marks.
Pricing
Most clients start with a placement check, then choose weekly classes for steady progress, with tutoring added where you need extra speaking time or exam focus.
Priced items
Get started
Sign to confirm your place, then we’ll book the level assessment and set the first class or tutoring session.
1. Sign and return this proposal. 2. Choose a time for the placement test and needs interview. 3. Start the ESL program on the agreed intake date.
Signature
Fee summary
What level am I, and how do you work that out?
We use a placement test plus a short speaking check, then match the results to clear level descriptions. The needs interview matters too, because someone can read well but struggle in fast conversation. You’ll be told the level, what it means, and the next step.
IF I MISS A CLASS BECAUSE OF SHIFT WORK, WHAT HAPPENS?
Tell us as early as you can and we’ll help you keep the week on track. Depending on what you’re enrolled in, we may offer a catch-up task, a make-up place in another class, or a tutoring session. Cancellation and no-show fees are set by the owner.
Can you focus on my job English, not just textbooks?
Yes. We’ll still use level-based materials so the grammar and vocabulary are in the right order, then we build practice around your real tasks. Bring examples such as common instructions, forms, or phrases you hear at work, and we’ll use them in speaking practice.
HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN PASS IELTS/PTE OR SPEAK CONFIDENTLY AT WORK?
It depends on your start level, how often you practise between sessions, and what score or workplace task you’re aiming at. After the assessment we’ll give you a realistic plan for pace and session mix. Most people notice change first in a few repeat situations.
Payment
For any term or membership, we invoice at the start of each period, before those sessions happen. Each invoice is due within 7 days of the invoice date.
Placement and level. Your starting level comes from the placement test, a short speaking check, and a needs interview. We’ll explain the level we place you in and what we suggest next.
Cancellations and no shows. If you need to miss a session, tell us as early as you can. Late-cancellation and no-show fees are set by the owner, and we’ll confirm the current fees when you book.
Missed sessions and catch ups. When a class is missed because of shift work or changes at home, we’ll help you keep the week moving. Depending on enrolment, we may offer a catch-up task or a make-up option.
Using packs and terms
Packs and terms are used for the sessions listed in your invoice. Any expiry period is set by the owner, and we’ll confirm the current expiry rules before you commit.
Your materials. If you bring work examples such as instructions, forms, or phrases you hear on site, we can build speaking practice around them. Please remove sensitive names or private business information first.
Progress and results. We’ll track progress through weekly lesson focus points and a progress check every 4 weeks. We can’t guarantee a test score or workplace outcome, because progress depends on practice and start level.
What this is not. Our ESL program is language instruction, tutoring, and exam preparation. It isn’t counselling, legal advice, or immigration advice, and we can’t make decisions on behalf of an employer or a test body.
