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Power Up is a six‑level English learning programme expertly developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, tailored for children aged approximately 6–12. It uniquely integrates the Cambridge Framework for Life Competencies, fostering not only language proficiency but also essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills that help learners become “future‑ready.” Each level combines engaging themes, vibrant video clips, and scaffolded unit “Missions” that encourage collaborative, real-world exploration and critical thinking. Built to support preparation for Cambridge English Young Learners qualifications—from Starters to Flyers and Key for Schools—Power Up equips students with confidence in both learning and life. Its corpus-informed language syllabus, cross-curricular content, and ongoing self-assessment tools ensure learners develop strong reading, writing, listening, speaking, and life‑skills in harmony
Our Power Up Textbook Training is a professionally designed programme—available both online and face‑to‑face—that empowers educators to deliver Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s Power Up course with confidence and pedagogical precision. Participants engage with the materials under the guidance of Cambridge‑accredited trainers, including contributions from the Power Up author team, exploring how the integrated Cambridge Life Competenciesand Young Learner exam preparation align within each unit. Through interactive workshops, teachers practice delivering missions-based tasks, analyze thematic readings and vocabulary sequences, and learn to leverage digital tools on Cambridge One for real-world language development. By combining theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, this training equips teachers to unlock both language skills and future-ready competencies through engaging, authentic materials.
Author and Trainer
🎓 Authorial Expertise & Course Innovation
Michael Tomlinson is a distinguished ELT author and education specialist, best known for co-writing the six-level Power Up Primary English course with Caroline Nixon. Published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Power Up combines engaging missions, Cambridge Young Learner exam preparation, and Cambridge’s Framework for Life Competencies to create future-ready learners.
Since beginning his teaching career in 1989, Michael has taught in diverse international settings—including the UK, Turkey, Spain, and Sweden—working with learners ranging from beginner children to adults. His wide-ranging classroom experience informs his practical, globally relevant approach to course design.
Beyond Power Up, Michael has co-authored bestselling primary ELT titles such as Kid’s Box, Primary Vocabulary Box, Primary Activity Box, Primary Grammar Box, and Pathways Phonics Readers, all published by Cambridge and well-regarded for their creativity and pedagogical effectiveness.
Michael is a sought-after speaker at international ELT conferences—such as IATEFL—where he presents on topics like project-based learning and confidence-building in the primary classroom. With over 30 years in the profession, he combines authoring insight with teacher training expertise.
Real‑World Missions & Competency Development
Missions That Build Progress & Collaboration
Power Up builds collaborative skills and awareness of progress through multi-stage, real-life Missions. Each unit launches with a Mission introduction and concludes with reflection and self-evaluation in the Activity Book. Learners tick a checklist to track their progress, reinforcing social and emotional competencies while building confidence. This mission-based design directly aligns with the Cambridge Life Competencies Framework, preparing students to become “future-ready” by supporting growth in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and learning to learn.
Seamless Exam Preparation & Pathway Progression
Embedded Exam Preparation Across Levels
From Pre‑A1 Starters through B1 Preliminary for Schools, Power Up provides clear, embedded exam preparation across all levels. Examination skills are woven into each unit—activity pages, exam-style tasks, and Test Generator practice ensure learners become familiar and comfortable with Cambridge Young Learner exam formats. This scaffolded approach helps reduce stress and builds confidence through repeated exposure and structured practice.
Literature & Cross‑Curricular Integration
Literature & Cross-Curricular Enrichment
Each unit includes a literature spread exposing students to various genres and enriching comprehension and critical thinking: prediction, skimming, identifying main ideas, and ordering narrative events. Additionally, every unit contains cross-curricular content, covering natural and social sciences through documentary-style videos, expanding learners’ vocabulary, cultural understanding, and global awareness. This content supports academic literacy and aligns with both language development and real-world knowledge.
Age-Appropriate Growth & School Transition Support
Growth Pathway & Age‑Appropriate Competencies
Designed to grow with learners as they move toward secondary school, Power Up gradually shifts toward more teenage-relevant topics and academic learning strategies in higher levels. This progression supports students’ developmental needs and eases the transition to more advanced learning environments. The course also helps learners visualise their language development over time through structured activities and self-assessment opportunities.
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