Levels

Courses are taught at various levels from complete beginner to post-advanced (conditional upon sufficient enrolments); participants are expected to progress onto the next level after 20 weeks. The list below outlines the different levels:

1 & 1+ (Beginners)

For learners who have no previous knowledge of the language. By the end of the course (20 weeks), participants will be able to understand and communicate in the target language in a number of practical everyday matters.

2 & 2+ (Lower Intermediate)

For learners who have studied the language before, for example, up to GCSE level, and have some knowledge of the main present and past tenses. By the end of the course (20 weeks), participants will be able to understand and communicate in the target language in many practical everyday matters related to various aspects of culture. Language learning skills and how to approach authentic material will be developed.

3 & 3+ (Upper Intermediate)

For learners who have a good basic knowledge of the language or those who have studied the language at A-Level some years ago. Participants should be able to give instructions and describe events, talk about the future and have a basic knowledge of the conditional and subjunctive. By the end of the course (20 weeks), participants will be able to converse reasonably fluently with native speakers and discuss personal, social and current issues using appropriate structures. Cultural awareness will be further developed. Language learning skills and how to approach authentic material will be enhanced.

4 & 4+ (Advanced)

For learners who have a good command of the language and its main grammatical structures or have recently achieved a good grade at A-Level. By the end of the course (20 weeks), participants will be able to converse with native speakers, follow debates, give short presentations and discuss current issues (local and worldwide) using more complex and linguistically accurate structures. Cultural awareness will be further developed and raised within a European/global context. Language learning skills and how to approach authentic material will be further enhanced.

5 & 5+ (Post-Advanced)

For speakers who are able to use the language with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. At this level, participants will improve their command of topic-related vocabulary and the ability to vary their style according to the situation. Participants will be able to use all forms of the language in a professional environment. Cultural awareness will be further developed and raised within a European/global context. Language learning skills and how to approach authentic material will be further enhanced.

Proficiency

For speakers who are able to use the language fluently and accurately. The main emphasis will be on conversation and group discussions with the extensive use of authentic materials.

Certificates of attendance can be issued upon request (with a minimum of 70% course attendance).