Choosing the correct level
We offer most of our language classes at Beginners level (from A1.1). With our more popular language classes, we offer a range of levels including Post-Beginners (from A2.1), Intermediate (from B1.1), Upper-Intermediate (B2.1) and options for Advanced levels (B2+). We also offer shorter 'Introduction to ...' courses for some languages.
Attending a ten-week course of a certain level does not automatically lead to the next level in the next term. This is why some courses are structured into part I and part II, for example A1.1 and A1.2.
From January, we offer fast-track beginner courses for beginners (A1).
For guidance in choosing the best level for you, please see the descriptions below.
These courses are intended for complete beginners, who wish to explore a less-widely taught language. They provide a first insight into the language and culture. They run for 10 weeks and may be extended if 7 participants wish to continue.
Little or no previous experience of the language is necessary for this course. You may have some words or basic phrases which you can recognise and use in a limited manner. By the end of this level, you should be able to interact in basic situations, such as introducing yourself and others and asking / answering questions about personal details. You will have gained an insight into the culture of communities in which the target language is spoken.
To achieve level A1 Basic User level of the Common European Framework (A1.1 + A1.2) you will need to study for two terms (i.e. 20 weeks).
This course will cover more material and language than our standard Beginners. It is ideal for people who have studied or speak another foreign language or languages of the same family (e.g. French / Spanish / Italian/ German) and who understand basic grammatical terminology and how structures work. By the end of this level, you should be able to progress to our Post-Beginner Course.
A 15-week course is broadly equivalent to A1 Basic User level of the Common European Framework. We only offer Fast-track beginners courses from January.
You may have had some previous exposure to the language i.e. a few years at school, a GCSE pass a few years ago and/or a Beginners level course. You can get by in simple everyday situations and give basic personal and family information. By the end of a two-term course, you should be able to communicate on familiar and routine matters and your level will be broadly equivalent to A2 Basic User level of the Common European Framework.
You may have completed a Post-Beginner course, a recent GCSE and some time in a target-speaking country or equivalent. You can deal with everyday situations with reasonable confidence, e.g. making travel arrangements or finding your way around.
By the end of this level (20 weeks), you should be able to describe experiences and events, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. This is broadly equivalent to B1 - Independent User level of the Common European Framework.
You may have completed a B1-course, an AS-level or equivalent. You can express feelings and opinions and discuss topics of personal interest. You can manipulate tenses at a more complex level.
Once you have completed 20 weeks of this level you should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity to communicate without effort with native speakers, which is broadly equivalent to B2 - Independent User level of the Common European Framework.
You may have a recent pass at 'A' level (or equivalent) in the language and/or have spent some time living or studying in a country where the language is spoken. Classes will focus on developing oral skills, extending vocabulary and consolidating advanced grammar. The course will cover a range of topics, from either a published coursebook and/or various authentic sources.
Our advanced courses are suitable for participants from B2 - Independent User to C1.1 – Proficient User level of the Common European Framework for languages.
