COURSES AT BUENA VISTA

LEVELS The BUENA VISTA school conducts language courses on six levels.

Sign up for the course»»

PROGRAM Courses are conducted according to a programme worked out by our team. The programme adheres strictly to the CEF ( Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment ) guidelines.
What is CEF?»»

COURSE ORGANIZATION The school year is divided in 2 semesters. The standard course consists of 60 lessons per semester:

- a double lesson twice a week (2 x 90 min) or
- a weekly session: a four-lesson block (1 x 180 min).

The school also organizes non-standard courses to fit the clients' special needs – both in terms of the number of hours and subject matter. We offer intensive courses, individual courses, conversation classes, and custom-made specialist courses.

LEVEL PLACEMENT of each student happens after a written test and a short conversation with a teacher.

GROUP SIZE The maximum number of people per group is 12. On an average, groups consist of 5 to 6 people.

THE COMMUNICATIVE - FUNCTIONAL METHOD The BUENA VISTA school teaches according to the so-called Communicative Functional Method. Basically, it consists of

• Shaping the four basic language skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing which fulfil the needs of living in a modern society.

• Conducting classes in the language studied, which instantly builds listening comprehension.

• Teaching through function , or building within the student a consciousness of what it is he or she is trying to say, and then equipping the student with tools for expressing it.
  An example would be: function – “I want to express a desire”, tool – “I will use the Subjuntivo verbal form”.

• Concentrating on the communication value of the course:

• Usefulness, efficiency – the course content is chosen carefully so that the student can communicate with other people in real, probable situations.

• Reinforcing of the knowledge happens through repetition and practice at a tempo allowing for its absorption.

• Interaction – we emphasize using the language in order to make contact with other people and exchange information with them, same as in the native language: through conversation, a telephone call, an SMS or an e-mail.

• Developing independence – striving for maximum lack of dependence on the teacher, developing the ability to understand things from context, building listening comprehension separate from reading, learning to figure things out on one's own and conducting individual research using various sources.

• “Learn to learn” ( Aprende a aprender ) – this means constant dialogue with the student about his or her study habits, helping create a sense of responsibility for one's progress. Thus we aid students in developing techniques of classifying and reinforcing their knowledge, in developing visual memory, thinking in the language studied, we help build the ability to reflect upon one's personal achievement, creating faith in one's abilities as well as developing a sense of optimism and appreciation of using what one already knows.

We believe in incorporating the students' social, cultural and life knowledge in the process of studying a foreign language.

PROFE VIRTUAL Internet consultations called Profe Virtual are a chance to contact a BUENA VISTA teacher-on-call online at any given moment. This service is open to our students as well as all Spanish language lovers.

EXAMS Education at each level ends with an exam. After passing the exam you may move up to the next level.

TEACHERS The school employees all have a higher degree specialising in linguistics and have had teaching training in addition to simply having a talent for it. The BUENA VISTA team is made up of Poles as well as native speakers.
Our team»»

AFTER CLASS We invite all our students to use our library and take part in the cultural activities : the school organizes art presentations, film screenings and cooking workshops. All are welcome – it's a great chance to learn new things, practice the language and make new friends.

FAQ»»