GENERAL

• Our group classes are exclusively for individuals aged 18 and over.

• Course fees must be paid in full prior to commencement and do not include the cost of textbooks or materials.

• Our classes are in-person but we use a learning management system to organise our classes and communicate with students. Some email addresses — particularly Yahoo and those handled by Google G-Suite — might not work and you might have to create a free Gmail account to access course materials.

CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

• To receive a refund (minus a 10% cancellation fee), cancellations must be submitted via email at least 7 days before the term start date.

• IMPORTANT: Cancellations made within 7 days of the term start date, or after the term has commenced, are non-refundable and non-transferable. As a small school with limited spaces, we're unable to make exceptions to this policy.

• In unforeseen circumstances where the assigned tutor is unavailable, HACKNEY SPANISH will endeavor to provide a substitute tutor. If this is not feasible, a make-up class will be scheduled during the half-term or at the course's conclusion.

• Should the designated premises become unavailable for the whole session due to unforeseen events (e.g., parent evenings, concerts), we will attempt to secure an alternative nearby venue. If unsuccessful, an additional week will be added to the course, or a session will be scheduled during the half-term. In the case in which the venue is unavailable for only half an hour, we’ll start later and recover the missed time starting earlier the following week.

• Each class requires a minimum enrollment. HACKNEY SPANISH reserves the right to cancel courses that do not meet this threshold or due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, enrolled students will be notified and issued a full refund.

ENROLMENT & PAYMENT

• How do I enrol? — In order to enrol you need to contact us, telling us which level you want to join. We’ll send you an enrolment link to complete your payment.

• The course I want to join is full. What can I do? — Get in touch and we’ll add you to the waiting list. If a place becomes available we’ll email the waiting list and offer it in a first-come, first served-basis.

• Can I pay a deposit towards my place and pay the rest later? Can I pay in instalments? — We require full payment upfront.

• The term has started. Can I still join? — You can join at a discounted rate based on your start date. Please note that we do not provide additional discounts for any future missed classes.

• Is it possible to buy a number of classes only? — Priority is given to students wishing to enrol to the whole term. While we may occasionally offer half-term spaces if availability allows, we do not sell group classes individually. For students in need of greater flexibility we recommend one to one tuition.

• Do you offer trial lessons? — We don’t, as most groups run full. But we do allow you to change groups once enrolled, if you decide that the level isn’t right for you.

• Are materials provided? — For upper levels (B1 and above) we provide the materials. For lower levels (A1/A2) you will need to buy a book that is available for around £40 (cheaper if used). This single book is used for Beginner, Upper Beginner, Elementary and Upper Elementary.

• I’m no sure of my level. What can I do? — There’s some information about that here. Roughly, we calculate about 15 hours per level. If you are unsure between two levels, we generally recommend that you level down, as our classes go quite fast and our method differs from many other language schools. If you are unsure, contact us and we’ll guide you.

OUR TEACHING STYLE, OUR TUTORS, YOUR CLASS MATES, ETC

• What are classes like? — We follow a communicational method, with a practical emphasis in all levels. There is a basic of grammar that is needed in order for a student to progress, but we try to make it as fun as possible. Grammar content becomes less central as you progress beyond upper beginner. From Intermediate onwards conversation and language use are at the core of each class — we work with real language, from “real” sources — and grammar comes second . In all levels students work in groups and alone. We will encourage you to start using the language as soon as possible, with your class mates and with teachers.

• How many students are there in each group? — In order to guarantee participation and maintain the quality of the class, there’s a maximum of 15/16 students per group (our classrooms fit 30). Our teaching method guarantees all students get to use the language under supervision, since you won’t only be talking to your tutor but working in groups, in this way learning from other students too.

• Do you use English in class? — We try to use as much Spanish as possible from the start. We might use some English in lower levels, especially to teach grammar points, but gradually shift to Spanish until we settle for this language only. We find that in this way we balance the need for immersion with the students’ need to understand the tutors and remain engaged in the course. By Upper Elementary we rarely any English at all, since it’s no longer necessary.

• Will I have homework? — Yes. You should be able to do it in less than half an hour a week. That said, students that progress faster are those who engage with the language more frequently. This doesn’t need to be grammar practice or extra homework. Watching series in Spanish on Netflix, listening to podcasts, is “homework” too.

• What are the other students like? — We get people from all sorts of backgrounds and ages. Our classes have a very nice vibe, whether on site or online.

• What are the tutors like? — All our tutors are native speakers and professionally credited to teach Spanish. Aside from that, all have at least three years experience teaching Spanish in London and many teach at university level too. We have tutors from Spain and Latin America, with strong cultural backgrounds, which guarantees your classes will be more than just a language class. Regardless which tutor you get, you will be exposed to all varieties of Spanish, as our method pays attention to different regional accents through recordings.

• I am dyslexic. Is this course right for me? — There isn’t a single answer to this question, as every case of dyslexia is different. However, many students with this condition have successfully completed our courses. For those who experience greater challenges with dyslexia, we recommend one-to-one support classes — a special rate is offered to those who take them.

MISSING A CLASS, CATCH UP LESSONS, ETC

• What happens if I miss a class? — If you miss a class you can keep track of your course through our online learning environment, where every week you’ll find the homework and a breakdown of what has been covered. If an important grammar topic has been covered self-study materials and a video explanation of key grammar points will be provided (from Beginner to Upper Elementary, as grammar is important for successful progression).

• Can I book a catch-up class — A 10% discount is offered to students attending group classes, who wish to organise occasional one to one sessions, in order to catch up (pending on availability). This discount is valid for all the time you remain a student with our school. That said, most students don’t need to do this and are able to keep up through the learning environment.

• What happens if the tutor misses a class? — This rarely happens, but if necessary we’ll arrange for a substitute tutor to cover the class. Failing this, a recovery class will be organised during half term or at the end of the course.

SOME OTHER QUESTIONS

• Can I turn up at any class of my level of there’s more than one group? — As most groups work at full capacity you should choose one. Different groups, even if of the same level, might also be progressing at different speeds. Occasionally, if arranged beforehand, you might attend a different group, if there is space available.

• What happens after my term ends? — We have 4 terms. Classes take place during autumn, winter and spring. During the summer term many of our students take the offer of discounted one to one, sometimes with the objective of skipping levels.

• Are your courses good for A levels or GCSEs? — Our courses are for adults only.

• If your question isn’t here just email us and we’ll answer back asap.