Where to start:

  • All our courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Learning (CEFR).

  • As a reference, think that each basic level takes about 15 hours of learning.

  • Levels progression: Beginner (A1.1)> Upper Beginner (A1.2)> Elementary (A2.1)> Upper Elementary (A2.2)> Intermediates (B1)> Upper Intermediates (B2) and Advanced (C1).

  • App-learning is very different from attending a class — this is never a good benchmark for where to begin, so if you only have this kind of experience get in touch and we’ll be able to guide you and find your right level.

  • If rusty or unsure where to start, start lower and we can always move you up. Firstly, our courses go faster than other schools. Secondly, you will benefit from the way we teach things, even if you are already a bit familiar with them.

We divide our levels between BASIC LEVELS and ROLLING UPPER LEVELS. In the BASIC LEVELS you will be acquiring a basic set of grammatical and usage skills and progression depends on your comfort with these, more than use; most students are ready to progress after one term. In the ROLLING UPPER LEVELS progression depends on your ability for using the language around a number of specific grammar points and difficulties. Most students progress after two terms; others are ready after just one.

WHAT IS COVERED IN EACH LEVEL

BASIC LEVELS

BEGINNER

Equivalent to level A1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a course for students who have never studied Spanish and have no knowledge of Italian, French, or Portuguese.

By the end of the course you will be able to have basic conversations in everyday and holiday situations. You will be able to convey basic information such as time, colours, your name, the things you like, the existence and location of things, etc.

Upper BEGINNER

Equivalent to level A1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a course for students who went through the Complete beginner course, or who have knowledge of Italian, French, or Portuguese, or who have some basic knowledge of Spanish. You are familiar with the present tense and the verb system, commands, irregular verbs, reflexive verbs and the use of the verb gustar (to express liking).

By the end of this course you will be able to read and write simple texts. You will be able to have basic conversations and to talk about your past, as well as giving orders, talking about habits, as well as all the things you would have already learned in the previous level. 

ElementaRY

Equivalent to level A2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a course for students who either went through the previous courses or who come to the class with a comfortable level of Spanish. You can already speak and understand basic Spanish conversations. You are already familiar with at least two forms of the past (indefinido, perfecto).

You will start working with “real” texts (from the news, blogs, etc).

By the end of this course you will be able to have more complex conversations. You will be able to write and read texts and talk about the future, as well as all the things you would have already learned in previous levels. 

Grammar points:

Upper elementarY

Equivalent to the level A2.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Students of this level have either gone through the previous levels or come to the class with a rather comfortable level of Spanish, including moderately complex grammar forms. You are already familiar with three forms of the past (indefinido, imperfecto, perfecto).

You will work with “real” texts and feel comfortable with them.

By the end of this course you will be able to talk about wishes for the future, describe situations, talk about history, have a comfortable basic conversations, as well as all the things you would have already learned in previous levels. 

ROLLING UPPER LEVELS

Intermediate

Equivalent to the level B1.1 and B1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Students of intermediate are moderately comfortable in the language and are able to engage with moderately complex audio and written texts. They can handle complex grammatical structures quite comfortably. They know three forms of the past (indefinido, imperfecto, perfecto) and the present subjunctive. They also know both the futuro próximo (“voy a comer”) and the futuro imperfecto (“comeré”).

upper INTERMEDIATe

Equivalent to the levels B2.1 and B2.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. From here on you are working mostly with already acquired grammar, improving difficulty and working on perfecting the use of the language. This level works mainly with native-level material. They know four forms of the past (indefinido, imperfecto, perfecto, pluscuamperfecto), the present and imperfect subjunctive (“si tuviera dinero…”)

ADVANCED 

Equivalent to the levels B2 and C of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You are already fluent in the language and can write and read complex texts. The classes in this level are based around use of the language. We work solely native-level materials and spend a lot of time with conversation. Each class you will also revise a specific grammar points. You will work with literature and film. You will practise translation, writing, and making presentations.

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