Exam preparation for GCSE, AS/A2; support for degree courses in Italian
All aspects of the annual specifications for the GCSE, AS and A2 exams are covered, whether AQA or Edexcel, either as 2-3 hour self-contained weekly lessons over a full academic year (30 weeks), as back-up to support existing college or school classes, or as ‘top-up’ intensive review lessons in the run-up before the exams. Support and consolidation lessons are available for those studying for a degree in Italian at the University of Canterbury. In all cases, an initial assessment will be carried out to ascertain your starting point and individual learning needs.
Learning for work
People learning Italian for work have very specific needs, often needing to learn the basics quite fast in order to concentrate on essentials such as how to address work colleagues, send simple emails and exchange basic personal details, while those who already have a basic or higher understanding of Italian (perhaps from previous study) may need to cover areas of language specific to their job, i.e. commercial, medical, legal etc. After an initial assessment of each learner’s individual starting point, tuition is focussed on his or her actual requirements, to be achieved within a realistic timescale dependent on individual study time and application.
Learning for holidays and brief trips
Basic ‘get by’ courses usually require 8-10 weeks of 2 hour lessons, and cover essentials such as basic introductions, shopping, getting about using public transport, understanding simple directions, booking accommodation, ordering drinks & snacks at a bar or café, and ordering meals at a restaurant. Other topics can be included by arrangement.
Learning prior to moving to Italy
People wanting to learn Italian prior to moving to Italy will need to not only master the basics needed for day to day communication, but will also require an understanding of some of the cultural differences between the UK and Italy. Depending on individual starting points and requirements, courses could cover topics ranging from how to use formal address when speaking to strangers, to communicating with estate agents, builders, doctors or tradespeople, dealing with bureaucracy, understanding how emergency services work, and exchanging more detailed information about yourself. As in the previous courses, an initial assessment will determine your starting point and specific requirements.