• FAQ

FAQ

What guarantees the quality of the teaching at your school?

Demostenes is a firm that has operated since 1991, meaning that we now possess 18 years of experience in teaching. Proof that our professionalism has been recognised comes in the form of accreditation by the Lower Silesian Education Office, this granting us the status of an educational institution. In addition, Demostenes is an accredited Examination Centre for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), TELC (The European Language Certificates) and Trinity (Trinity College London). It is also possible to take the TOLES and ILEC examinations organised by the British Council on our premises. Our staff is composed exclusively of individuals possessing diplomas which permit them to work in the teaching profession. We are a firm oriented towards individualised teaching, and we are not a chain.

In 2006 we obtained the Certificate of Reliability and Diligence, no. 027/06, from Wrocław Chamber of Commerce. At the same time we were entered on the White List (www.bialalista.pl), that is, a list of firms enjoying an impeccable reputation for reliability and diligence.

I have previously learnt a language. I would like to continue, but how can I find out for which level of ability I should register?

To discover the level of your knowledge, simply complete the relevant language test on this site and send it to us. It is then possible to arrange an individual consultation by telephone or email to assist in a still more accurate determination of level. Following this we will be able to place you in the most appropriate group.

How will I know that I am making progress in my learning?

In order to inform our students regularly of their progress, we organise tests not only at the end of a semester, but also mid-semester. This allows the continuous monitoring of the learning process and its supplementation where necessary. In addition, every course closes with an examination prepared by the school. In the case of groups preparing for international examinations, for example FCE, we conduct mock exams several weeks before the examination proper. Our principle is an individual approach to each student, therefore even beyond the tests and examinations it is always possible to request the assistance of the teacher for correct evaluation of progress.

What happens if it suddenly turns out that the current hours of my course no longer suit me?

In this case a change of group is possible, to the extent that space exists. We always attempt to adapt the lesson timetable to the circumstances of our students. Each situation is examined with the interested party and a solution is found together.

Are coursebooks included in course prices?

The prices of the courses do not include coursebooks, although our students are offered the option of purchasing any necessary with a 15% discount.

Does the school provide a library with books and magazines in the original? Are there multimedia programs?

Yes in both cases. We possess an extremely wide range of literature and periodicals in the original, available every day in the afternoons and evenings. We also have at our disposal multimedia programs to enhance your existing abilities, and, besides this, provide a large selection of films in the original for viewing either alone or as part of a group. A Film Discussion Club may be organised in the event that interest arises.

How do lessons look? Are they varied?

It is policy that lessons at our school are enriched by use of audio-visual aids. Beyond this, we apply a system of teacher alternation according to which a Polish native and a native speaker of the target language take the lessons in turn. During lessons students are often asked to perform tasks in groups, this with the aim of developing communication skills in the foreign language.

What qualifications do native speakers possess?

Our native speakers hold certificates, such as CELTA, TESOL or TEFL, entitling them to teach their mother tongues professionally, with a minimum condition being possession of a BA.

Are consultations possible in the event of difficulty mastering the material? How much does this cost?

Consultations with teachers are free of charge and take place twice per month. These are of use not only in the event that a student falls behind, but also for further extension of knowledge where students are interested in this. In arranging a consultation it is possible to select either a Polish teacher or native speaker.

I am not able to pay for the entire course at once. Is it possible to pay in instalments?

Yes. Payment for the course may be spread over three or four instalments.

Is it possible during the lessons to learn something about the culture of a given country?

Our method of language teaching also considers cultural issues. Thanks to the lessons with the native speaker it may be said that the opportunity to gain knowledge of another country is automatic. Equally, the free individual consultations may cover subjects of interest selected by students.

Is learning effective in a 12-person group?

A 12-person group is the most effective. Efficient learning of a foreign language relies not only on the opportunity to speak, but also on the opportunity to listen to others. During lessons teachers attempt to conducts tasks in smaller groups in order to activate every participant.

If I am unable to take part in several lessons in a row, how can I make up for this?

The best solution is use of the individual consultations. It is enough to register at reception in advance.

Is Polish spoken during lessons?

In groups for beginners the Polish language is in use. In groups at a higher level of ability the foreign language alone is used.

I would like to learn a language, but without taking an international exam. Will I receive from the school a certificate confirming my participation in the course?

We are an accredited educational institution and therefore enjoy the right to issue valid certificates confirming learning. All students passing the final examination and meeting a frequency requirement receive a certificate at the ceremonial ending of the course.

I would like to know whether or not my child has made progress in learning. Is this possible?

Twice per year Demostenes is obliged to organise parents' evenings. Besides this, parents have access to individual consultations with the teacher with the aim of following the progress of their child. It is enough to make an appointment by telephone. Additional information is provided by the assessment system and mid-semester tests.

Does the school place emphasis on speaking?

The teaching method applied varies across groups. In those following the standard programme we apply the communicative method, namely a specific emphasis on speaking. However, groups preparing for international examinations such as FCE learn with reference to the demands of the examinations, and all skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – are practised to an equal extent.

I would like soon to travel to the UK to work. Can I learn the basics of the language quickly?

Our range of programmes contains one aimed at those going abroad. It encompasses 60 hours of intensive learning within a single month, with the participation of a native speaker. Following this course a student understands and is able to use common expressions and very simple phrases concerning specific everyday needs. He or she is able to form questions appropriate for the private sphere, concerning such subjects as place of residence, people known and things possessed, and is able to respond to this type of question and perform introductions.