Jan 2025 start: 10-week Spanish course for Absolute Beginners (Level 1)

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know what level I am?

  It is of course of utmost importance to ensure that you are placed in the correct group; you want to be challenged, but not feeling out of your depth!  

  You can read our basic guidelines on our website to help you enquire for the right class and establish your approximate level, but if you have any doubt, please contact me and I will help you to assess your level.  

  If you wish to understand your level in a more detailed way, I recommend reading the CEFR guidelines, which are used throughout Europe to assess language levels.  You can access those here on the Council of Europe website.

• What can I expect from this course?

  My aim is for the classes to be a blend of practical, conversational Spanish that you can use on your travels and some structure to underpin the vocabulary that you are going to learn and to help you if you choose to progress to the next level.  I want it to be fun; who wants to do a hobby that is not enjoyable?!

  The course content set out on my website gives a quick snapshot of the main topics contained in the course, mainly as a pointer for the level people should consider joining if they have some existing knowledge of Spanish.  There will be much more in the classes besides what is listed, including cultural tips & info to get the best out of your trips and study advice to help you progress with your Spanish.

  Before each lesson, you will receive a lesson plan so that you know which topics will be covered in the session.  There will be nothing to prepare in advance of the first session, so you will just receive a zoom link and an agenda for the first session if you decide to go ahead.

• Who can attend?

  My group classes are open to everyone 18+.  If you are under 18 (or enquiring on behalf of a learner who is under 18), you will need to enquire for the Young Adult group class or private 1-to-1 tuition.  Whilst I am DBS certified, for safeguarding reasons, I prefer not to mix adults and young adults in the same class.  

• Will there be homework?

  Some of my 1-to-1 students ask for tasks to complete during the week; this helps to push your learning forward much more quickly.  I do often recommend learning specific vocabulary for homework which will then help you to feel more confident for the class the following week.  If you do not have time to complete any work outside of the class, that is no problem, it is not obligatory, however you may find that your progress is slower.  You’ll soon learn that I love a mantra 😉 and it is true that “you get out what you put in”.

• Do I need to purchase anything?

  No.  I wanted to make the course as standalone as possible to ensure that anyone keeping to a budget would not be required to purchase additional resources.  Having said this, I do have an extensive number of language books & resources and I will be very happy to provide you with recommendations (more details to follow in another email).  I have met many people over the years who have invested a lot of money in resources that they have quite frankly never used; all you really need is a little time and a whole lot of enthusiasm 😊.  I may recommend a specific resource to purchase further down the line, once I have a better idea of the learning activities that you enjoy.  

  I am going to use my own lesson plans and course materials; I want to offer you great value for money and as much interaction in the sessions as possible.  Textbooks can be bought anywhere; worksheets can be completed anytime.  I hope to give you a bespoke class that you cannot find anywhere else.  Let’s speak, listen and support each other to reach our goals.  

• What is your teaching style?

  I’m definitely more interested in the ‘carrot’ rather than the ‘stick’ approach; I want you to love what you are doing and I will do everything possible to nurture your interest in Spanish language & culture.  However, I can’t do the work for you; Matrix quote coming up “I can only show you the door.  You’re the one that has to walk through it”.  

  I don’t like to put people on the spot for answers; I’ll always ask for volunteers where possible, but as it’s a conversation class, I will obviously be encouraging you all to speak and answer questions.  If there are any specific tasks which make you feel uncomfortable, you can always send me a message or talk to me privately and let me know how I can support you.

  Please, let go of the fears you have; I know you’ll all be thinking the same things.  What if I’m the weakest in the class?  What if I say something and everyone laughs?  What if I don’t know the answer?  It truly doesn’t matter; no judgement here.  I can also almost guarantee you that people are more worried about their own answer than yours!  I’ve said my fair share of embarrassing things in foreign languages (and in English come to think of it!) over the years, but it is often this fear of being wrong that causes us to miss so many opportunities.  Throw caution to the wind, give it a go and I will be there to help you when you get stuck.  Either we are right, or we are learning. 😊

• If I miss a session, can I get my money back?

  Unfortunately, running a class such as this requires a lot of preparation time.  Your actions also affect your classmates.  Therefore, to ensure that courses continue to run consistently even despite absences, money paid is non-refundable.  However, if there is a suitable alternative class running that you can attend during the same week, you are welcome to do so at no extra cost (i.e. if a second Absolute Beginners class is running on a different day and has space for you).  If you cannot make a session, you can request to receive the notes/ work from the class or you can use the opportunity to book a 30-min or 1-hour 1-to-1 session to ensure that you don’t fall behind.

  If you are using the pay-as-you-go option and miss a class, please provide at least 24-hours’ notice that you do not plan to attend a particular class, or you will still be charged for the session.

• What happens if the tutor is sick?

  If the tutor is sick (or unavailable for other reasons) and unable to complete the lesson, they will contact you to let you know as soon as possible.  Rest assured; another suitable time will be found to replace the class, or if there is a suitable alternative class running that you can attend during the same week that has space, you are welcome to choose this option instead.

• What happens if there are internet connection problems?

  Hopefully we won’t have this issue, but if the connection issue is on my side and therefore affecting the whole class, I will replace the lesson/ time lost.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your connection is stable and that you are set up appropriately.  If you lose connection, the class will continue as planned and will finish at the planned time.  Please request the notes from the class if you missed anything.

• Can I join on a mobile device rather than a PC or laptop?

  Yes.  Zoom does allow you to join from a whole range of devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.  I would personally recommend that if you have the choice, a bigger screen would be preferable, as I will be sharing slides, videos, etc and you will have a better view of everything that is happening on a bigger screen.  If a smartphone is your only option, don’t panic; please let me know in advance as I have a few workarounds.  

• What happens once I finish the course?

  I run three recap sessions (optional!) after each 10-week course where you can practise what you have learnt.  These recap sessions will also be available to students who are planning to join at the next level to check their skills.  There will be four levels of 10-week courses before progressing to conversation classes; plenty to keep you busy for a while!