THE COURSES FOR CHILDREN

The earlier we start learning a foreign language, the easier and most of all – the quicker the process of acquiring it is. Also, learning of another foreign language becomes easier. Children learn very quickly by “familiarization”, and their curiosity about the world, sensitivity and willingness to get to know everything that is new, makes them ask a lot of questions and thereby repeat new names, phrases and sentences. Using this regularity is the basis for the method of conducting classes in the groups of our youngest students.
Children groups are formed very carefully on the basis of age – the age span within one group is 2 years! – and a level of competence, which is assessed by our teachers on the basis of a placement test and an interview with a teacher.
Teaching children is very different to teaching youths and adults – in practice it constitutes a separate specialization and can only be conducted by teachers who have suitable pedagogic qualifications, experience and – what is more important – enjoy working with children. For them, it is not just performing their job, but their passion.
The subject matter and the materials are selected so as to appease ”children’s hunger for knowledge”, and at the same time to develop their interests and broaden their horizons. The techniques of “games and play” are widely introduced, interspersed with suitably selected simple phrases, vocabulary and the elements of practical grammar. Owing to this, learning in IH is simply a pleasure for children. They have so much fun that they forget they are learning.

All of the classes, their form and the programme are watched over by the Young Learners’ Coordinator and the Director of Studies.

Parents are informed about their child’s progress during regular meetings with the teacher. At the end of the course, each pupil receives an IH certificate with an assessment and recommendation to the appropriate group in the following school year. The system of levels established by IH guarantees, of course, the continuation of learning at the next level of advancement in a suitable age group.

Kids’ Clubs are   extra classes for children run only by native English-speaking teachers. They are composed of various kinds of games, competitions and contests in English – learning takes the shape of play. They are held on appointed Saturdays from 10.00 to 12.00.