The methods implemented in all of our language courses, conceived by our director, Dr Marijana Matic, are scientifically based, and chosen so as to mirror the values of our school. Out methods involve interactive approach, the combination of the highest quality textbooks, various didactic resources, audio and video content, etc.
- We use a combination of textbooks by renowned publishing houses such as Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Pearson Longman and McMillan. The textbooks are updated every year according to the changes in the market. When choosing textbooks, we always make sure that they are contemporary and appropriate for the age, level, knowledge, and the needs of our students.
When applying to our courses, first we make an appointment to assess your level of knowledge. The test is complex and it consists of several parts which serve to assess all of the four language skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. This test is offered free of charge in Patuljak. You do not need any kind of preparation for this test.
Since the needs and the styles of learning of our students vary considerably, some of them prefer to work individually rather than within a group. In that case we agree on organizing individual lessons. You can also opt for individual lessons if you need to prepare for a business meeting or presentation on a short notice.
An integral part of our story is written by children, all the more so because Patuljak was initially established as a school for children. Our primary aim is to guide the children towards the acquisition of all four language skills (communication, comprehension, reading and writing) through entertaining and diverse activities. Nowadays, that specific part of our centre consists of three parts: the programme for the pre-school children, the programme for school-age children and the programme for teenagers. We take pride in the fact that most of our students remain with us throughout their entire schooling and basically grow up with us.
You can enroll your child at our school already at the age of 3. The children of this age acquire basic vocabulary on their surroundings and everyday situations. Moreover, the children are taught writing and reading the Latin alphabet, which is a perfect preparation for the elementary school and a big advantage in further learning. All of our lecturers are trained to work with very young children, and we always try to be up to date with the latest trends in teaching children by attending seminars and workshops. You can find out more about learning a foreign language at a young age here.
The general course for adults consists of 64 or 80 school classes, while the pre-school children, the school-age children and teenagers attend the classes all academic year long, twice a week (60 or 80 minutes long classes).
This is a frequently asked question among our students. If you already possess some knowledge of a foreign language, you can register for our intensive conversation course, which is based on an interactive approach to teaching, and active participation of every student. The students actively discuss the given topics and improve their conversation skills aided by audio and video materials. For the time being, we offer the intensive conversation course only in English.
The registration for pre-school, school-age children and teenagers is open all year round, although we recommend registration in September in order to adapt to their group more quickly. For adults, we offer the autumn, winter, spring and summer enrollment. Registration for individual classes is open all year long.
The testing, which is completely free of charge, can be scheduled anytime.
Additional classes are not necessary. Every student is placed in a group according to his or her level of knowledge. Courses therefore correspond to one of the following levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
The alteration of appointments is possible only with individual classes. When it comes to group lessons, appointments are agreed upon at the beginning of the course. The Foreign Languages Centre Patuljak reserves the right to change times in case of special circumstances (e.g. sickness of the teacher, etc.).
The classes are held twice a week.- The classes are held twice a week.
There is a possibility of intensifying classes, that is, enhancing the dynamics of teaching. The usual teaching dynamics we have in Patuljak is having classes twice a week. If necessary, it can be increased to three of four times a week. The dynamics is agreed upon at the beginning of the course.
All lecturers in the Foreign Languages Centre Patuljak are philologists with a university degree and a completed in-service training. The Centre invests in their education on a daily basis through additional trainings and seminars in the field of teaching foreign languages. Foreign lectors are also regular participants in our courses.
It depends on your employer’s requirements. Most frequently, it is the B2 – the upper intermediate level – (CEFR scale). You can learn more about the levels here.
Although many people think that attending classes on a regular basis is enough to learn a language, but, unfortunately it is not the case. Working after classes, that is, at home, is necessary to revise the content taught in classes and ensure continuity which is an essential part of learning a language.
The programmes and certificates for all languages in the Foreign Languages Centre Patuljak are in accordance with the Common European Reference for Languages (CEFR) – starting from the beginner level, A1, to the highest level, C2. The Cambridge certificates in English language (Cambridge ESOL certificates) are the only internationally recognized certificates for English language learners worldwide.
The Foreign Languages Centre Patuljak has been successfully preparing its students for taking Cambridge exams at all levels. Hundreds of children and adults have received these prestigious certificates with our help. In 2013, over 100 of our students took this internationally recognized exam and successfully passed it. The success we had brought us the Gold Medal for Excellence from the British Council.
Cambridge English language exams (Cambridge ESOL exams), by the University of Cambridge are the best known and most widely recognized exams for English learners worldwide. Cambridge English exams involve various kinds of certificates and diplomas, and are conceived in such a way as to meet the demands of learners at all levels.
Cambridge English exams are recognized by numerous companies, academic institutions, universities and colleges, as well as ministries and state institutions worldwide. The exams will help you acquire higher education, increase the chances of being employed and enable you to consider a range of business opportunities.
Cambridge English exams are recognized by numerous companies, academic institutions, universities and colleges, as well as ministries and state institutions worldwide. The exams will help you acquire higher education, increase the chances of being employed and enable you to consider a range of business opportunities.
The Cambridge exams involve all levels of knowledge in accordance with the Common European Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- YLE (Young Learners Exams) A1-A2 - The Beginner level
- KET (Preliminary English Test) A2 - The Basic level
- PET (Preliminary English Test) B1 - The Intermediate Level
- FCE (First Certificate in English) B2 - The Upper Intermediate Level
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) C1 - The Advanced Level
- CPE (Certificate in Professional English) C2 – The Professional Level
The Cambridge Young Learner English (YLE) – The Cambridge exams for young children were so conceived as to assess the knowledge levels of the youngest learners (7 to 11 years old). These exams contribute in learning the English language and enhance the language learning through a series of carefully chosen tasks and using the newest teaching methods which promote learning.
These exams promote self-confidence through constant progress and also serve as a preparation for future exams which the child will take during his or her schooling. These exams are taken by millions of children worldwide, so your child becomes a citizen of the world from the earliest age.