Students follow schemes of work, covering speaking, listening, reading and writing plus pronunciation and vocabulary work. Teachers use their professional expertise to select activities that will most engage and support their students.

In the afternoons and on Friday morning, students develop their communicative ability across a range of stimulating subjects. It is our common practice to have mixed level classes for communication as communication occurs across all levels in first and second languages. Our teachers understand the importance of adapting communication to interact effectively with individuals of varying proficiency levels, making this an invaluable skill development opportunity.

We welcome new students every week through our continuous enrolment system. Each week is designed as a self-contained unit, ensuring that new students can easily integrate into the class. To help you settle in, we start with fun activities like ‘find someone who’ or ‘two truths and a lie’. Every Thursday, we review the material covered to help track your progress. Each week, you’ll experience a variety of topics, language points, and skill-building exercises, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Students develop all four skill areas in a supportive classroom environment, following the IH Torquay curriculum. There is a strong emphasis on training our students to be independent language learners.

Our programme recognises that the length of study varies depending on your personal language goals. Even a week of focused learning can be helpful in advancing your English language skills. However, if your aim is to progress to a higher proficiency level, such as moving from B1 to B2, then on average, it takes approximately 3 months with consistent effort and focused instruction.

Our programme is structured to accommodate these varying goals, offering personalised learning plans, targeted instruction, and ongoing support. Whether you’re looking for short-term improvement or a longer-term progression, we will help you achieve your language goals efficiently and confidently within your desired timeframe.

We understand that students join us for different lengths of time, and their learning goals vary. Below is an outline of what students can typically expect at different stages of their journey:

Short stays (1–4 weeks):
Students usually focus on consolidating their current level and building confidence in everyday English. For example:

• At A2, students may leave feeling more confident making small talk, asking for directions, or handling basic transactions such as ordering food or shopping.
• At B1, students may improve their fluency in familiar topics like work, travel, or daily routines, and gain confidence expressing opinions and dealing with practical situations.
• At B2 and above, short-stay learners often refine their accuracy, increase their range of vocabulary, and feel more confident managing discussions and expressing more complex ideas.
  

Longer stays (5+ weeks):
With a longer time commitment, students can expect to make measurable progress within a CEFR level and potentially move up to the next. For example:

• An A2 student may progress to early B1, becoming more independent in spoken and written communication.
• A B1 student may reach B2, gaining confidence in academic or professional contexts, such as writing reports, giving presentations, or debating topics.
• B2 to C1 students often refine style, nuance, and precision in both speaking and writing, enabling them to perform well in exams (e.g. IELTS), university preparation, or work settings.