Preparatory courses for English-speaking Primary and Europa schools
In Berlin, parents have the option to send their children to a bilingual primary school or a Europa school rather than their local primary school. In these bilingual and Europa schools, children learn alongside native speakers. Due to the fact that some of the subjects are taught in the second language, the children who are German native speakers must bring with them certain basic qualifications in the second language. In order to test these language skills the schools conduct a 20 minute test which normally takes place in late autumn and is conducted by native speakers.
In our preparatory courses we prepare children for this important test. The earlier the child starts these courses, the higher the chance of success. The child should begin the course no later than one year prior to the test. In order to prepare the child for this test situation we roll play a test situation. This takes place towards the last quarter of the course and enables any gaps in vocabulary/understanding to be found. This ensures that the child is familiar with the test situation and can successfully complete the test relaxed and without fear.
We have a success rate of 85%.
Cooperation with bilingual or English-speaking schools
We offer our languages courses in many primary schools. These take place in the afternoons and in after school clubs. English is still the most popular language course.
We especially enjoy working with schools which already teach bilingual or English speaking children. In these schools we find a higher demand for our French and Spanish courses, as well as our German as a second language courses (http://www.spielsprachschule.com/berlin/).
For several years now, we have been cooperating with the Nelson-Mandela-School (http://www.sisberlin.de/) where we have Spanish and French courses. We are planning to work alongside the Berlin British School (http://www.berlinbritishschool.de/).
Cooperation with "Die Idealisten e.V." and Arche Hellersdorf
Since May 2015 there is a cooperation with "Die Idealisten e.V.". Idealisten e.V. is a charitable association that deals with the advancement of youth welfare and work with the elderly, national education and social engagement. The center of attention of their work is the organisation and realisation of activities and meetings for all age groups, especially to get to know other people of all ages and to be a place for collective activities. In the premises of Idealisten e.V. we are offering weekly language classes in different locations.
We are organizing a joint project with the Arche Hellersdorf since autumn 2012. Here we are taking part in non-paid work offering English to children from socially disadvantaged families. We believe that along with care, education is one of the best gifts which can be given to a child.