Courses

Introduction

Philosophy

At Morris Academy, we know what it takes to learn a language. The founder has dedicated his whole life towards learning languages and uses this experience in teaching his native language, English, to students in Zarautz.

The problem of teaching English in some local schools.

One of the most controversial and conflictive aspects of modern education in the Basque Country deals with how languages are actually taught. There are many theories, many techniques, many textbooks, but in the end, what really counts is whether the students actually learn the language in question. One of the main problems with teaching foreign languages in local schools is the fact that English classes are taught to a group of students, regardless of their actual level or how well they can really speak. For example, students in DBH/ESO 4 are taught English on the basis of 4a or 4b, 4c, etc. In each class, there are various levels but since the class cannot be split up, all the levels are lumped together. The result is that those who study after school know far more than those who do not. Those who go to English-speaking countries know far more than those who do not. Often, those who know "too much" get bored while those who know "too little" become frustrated and develop a special antipathy towards English and usually flunk English classes.

Another problem is that often, the students learn English by merely doing exercises, even if they have no idea of what they are actually saying. Often, little English is actually spoken in class and, even if it is, the teacher is usually not a native and does not in any way speak like a native. If that were not enough, the typical student never hears any English outside of class unlike people who live in Holland or Scandinavia, who watch TV in the original version with subtitles in the local language.
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We offer courses for all ages and all levels. The basic division is between classes for Children and classes for Adults.

Classes for Children and Young People

Essentially, children began here at the age of 6 although there are some exceptions. In any case, there are various levels.

This is for children who are between the ages of 6 and 7

 

Level K1

This is for children who are between the ages of 7 and 8

 

Level K2

This is for children who are between the ages of 8 and 10

 

Level K3

This is for children who are between the ages of 9 and 11

 

Level K4

This is for children who are between the ages of 11 and 14

 

H1

This is for children who are between the ages of 12 and 14

 

H2

This is for children who are between the ages of 13 and 17

Classes for Adults

Beginners

This is the level from which we start from scratch.

Elementary

This is the level in which students are able to express themselves enough to maintain a conversation about basic topics.

Intermediate

 

This is the level in which students are able to express themselves suitably though without much fluency.

Advanced Adults

 

This is the level in which students are able to maintain a conversation on most topics and with a least some degree of fluency.
First Certificate and Advanced Preparation is also available at this level.

F.A.Q.

1. When can I begin?

Classes normally start in October. However, one may start at any time provided that there is room in the classes.

2. Is there room in the classes?

That depends. Quite literally, it is getting more and more difficult to keep up with the demand. We refuse to allow more than 10 people per classroom on a regular basis. To ensure a place, it is best to come early before the start of the school year in October. If the classes are full up, we are simply unable to take on any new students, much to our regret.

3. What makes you different from other English language schools?

We really work on all four skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. We absolutely insist that students speak and use English in class at all times. Thus, the students constantly hear English and are constantly having to use it.
They also reinforce their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary on our Apple computers. In the meantime, all the classes are taught with enthusiasm and great interest. As a result, the students do not get bored
Our own materials (readings, grammar exercises, computer programs) go hand and hand with our philosophy of learning languages: 1. learn the basic structures 2. learn the basic vocabulary, primarily in word groups 3. constantly recycle, repeat, and reinforce. Thus, our students don't just do exercises and then forget what they learn. They actually learn English in the end. Really.
Morris Academy is at the cutting edge of innovation in language learning. In the 2006-2007 school year, students will be able to have access to learners' blogs and podcasts on the Academy's web site.
Finally, we also take students to the U.S. where they have the opportunity to stay with an American family. We accompany the students, teach them there, and are there for them throughout the stay.

4. I hear you have computers at your school. What role do they play in the teaching?

We have spent a lot of money to update our computers (Apple Emac computers). Essentially, computers are a kind of electronic workbook but nowadays, with modern technology, computers can do things that no book or paper-based exercise can possible do: In the 2006-2007 school year, our specially commissioned computer programs will include sound files and flash videos. All this will further enhance the students' learning experience.

5. How do you teach the classes? What methodology do you use?

Basically, we teach the basic structures of English and we repeat them non-stop until the students actually learn them. Other schools, for the most part, just use text books, They go from exercise to exercise in the text book.
We, on the other hand, have various learning activities, including games, and are constantly changing them which allows for more dynamic learning. Students do our own specially prepared readings, they listen to genuine English in videos and are asked questions regarding what they see. They also use computers to reinforce their knowledge of the grammatical structures and vocabulary.
We are very eclectic in our approach, i.e. we use every kind of exercise or method that might be useful for our students: audio-visual, communicative, etc. We also believe that it is important for students to learn vocabulary in "word families" since this is the most effective way to learn a lot of vocabulary very quickly.

6. How long does it take to learn English?

That is a very hard question to answer. It depends on the ability and age of the person, how much time that person spends on learning English, and what methodology is used. It also depends on what one means by "learning English". Does that mean the ability to be able fend for oneself in English? Does it mean that the person has the First Certificate diploma?
Essentially, the average person who learns the basic structures and basic vocabulary in a systematic way can, at the end of the course (October to June), express himself/herself on any topic with a dictionary in hand. Of course, the student must absolutely study and constantly reinforce what has been learnt and there could be major problems understanding native speakers who talk fast, talk in a funny dialect, or who use slang. Nevertheless, it is possible to be able to communicate in basic English.

7. Do only native teachers teach at your school?

Yes, only native English teachers.

8. Do you offer intensive courses?

If that means courses lasting several hours a day for a month or two then the answer is no. There is just not much demand for that in Zarautz. Sorry.

9. Do you offer summer courses?

For the time being, not in Zarautz. We go with a group to the United States every July and give classes there.

10. Do you offer courses in the morning?

Formerly, we did but now the mornings are reserved for research and class preparation.

11. What schedules do you follow at your language school?

We follow the same schedules used in the local schools such as Antonianos, Ikastola, La Salle, Orokieta, María Inmaculada, etc.

12. What kind of English do you teach at your school, British or American English?

We use British spelling and the pronunciation is probably closer to American though it could be described as "Mid-Atlantic English", a kind of English that is not so American and not so British. This is the kind of English that most Europeans, besides those in Ireland and the UK of course, speak. A trip to Holland or Scandinavia, for example, would bear that contention out.

13. Do you teach other languages at Morris Academy besides English?

At one time, French was offered for a couple of years. Even German was offered for a year but, all in all, the real demand has always been for English.