A world in every child
As parents are well aware, each girl or boy is unique. Although we cannot promise a fully individualised program, we offer variety to reach every pupil and a teaching staff who can tell what will work for each group. We are involved in teacher training and this shows in our daily work.
Our aim at You First is to accompany the children through each stage of their development as they acquire English. Although the challenge is gradually increased, we never lose sight of our obligation to motivate them and win them over. If appropriate, we will work towards an exam or offer more support with their school work.
A great deal is invested in staff training and materials to ensure that we can optimise the pupils’ capacity. We try to maintain the spark of those who are doing well and to reach out to others who normally don’t like the subject or who need a different approach.
The timetable hinges around your needs
Most schools insist on two hours a week, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. We at You First adapt our timetables so that pupils can be more flexible with their two day program or even come once a week for an hour or an hour and a half. Two days involve core English and then either support classes, called Firm Base, or the Activity Club, in which our pupils stretch their command of the language with Science, Music, theatre or Art. This is an ideal situation; there is time to consolidate what they learn in a new and exciting context.
Class sizes
The second, once a week, option is for pupils who have school in the afternoon or who are seriously committed to sports or music. Another advantage is that it fits in well with family logistics; brothers and sisters can be dropped off together and then go to their own classes. The hour and a half classes are intensive and dynamic. We at You First have noticed that pupils get good results in less time, although, when they aim for First Certificate in later Secondary, we insist on twice a week again.
We aim for six Infant or eight Primary level pupils per teacher. However, if class sizes exceed these numbers, we bring in another teacher and split into two groups within a large classroom. At You First, we feel these double classes work well. Native and non-native teachers work together to provide what each child needs and there is flexibility in how the class is divided. For instance, we might be preparing two levels of Trinity in one class or have shier pupils working in a small group in one corner. In this way, teachers can focus on groups of four, five or six pupils.
Stage selection:
