Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
This intensive language course covers the essentials of communicative competence in English at the A1 and A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Through holistic learning in a supportive learning community, the course enables students to develop and use their English in the context of studies, student life, wider civic engagement and professional life. Course materials, assignments and methods are integrated with the broader educational and social life of the folkhögskola, emphasizing personal growth, democratic values, and the development of the whole person through both formal and informal learning opportunities.
Learning Approach
At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is dialogue, which requires humility and empathy.
This course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. The content, materials, and methods will be adapted in real time based on participants’ needs, interests, and input. Beyond mastering subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transforms their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, narrative, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop awareness of their own growth while supporting others’ development. The learning community becomes a space where everyone’s experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but actively guide the direction of the course, helping each person to integrate learning into their own life context in meaningful, personally transformative ways.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- take charge of students’ English learning by participating actively in school life, setting personal goals while helping create a good learning environment for everyone;
- understand common expressions about daily life at school and in society, including personal stories, group activities, local involvement, studies, work and future plans;
- join in simple conversations that happen naturally during community life, activities, and shared learning areas;
- tell personal stories and describe their cultural background and daily life using simple English, adding to the school’s diverse learning community;
- read and respond to simple texts related to social life in order to achieve personal or professional goals;
- write simple notes, messages and personal letters, practicing English through both coursework and everyday interactions with peers; and
- reflect on how learning English with others has changed their communication abilities, identifying specific ways that group activities have built their confidence and skills in real-life situations.
Other requirements
Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to participate in all course activities, both by being present and playing an active role in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside of scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may be required to complete extra assignments to fulfill the learning outcome requirements of the course. For the course to be considered complete, 80% attendance and participation are required.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26 and March 18 2025.
