Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
This intensive language course covers communicative competencies in English at the B1 and B2 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:
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- take responsibility for their advanced English learning through active participation in school life, setting personal goals while helping to create a positive group learning environment;
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- understand and participate meaningfully in standard communications about school, work and civic life, learning from the diverse experiences in their group;
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- understand and discuss complex texts on both practical and abstract topics, including academic discussions and social issues relevant to school community and society in general;
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- navigate confidently through various social and practical situations, supporting fellow learners while developing individual communication strategies;
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- actively participate in spontaneous discussions during community life and formal learning, helping to create meaningful exchanges with people from different backgrounds;
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- write clear coherent texts on topics of personal and group interest, contributing to the school’s learning environment through their writing;
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- create detailed written and spoken presentations on various topics, analyzing different perspectives on social issues while considering viewpoints expressed in the community;
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- share personal experiences, aspirations, and reflections, while engaging with and supporting others in expressing their views and plans within the learning community and;
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- reflect on how advanced English learning in a group setting has transformed their communication abilities, describing specific ways that collaborative learning has connected language skills with cultural understanding and personal growth.
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.
