Our Coaching Method
First, we try to communicate, and in doing so, we learn!
“At the VICI Academy we have a magic formula:
Immersion + Focus + Consistency = Fluency
This allows you to grow into a new language comfortably, productively and enjoyably”
Laure Gournay, Client Services Director
The Communicative Approach
So why is VICI not using the good old ‘textbook’ traditional method of learning a language? Well… Sorry, we can’t find a politically correct way of explaining it! Instead, let us tell you why we are using… The very clever ‘Communicative Approach’.
In a nutshell, the communicative approach (CA) is the theory that language is communication. Therefore the aim is communicative competence. So far, so good?
The CA has proven to be one of the most successful methods in providing confident learners who are able to make themselves understood in the shortest possible time. (By prioritizing communicative competence over accurate grammar).
It is important to remember that as individuals, most of us do not learn a language in order to communicate… First, we try to communicate, and in doing so, we learn!
Practically, it means…
Traditionally, you would learn the rules of a language and then be asked to apply them. We do it the other way round! We will show you how to ‘play’ with the language (in a dedicated environment, don’t attempt to do this at home, it could hurt!) then learn the rules of ‘putting the language together’. It is a little like… Eating your desert then going back to the main course!
Technically, it means…
Authentic and meaningful communication should be the goal of classroom activities:
- Fluency is an important dimension of communication
- Communication involves the integration of different language skills
- Learning is a process of creative construction and involves trial and error
VICI also offers ‘Open Source’ resources. We do not have one method that suits all. We have tons of methods that suit one. Coaches have access to a multitude of learning resources which they will adapt to YOUR needs.
Call us today to find out how you too could learn your chosen language enjoyably and comfortably!
A lifelong love of languages...
To discover how The VICI Language Academy can help you and your family to develop a lifelong love of languages, arrange a call with one of our friendly language experts
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What our students say
I am so chuffed that my wife found Vici for us, I have been going now for a couple of months and I can feel myself, for the first time, improve each day I visit.
Anne-Claire is my coach and I really couldn’t have hoped for a better teacher. She always keeps me on my toes and she has a way of making you feel proud of yourself which I have never felt in previous French teaching programmes, you really cannot beat being taught by the best. Everyone at Vici are so wonderful and make you feel so comfortable, if only my childhood school was this much fun I would have done so much better. Anne-Claire spends so much of her personal time creating ways for me to learn French and I couldn’t be more grateful – Thank you Vici!
It is fun, interesting and a wonderful discovery. This is a gem of a language school in the center of Newbury.
Distinctive teaching given in small groups and catering for all ages and abilities. Well-balanced, interesting lessons that inspire and can really encourage you to learn.
With excellent command of English, teachers are native speakers of the language they teach the lessons in be it French, Spanish, German, Italian.
I am a dedicated fan and have been studying French at Vici for the last few years with great enjoyment
Currently in Italy now I know my confidence communicating is due to the Vici approach of teaching. I have experienced teaching in the school and also online as I carried on learning when I moved from the area. Thank you to Michaela for her patience and Nathalie for creating such a fab company!