Short course
Spanish: Lower Intermediate – Part 2
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
19/01/2027 - 23/03/2027
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
Explore the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries through this interactive class.
To support the development of communicative skills, the course offers a balanced progression in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each session features practical, meaningful activities – from interactive tasks, and guided listening to problem‑solving scenarios and discussions. Learners engage with authentic language, collaborate with classmates, and build confidence through varied, hands‑on activities that mirror real‑world communication.
This 10-week course is pitched at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and completion of the course will help you meet most, or all, of the level requirements.
Is this the right level course for you?
To benefit from the course, learners will have done one of the following:
- Completed our 'Lower Intermediate – Part 1' or equivalent; or
- Gained a GCSE (Grade B, 6 or below) in Spanish; or
- Completed a course beyond A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in Spanish.
New students, who have not completed 'Lower Intermediate – Part 1', whose proficiency in the language is appropriate for the course level are very welcome.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Level and demands
Pitched at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), completion of this course helps you meet all or most of the level requirements.
Find out more about our language levels.
Course aims
To practise and consolidate interactive skills in the target language in a wider range of simple and routine everyday situations requiring straightforward descriptions and direct exchange of information on family and other people, living conditions, educational background and work.
Course objectives
- Develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing at level A2 of the CEFR.
- Consolidate listening and speaking skills to enable learners to communicate across a wider range of simple everyday situations encountered at work, leisure and areas of immediate relevance.
- Familiarise learners with key vocabulary and grammatical structures for reading and writing short, simple texts on familiar topics.
- Develop an appreciation of the culture and cultural practices in everyday life, work, study and leisure contexts.
Programme details
Course starts 19 January 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 5.00-7.00pm.
The weekly schedule below is intended to give an indication of the main topic(s) likely to be covered in each session. Please note that these may sometimes change according to the tutor’s discretion to reflect the interests of course participants.
Week 1: Talking about winter holidays; general revision of tenses with special emphasis on past actions using the present perfect.
Week 2: Lectura y comprensión de textos sobre estrategias de aprendizaje; opinar y comparar; expresar acuerdo y desacuerdo.
Week 3: Permiso y favores: asking for permission and favours; accepting, refusing and/or giving excuses; asking for help; asking if something is allowed; borrowing and asking for things.
Week 4: ¿Cómo quedamos?: making arrangements on the phone; accepting and refusing an invitation; fixing an appointment.
Week 5: De viaje (2): asking about and expressing preferences; making comparisons; asking about transport and location; expressing distances.
Week 6: ¿Qué tal el fin de semana?: discussing last weekend and pastimes.
Week 7: Objetos y regalos: describing objects ; expressing purpose/possession; talking about gifts.
Week 8: Famosos: talking about someone’s life; biographies: the biography of a well-known person.
Week 9: Preterite versus Imperfect.
Week 10: General revision.
Key grammar points
* Indicative tenses revision: present, present perfect and past simple.
* Phrases for expressing an opinion: yo pienso / yo creo que + opinión.
* Speech organisers: primero, para empezar, además, por un lado…
* The imperative mood, commands and requests.
* Modal verbs: poder, querer, gustaría + infinitivo.
* The future tense: estudiaré, iré, tendré.
* Direct and indirect objects: verbos dar, recibir, invitar, ofrecer.
* El pretérito imperfecto.
Key functions
* Expressing needs and making plans for these needs.
*Exchange opinions, expressing agreement and disagreement.
*Giving and following instructions.
*Offering food and drinks, accepting and refusing an invitation.
*Comparing people and places then and now.
Teaching methods
You will learn through practical classroom activities that encourage the use of the target language. Sessions typically integrate meaningful scenarios, pair and small‑group work, and collaborative problem‑solving in a supportive and friendly environment. The activities bring together speaking, listening, reading, and writing, enabling you to apply the language purposefully in real‑world situations.
The course is designed to build your spoken and listening abilities while deepening your understanding of cultural nuances, etiquette, and everyday usage. We will work with new grammatical structures through meaningful, communicative tasks, and you will continue developing your reading and writing skills both in class and independently through self‑study.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to:
- communicate in simple everyday situations requiring direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters;
- understand and respond appropriately to simple spoken language in everyday situations provided speech is slowly and clearly articulated;
- read and demonstrate comprehension of a wider range of short simple texts;
- write short, simple notes, messages, descriptions and/or personal letters;
- demonstrate intercultural awareness in everyday social situations and in language use more generally.
Assessment methods
You will be set optional assignments to consolidate your learning and to allow you to progress at your own pace.
Mr Esteban Cichello Hubner
Esteban Cichello-Hubner studied International Relations, Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition at Hertford College, University of Oxford and completed a teaching degree at the OU Education Department. He then pursued his Spanish Philology studies at the University of Salamanca. Esteban is an author and an experienced Foreign Modern Languages tutor who has taught several courses at the OUDCE.
Mr Leonardo Sanchez Gorosito
Leonardo Sagor is a native qualified Modern Foreign Languages tutor. He is originally from South America and has taught several courses at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education throughout his career. He is also a composer, a guitar player and a talented singer. Leonardo graduated from the University of Salamanca and obtained his PGCE at the University of Bedfordshire. He is a tireless traveller who has explored more than 50 countries.
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £315.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Course reading
- ELE Actual A2 “Libro del Alumno” / Virgilio Vorobio
Textbooks
To participate in the course fully, you will need access to the following textbook:
- ELE Actual A2 “Libro del Alumno” / Virgilio Vorobio
Module code: O26P602XSW
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.
