Centre of Italian Studies (Carlton)

Why choose Centre of Italian Studies:

CIS has been Melbourne's leading Italian language Centre for over 30 years.
We specialise exclusively in the teaching of Italian, we do not offer other languages. Our students say that this gives our Centre a genuine Italian atmosphere.
Value for money. Free extra classes give you the opportunity to practise more and improve at a faster rate. Our students have greater control over how quickly they progress.
A very extensive and flexible timetable. Our students have a choice of numerous class times and levels.
Our method is widely recognised. We have produced numerous Italian courses and materials, such as 'Avanti' and 'Ci siamo', which have been used in many other schools Australia wide and around the world.
Our courses are very practical, conversational courses which will have you speaking in Italian from Day One

Features include:

A lively and entertaining course which will have you speaking effectively in Italian
A quality program based on sound educational principles and the latest methodology
A wide range of class times and levels designed to allow students maximum flexibility
A committed team of expert teachers, all with native speaker fluency
A lounge area where students can relax and enjoy a cappuccino or an espresso
A bookshop which caters specifically to the needs of our students
Competitive rates and excellent value for money
Small class sizes
VIP student card

Our students enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere and the genuine Italian 'feel' of the Centre. And after class...well, there are lots of great Italian restaurants and cafes just around the corner!

Children's Programs
Recognised as an expert in the field of language teaching for over 30 years, the Centre of Italian Studies has developed a number of highly successful children's courses such as 'Avanti' and ' Forza' that are widely used throughout Australia and around the world.

Learning Italian at CIS is fun. Our Centre comes alive with the sound of little voices singing and chattering in Italian. Our lively and creative program helps children feel the excitement of learning Italian and gives them an insight into Italian culture.

Whilst conversation is the main focus of all CIS classes, our program is a fully integrated one. The classes are activity-based and are for students from the ages of 3 to 14.

All children's classes at the Centre of Italian Studies offer the following features:

A lively program that encourages children to speak in Italian from the very beginning
Total immersion in an Italian environment
Expert teachers
A wide range of activities (games, songs, role-plays etc) relevant to each age level
Information about the Italian speaking world
Small class sizes which ensure that children receive lots of individual attention

CHILDREN'S LEVEL: 3 to 5 YEAR OLDS
Aim: To build students' communicative skills and give them the confidence and ability to use the Italian language in practical everyday situations.

Description: The program for this age group is activity-based. Students are presented with various interesting activities (games, songs, role-plays etc.) as a means of encouraging them to speak in Italian. The activities are vital to attract and maintain students' interest, but it is the language surrounding the activity that is the main focus of each lesson. Whilst the class is conducted almost entirely in Italian, every care is taken to cater for the specific needs and abilities of each child.

In classes of 10 or more, there are two or three teachers in the class which ensures that each child receives lots of individual attention.

Class Text: No set text. Materials are prepared and supplied by teachers. Each child will receive a scrap book in which to store their work.

Homework: Words to all songs, poems, rhymes etc. as well as all worksheets are kept in students' scrap book so that parents can monitor their children's progress. Where possible, parents are encouraged to listen to children's poems, songs etc. to reinforce the new words and phrases that have been learnt during the lesson.

Possible communicative tasks:

Introduce yourself and others
Greet people in different ways
Understand and carry out commands related to the classroom
Express feelings
Expressing likes and dislikes
Describe people, things, animals, etc.
Give information about family members and relationships
Identify numbers and count up to 10 and beyond
Recognize and identify colours
Describe weather conditions
And much, much more!

CHILDREN'S LEVEL: 6 to 9 YEAR OLDS
Aim: To provide students with an opportunity to speak in Italian as much as possible. To expand students' vocabulary and extend their language skills to include reading and writing in Italian.

Description: While the emphasis of this level is on conversation, students are beginning to develop their reading, writing and grammatical skills. They are presented with various interesting activities (games, songs, role-play etc.) as a means of encouraging them to communicate in Italian. The activities are vital to attract and maintain students' interest, but it is the language surrounding the activity that is the main focus of each lesson.

The class is conducted almost entirely in Italian and every care is taken to cater for the specific needs and abilities of each child. Small class sizes ensure that each child receives lots of individual attention.

Class Text: There is no set text for 6-7 year old classes. Materials are prepared and supplied by the teachers. Each child will receive a scrap book in which to store their work. The 'Avanti' book is used in 8-9 year old classes. This is available from the CIS bookshop.

Homework: Children are encouraged to go over any new vocabulary and/or grammar points during the week. Words of all songs, poems, rhymes etc. are kept in students' scrap books so that parents can monitor their children's progress. Where possible, parents are encouraged to listen to children's poems, songs, etc. to reinforce the new words and phrases that have been taught during the lesson.

Possible communicative tasks:

Understand and carry out commands related to the classroom situation
Describe one's physical appearance and that of others
Identify and describe family members and extended family
Describe weather conditions
Identify months, days of the week and seasons
Identify activities which take place during the day at home or at school
Express likes and dislikes
Identify numbers and count up to 20 and beyond
And much, much more

CHILDREN'S LEVEL: 9 TO 14 YEAR OLDS - Beginners & Advanced
Aim: To expand students' knowledge of the Italian language and provide them with the skills and the opportunity to speak in Italian as much as possible. To expand their vocabulary and extend their reading, writing and grammatical skills in Italian.

Description: At this level, the class is conducted entirely in Italian. Students are encouraged to use the language in as many different situations as possible. Whilst conversation remains the main focus of this level, grammar, reading and writing are also covered thoroughly. Students will examine contemporary Italy through various cultural units and their language studies may extend to other subject areas such as History, Geography, Art etc. Small class sizes ensure students receive lots of individual attention.

Class Text: 'Avanti' is used for Beginners and 'Sempre Avanti' is used for Advanced. These are available at CIS Bookshop.

Homework: Students are encouraged to learn new vocabulary and practice various phrases at home. Written exercises and cultural assignments will be set.

Possible communicative tasks:

Understand and carry out commands
Talk about where you live
Ask and tell the time
Ask for and give permission
Express likes and dislikes
Ask and say how much something costs
Ask for and give directions
Buy and order food
Follow a recipe

Cost:

Timetable and Fees