The course consists of 2 hours of class per week, with continuous development throughout the academic year.

We work with small groups of no more than 6 students, a format that is particularly valuable at advanced levels as it provides plenty of time for interaction, discussion, correction and individual development.

Our recommended format is face-to-face, particularly because of the opportunities it provides for interaction and communication. The course can also be offered online, depending on demand and group formation. Online groups generally require a minimum of 3–4 confirmed students.

At C1, work outside the classroom becomes particularly important. Homework and reinforcement activities will be set regularly, including comprehension work, vocabulary development, writing and preparation for certain speaking activities.

Our approach remains practical and communicative, but at C1 there is a particular focus on making students’ English increasingly accurate, natural, flexible and sophisticated.

The 2-hour weekly format allows us to integrate speaking, listening, reading and writing with advanced work on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and language use.

Speaking and interaction play a fundamental role. Students work on participating confidently in conversations and discussions, developing complex arguments, defending and challenging points of view, responding spontaneously, negotiating meaning and adapting their language to different situations.

At this level, we also pay particular attention to nuance and register. It is no longer simply a question of finding a correct way to say something, but of having different options available and understanding which is the most natural, precise or appropriate for a particular context.

Accuracy remains important, but the aim is not to pursue artificially perfect English. We want students to be able to use complex language confidently and spontaneously, maintaining fluent communication even when dealing with abstract ideas, unexpected situations or demanding topics.

Course content is organised around complex and varied personal, social, cultural, academic and professional topics, as well as current issues that provide opportunities to use English at an advanced level.

Throughout the course, students may explore areas such as society and culture, education, work and leadership, technology, science, the media, human behaviour, economics, the environment, ethics, social change, creativity and contemporary trends.

Students develop the resources needed to analyse and compare perspectives, construct complex arguments, express reservations and nuances, speculate, persuade, negotiate, reformulate ideas, summarise information and respond spontaneously to other people’s opinions and arguments.

In listening, students work with an increasingly wide variety of speakers, speeds and registers, developing their ability to follow extended conversations and discourse and recognise attitudes, intention, irony, emphasis, implications and implied meaning.

In reading, students work with longer and linguistically demanding texts, developing both detailed comprehension and the ability to interpret the writer’s tone, purpose and position.

In spoken and written communication, students learn to structure complex ideas, develop coherent arguments, use a broad range of linking devices and adapt their register according to purpose and audience.

Vocabulary plays a central role. Students work with collocations, phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, figurative language, synonyms, shades of meaning and natural word combinations, with the aim of developing richer and more precise expression.

Grammar is approached from an advanced perspective, consolidating complex structures while, above all, developing the ability to select and use different structures flexibly according to the meaning and effect the student wants to achieve.

What level is required to start the course?

Feather in Your Cap is designed for adults who already have a high level of English and a solid B2/B2+ foundation.

C1 is the approximate target level for the end of the course, not necessarily the entry level.

No official certificate is required. If it is not clear whether this is the right course, our level test can be taken online or in person at Eureka. At advanced levels, we particularly recommend an in-person assessment whenever possible.

Students already studying at Eureka do not need to take another level test, as we will take into account their progress and the level reached during the previous course.

I’ve passed B2 First. Can I take this course?

Yes, depending on your current level. For some students, Feather in Your Cap may be a suitable next step after B2 First, while others may benefit from taking our B2+ course first.

What matters is not simply having the qualification, but having the fluency, accuracy and range needed to work comfortably with advanced-level content. If there is any doubt, we can assess which option is more suitable.

Does this course prepare students for C1 Advanced?

Not specifically. Feather in Your Cap is a General English course aimed at C1 level, designed to develop students’ overall command of the language and help them reach an advanced level of English.

It can be an excellent option for students who want to reach C1 without necessarily taking an official exam.

For students who want to obtain the qualification, we offer a dedicated Cambridge C1 Advanced preparation course, focusing on both the language level and the tasks, strategies and techniques required for the exam.

How many students are there in each group?

We work with small groups of no more than 6 students, allowing for active participation, close support and plenty of genuine communication in English.

Are the teachers native speakers?

Our team consists of native English-speaking teachers or teachers with a native-equivalent level of English, with experience teaching adults and working at advanced levels.

Can the course be taken online?

Yes. Although we recommend face-to-face classes, the course can also be offered online depending on demand and group formation.

Online groups will open with a minimum of 3–4 confirmed students.

Will there be homework?

Yes. At C1, work outside the classroom is an important part of making progress.

Homework and reinforcement activities will be set regularly and may include reading, listening, vocabulary work, writing and preparation for speaking activities or particular topics.

Are all four language skills covered?

Yes. The course integrates speaking, listening, reading and writing, alongside vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and advanced language use.

The aim is to develop a balanced command of English, although we place particular emphasis on spoken communication, interaction, fluency and the ability to express ideas accurately and with nuance.

Are the classes entirely in English?

Yes. English will be the normal language of communication in the classroom.

At C1, students should be able to use English to converse, discuss ideas, ask questions, explain concepts and resolve most doubts directly in English.

Another language may occasionally be used when genuinely helpful for clarifying a particularly complex point.

Is it necessary to buy a textbook or any additional materials?

No. All materials required for the course are included and will be provided throughout the course according to the content covered and the needs of the group.

Will students reach C1 by the end of the course?

Our aim is for students to have reached an approximate C1 level by the end of the course.

As with any advanced level, progress depends on the student’s starting point, attendance, participation, exposure to English and the work completed both inside and outside the classroom.

Reaching C1 involves developing a broad and flexible command of the language, so the rate of progress can vary considerably from one student to another.

Is it possible to join after the course has started?

Yes, provided that places are available and the level of the group is suitable. If the course is already well underway, we will first assess whether joining at that stage is advisable.

Is it possible to change groups during the course?

Yes. We understand that students’ circumstances and availability can change during the course. It may also become apparent that another group is better suited to a student’s level.

Provided that places are available and the level of the new group is appropriate, we will try to accommodate the change.

Can termly payments be split?

In some cases, yes. When the termly fee is relatively high, we may offer the option of splitting the termly fee into two payments of 50%, normally during the first two months of the term.

This is simply a payment facility and does not alter the termly rate or any applicable discounts.

What happens if a student misses a class?

If a student is unable to attend a class, we will provide the information and/or materials needed to catch up, whenever possible. As these are group classes, sessions missed due to a student’s absence cannot be made up individually and are not deducted from the course fee.

Fees are calculated on an average of 35 teaching weeks per academic year. The exact number of sessions may vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the calendar. These minor variations are already reflected in the course price.

What happens if Eureka has to cancel a class?

If Eureka has to cancel a class and we are unable to provide a substitute teacher, we will offer a replacement session. If it is not possible to reschedule the class, the corresponding amount will be deducted from the next payment, whether monthly or termly.

Are discounts available?

Yes. We offer Friends & Family discounts and discounts for unemployed students, university students and students aged 65+. Full percentages and applicable conditions can be found in the Discounts section of this page.

Friends & Family

10% discount for each new student, plus an additional 5% for each additional student, applicable for one term.

Unemployed students

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year. Supporting documentation will be required.

University students

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year. Proof of university student status will be required.

Students aged 65+

15% discount on course fees throughout the academic year.

Discount conditions

Discounts cannot be combined. Where more than one discount could apply, the most favourable discount will be applied.

For particularly small groups of 2 or 3 students, discounts will be subject to the viability of the group and Eureka reserves the right not to apply them.

Discounts apply to course fees only and do not apply to registration fees or other additional charges, unless expressly stated otherwise.