For three years, an exceptional school, Painted Bird, has been operating in Bolesławiec. The colorful birds that are the school’s symbol can be spotted in several places in Bolesławiec, so it is worth looking out for them. English lessons at Painted Bird are taught by an English teacher, Paul. His students most often emphasize that it was easier to overcome the language barrier with him. Speaking English came to them more quickly than at other schools.
At Paul R. Maunder’s school, students come into contact with a teacher who uses his native language at work (a native speaker) from the very beginning, but that is not the only advantage here. Paul has his own methods for getting his students to speak. There are hundreds of ways, because, as the teacher says, every person is an individual and everyone needs a different key to be able to converse freely in a foreign language.
– From my experience, I know that there are as many ways to learn a language as there are people – says Paul. – The truth is that there is no single perfect method, because each of us is different.
Paul knows how to observe his students and is familiar with many language-learning methods, including popular ones, which he also sometimes uses. – Most people have probably heard of the Rosetta Stone method, which is based on learning through images and referring back to them – Paul explains. – The Callan method, based on constant repetition, is also well known. I use these methods, but individually, modifying them according to the student’s needs. I also add NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), in which I use all the senses when teaching a language. All this is so that the language becomes a living tool for the student to express their own thoughts and feelings.
In a pleasant, friendly atmosphere, during lessons full of jokes, fun and relaxed learning, the language comes more easily to every student. – When a student starts speaking English, I try to create meaningful conversation topics, the kind that occur in the real world, rather than in textbooks – says Paul.
According to Paul, one should learn a language freely, as if swinging in a hammock in pleasant company. Language serves us to get to know other people through fun, learning, work and travel. What sets Painted Bird apart from other schools:
- 100% native speaker
- an emphasis on conversation
- small groups (maximum 6 people), allowing an individual approach to each participant in the group
- individual lessons
- 14 years of teaching experience
- classes conducted in an unconventional and varied manner
- a curriculum adapted to the student’s age and language level
- a friendly and intimate atmosphere
A major value of the school is that, when speaking with an Englishman, the student builds confidence and faith that the foreigner understands them well. No other school can provide this – even one with the best Polish teachers.
(commissioned information)