Language Learning Reading Groups
Build your Language through reading and discussion, with optional writing activities. Our Reading Groups are not a grammar course, but a space for enthusiastic readers to practice reading, talking, and expressing themselves with others at their level. Participants are required to read the assigned section before each session, with the meetings each week being used for practising speaking.
Courses run 8–12 weeks, in small groups of five so everyone has room to speak.
For readers who can follow the main points of a story and want to build fluency and vocabulary, with plenty of opportunity to practice speaking through group discussion.
Equivalent to B1-B2 on the Common European Framework.
Intermediate English Reading Groups
For readers (11-13 years old) who can follow the main points of a story and want to build fluency and vocabulary, with plenty of opportunity to practice speaking through group discussion.
Over 10 weeks, our group will read and discuss a book chosen together at the first session, so readers have a say in what they're diving into. Each session includes discussion, a short weekly writing exercise, and personal feedback to help build confidence in both reading and expression. Price includes the book and a few additional goodies.
Dates: Monday 21 September to Monday 30 November (10 weeks, excluding holiday)
Book: Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (translated by Emily Balistrieri).
This coming-of-age story, translated from Japanese, follows a young witch striking out on her own for the first time, balancing independence, self-doubt, and finding her place in a new town. While originally written for younger readers, its accessible level makes it a great match for this intermediate group, and its Studio Ghibli connection gives it a wide appeal that spans all ages.
Read a sample of the book to ensure you are comfortable with the level.
Please read the terms and conditions, which will need to be accepted in the purchase process.
A note for parents: these groups are built around students who already enjoy reading and want to talk about it, not as an extra push for reluctant readers. Please only sign your child up if they're genuinely keen as it will make a difference to the group dynamic.
Advanced English Reading Groups
For readers (14-18 years old) who can follow the main points of a story and want to build fluency and vocabulary, with an opportunity to practice speaking through group discussion.
Over 10 weeks, our group will read and discuss a shared book together, building confidence through weekly discussion, a short writing exercise, and personal feedback. This isn't an exam prep course, but the reading, discussion, and writing involved naturally build the skills that support English language test preparation, expanding vocabulary, exposing readers to varied grammatical structures in context, and strengthening reading comprehension.
Price includes the book and a few additional goodies.
Dates: Tuesday 22 September to Tuesday 2 December (10 weeks, taking into account holidays)
Time: 5pm-6pm
Book: Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (translated by Emily Balistrieri).
This coming-of-age story, translated from Japanese, follows a young witch striking out on her own for the first time, balancing independence, self-doubt, and finding her place in a new town. While originally written for younger readers, its accessible level makes it a great match for this intermediate group, and its Studio Ghibli connection gives it a wide appeal that spans all ages.
Read a sample of the book to ensure you are comfortable with the level.
Please read the terms and conditions, which will need to be accepted in the purchase process.
A note for parents: these groups are built around students who already enjoy reading and want to talk about it, not as an extra push for reluctant readers. Please only sign your child up if they're genuinely keen as it will make a difference to the group dynamic.
For readers (18+) who can follow the main points of a story and want to build fluency and vocabulary, with plenty of opportunity to practice speaking through group discussion. Over 12 weeks, the group will read and discuss a shared book together, building confidence through weekly discussion, short optional writing exercises, and personal feedback. Price includes the book and a few additional goodies.
Dates: Wednesday 21 September to Monday 9 December (10 weeks, excluding holiday)
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Book: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo (translated by Jamie Chang).
This quietly powerful novel follows an ordinary Korean woman through the everyday moments of her life, tracing the small, cumulative ways gender expectations shape her choices, relationships, and sense of self. It's a great fit for this group: the narrative voice is clear and grounded, the themes spark rich discussion around family, work, and identity, and it offers insight into contemporary Korean society and a distinct literary voice in translation.
Read a sample of the book to ensure you are comfortable with the level.
Please read the terms and conditions, which will need to be accepted in the purchase process.
For readers already comfortable in English who want to sharpen their vocabulary and expression and get real practice speaking through group discussion.
Equivalent to C1+ on the Common European Framework.
