For beginners and those with some knowledge. Covers basics and essential grammar, to a lower intermediate level. Digressions into culture will bring the language alive for you. No fixed textbook, but a medium-size Polish-English dictionary with a section on grammar strongly recommended. Handouts will be provided during the sessions.
Polish 1
Course Description
Polish 1 is an engaging and practical course designed for complete beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge of the Polish language.
Starting with the basics – including an introduction to the Polish alphabet – the course quickly moves into elementary and lower intermediate levels, ensuring that all learners remain challenged and involved.
Special attention is given to explaining Polish grammar, which is known for its complexity, making it easier to grasp through clear instruction and gradual progression. You'll begin with simple spoken dialogues and advance toward writing short texts and reading medium-length passages in Polish.
The focus of the course is on everyday communication, helping you feel confident in real-life situations like shopping, traveling, visiting the doctor, or expressing feelings and opinions.
In addition to language skills, the course also offers insights into Polish culture, history, and modern life, providing context and richness to your learning experience.
Handouts will be provided throughout, and cultural digressions along the way will bring the language truly alive for you.
A notebook for taking notes is essential.
Course Structure
This year-long course will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to the Polish language and its structure (nouns, verbs, word order)
- Basic statements, questions, and negative sentences
- Introducing oneself and answering basic questions
- Forming descriptive sentences using adjectives
- Describing objects and surroundings
- Making comparative statements
- Talking about motion and movement
- Expressing quantity and order using numbers
- Asking for and understanding directions and distances
- Asking for and talking about time and dates
- Using public transport: taking the bus or train
- Describing people and their possessions (use of pronouns)
- Constructing the Past Tense (eg; writing a short biography)
- Constructing the Future Tense (talking about future plans)
- Using conditional expressions
- Expressing wishes and wants
- Buying food and preparing meals
- Dining out: going to a restaurant
- Shopping for clothes
- Expressing feelings and physical sensations
- Visiting a doctor, dentist, or pharmacy
- Sharing views and opinions
- Giving personal information and talking about oneself
- Reading and understanding medium-length texts
Course Learning Outcomes
By attending this course students will:
- Develop a solid understanding of basic Polish grammar
- Write short texts in Polish with growing confidence
- Read and understand medium-length Polish texts
- Hold basic everyday conversations in Polish
- Gain insight into Polish culture, history, and contemporary life
Course Textbook
No fixed textbook is required, but a medium-sized Polish-English dictionary with a grammar section is strongly recommended. It would be also useful to have a Polish phrasebook.
Student Testimonials
“Lecturer was very knowledgeable about the subject.”
“Packed with information, I’ve learnt a lot.”
“I enjoyed the course, especially the culture and history part – very interesting.”
Your Tutor is Tad Philips
Tad Philips BA(Phil), BEd(Sec), GDipTESOL, GCertIntRel has been teaching at WEA since 1998.
Tad has a wide range of interests, from philosophy, history and science to international relations and history of languages, which is reflected in his formal education.
He regularly gives public talks on these topics and writes articles for newsletters.
Tad also spent seven months living in China, which was a valuable experience. After his return, he worked for three years with new migrants, helping them learn English.
Tad is passionate about teaching, especially adults, and has been teaching for most of his life.
At WEA, he teaches two courses – Big Questions and Polish 1 – which reflects the diversity of his skills and interests. He regularly revises and upgrades both courses to keep them current and relevant.
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