‘Inspirational’ Consett language school opens up rooms for business events and creative classes
An expanding language school based in the centre of Consett, that was called ‘inspirational’ by a local MP Liz Twist, is flying high with around 150 students taking weekly classes in person and online.
CasaLingua Language School relocated in spring after it outgrew its previous language school.
Only four and a half years ago the entrepreneurial language teacher, Kim Davis, decided that she wanted to use her skills to help people of all ages and abilities learn languages in a relaxed and fun way.
She began hosting lessons from her home after leaving her job at a school in Gateshead. As the business started growing, Kim opened CasaLingua’s first language school in Middle Street and less than 18 months later, she moved into a larger premises to cope with the growing demand for language lessons.
“It’s so exciting seeing CasaLingua grow – and so quickly too. I didn’t want people to feel it was like going back to school, so I’ve always aimed to keep sessions relaxed and sociable. If you’re comfortable and having fun while learning, it takes off the pressure, and you learn more. I think that’s what has made us successful.
“The new building allows a lot of opportunities to expand. As well as two rooms that echo the ‘grown up’ style of our old school, we also have a room for our younger learners. In the past, we had to try and add a youthful feel into one room. But having an exclusive space for children means it’s perfect for their needs.”
Kim has also decided to open up the language school as a place for business meetings and events. Offering the venue for wider use is all part of ambitious expansion plans.
“As we have in-built technology available and the rooms are freshly decorated, I thought our rooms would be the perfect venue for local businesses or community groups looking for a professional, modern space. There are times during the week when we don’t use all of our spaces- with 3 classrooms, a kitchen and toilet facilities it’s more than big enough to have multiple sessions taking place at any given time.”
Kim added: “I want CasaLingua to be known as much for its place in the community as it is for its language lessons. We’re expanding all the time and now work with eight tutors who offer languages in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese and even Mandarin!
“From October we’ll also be launching ‘languages at lunch’ for busy workers looking for a burst of fun but CV enhancing language learning in the middle of the day. In addition, the school can offer bespoke lessons for business owners who are keen for their teams to learn a new language. It’s very useful for companies expanding into new markets.”
Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist officially opened the new school in April and Ms Twist said: “It’s great to see a business like CasaLingua expand in the centre of Consett. I think this new school is fantastic. It’s lively and cheerful and it is clearly inspirational as it is a space designed for learning in, which makes a big difference to trying to adapt a community space”.
“It really is an inspirational place to learn and it’s wonderful to see a local business owner doing so well in the town. I am sure it will continue to be a great success.”
With a growing audience and a state-of-the-art premises, Kim Davis, Casalingua’s owner is looking ahead. Next on the agenda is an exciting programme of creative clubs, classes and events led by local artists and businesses. Watch this space!
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