| Languages Course List (pdf, 51KB) |
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Languages |
Modern Foreign Languages, British Sign Language and Makaton
Language learning is so much more than the text books and tests remembered from school. Classes are fun and interactive, with a variety of ways of learning to suit anyone. Learn about a language and its countries just out of interest, add a valued skill to your CV, or get so much more from your holiday or business visits. Choose from: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian and Spanish.
How do I choose the right level for me?
Look at the descriptions below to help you choose the correct level. If you are still unsure, please ask for advice from our freephone helpline 0800 988 0308. To help you, below is a list showing how each course matches against the level of other national qualifications. Emphasis on all courses is on speaking and listening, accreditation is through ABC Practical Languages, through work done in class.
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Complete Beginners: Beginners – A Starter Course - 6 weeks Aimed at complete beginners, you will be introduced to a range of basic phrases that you will be able to use in practical situations for introducing yourself and ordering food and drinks. This is the first part of a three part beginners course. The emphasis will be on having fun and speaking the language through fun activities and games.
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Entry 3 |
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Beginners – Moving On - 8 weeks (Continuation from the Beginners – A Starter Course) This section will revise and build on what was learned in the Starter course and introduce more everyday vocabulary and situations such as directions and eating out.
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Entry 3 |
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Beginners – Part 2 - 9 weeks (Continuation course from Beginners – Moving On) You can join at this point if you already know the basics of the language. Assumes prior knowledge of basic phrases and vocabulary on topics such as introductions, eating out, shopping, directions. Part 2 includes topics such as: shopping, transport, tourist information, dining out, home and leisure activities, weather, plus revision of beginner topics.
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Entry 3 |
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Spanish for Business – Part 1 Introductory Level A beginners course suitable for all, with the emphasis on helping learners to be able to communicate in simple sentences in business situations eg: introductions, meet and greet, using the telephone, sorting out refreshments, understanding business vocabulary. This can be tailored to the learners’ needs.
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Spanish for Business – Part 2 Improvers Previous knowledge as in Introductory level above is required. Building on this, learners will develop knowledge of more complicated sentences and tenses enabling better communication in business situations. Can be tailored to the learners’ needs
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Year 2 (20 weeks) Builds on beginners course, to include more variety of content. Includes talking about the past and future, personal opinions, likes and dislikes.
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Entry 3/Level 1 (Equivalent GCSE D-G) |
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Year 3 (20 weeks) Consolidates Year 2, aims to develop confidence and fluency.
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Level 1 (Equivalent GCSE D-G) |
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Year 4 (20 weeks) Courses will broaden vocabulary and structures, using present, past, and future tenses and increase confidence and fluency.
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Level 1 (Equivalent GCSE D-G) |
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Year 5 Intermediate (20 weeks) (can take up to two years to complete this level) Further developing Year 4 work, moving towards more complex structures and improving ability to hold conversations in social situations and at work. Based on a variety of current issues and topics.
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Level 2 (Equivalent GCSE A*-C) |
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Year 5+ (Advanced) (10, 10 & 5 weeks, you can enrol for one or more of these course blocks): French and Spanish at certain centres. Varied activities to give confidence in presenting opinions and understanding those of others, through current affairs, personal interests, films, travel, culture. The emphasis on speaking and listening and there will be plenty of opportunity for practising conversation.
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Level 3 (Equivalent AS/A2 Level) |
*At intermediate and advanced levels, the level of the individual courses may vary depending on the makeup of the group. Please ask for further details.
British Sign Language
Level 1 and 2 courses, accredited by Signature, run from September to July each year
British Sign Language Award Level 1
Aimed at complete beginners, this is an accredited course which introduces you to British Sign Language and its culture. There are 3 units, each exam is conducted by your tutor and videoed for submission to Signature, who are the awarding body. Ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about the deaf community and be able to communicate at a basic level effectively.
British Sign Language Certificate Level 2
This is a higher level course aimed at those who achieved a good pass mark at Level 1. There are 3 units testing learners’ skills in understanding BSL, their own production of BSL and a dialogue with the tutor. Interested learners will be referred to a co-ordinator or tutor to assess their skill level before being accepted onto the course.
Makaton
Makaton is an internationally recognised communication programme, used in more than 40 countries worldwide. Most Makaton users are children and adults with learning and communication difficulties, who need it as their main means of communication, but everyone else who shares their lives will also use Makaton. These include the families, carers, friends and professionals such as teachers, speech and language therapists, social workers, playgroup staff, childminders, college lecturers, instructors, nurses, and psychiatrists.
We are offering the following courses:
Makaton Beginners Workshop
Sessions include discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work. Participants must have an interest in early communication skills.
You will also learn the signs and symbols for Stages 1-4 of the Core Vocabulary
Makaton Follow Up Workshop
The Follow-Up Workshop helps you to improve and develop your signing and symbol skills and how to use them effectively every day.
You will revise the signs and symbols you learned during the Beginners’ Workshop and learn the signs and symbols for Stages 5-8 of the Core Vocabulary.
Participants must have completed the Beginners’ Workshop.
Look at further information on Makaton at: www.makaton.org
*Both courses require the purchase of course materials, payment for these will be taken at enrolment.
Information on course content is available in the course information sheets or contact the freephone helpline for advice 0800 988 0308.
Learner quotes
- “I’ve loved the course, because I can really talk to people now when I go on holiday”
- "I feel more confident ordering drinks and food"
- “I really wanted to try again at a language, I never dared to speak out in class at school. I’ve made so much progress!”
- “I can understand jokes and join in at the local bar when I go on holiday”
- “I wish I’d come years ago, school was never like this!”
- “I often travel for work and being able to speak even a little of the language makes so much difference"
Useful links
BBC Languages: Test your level online!
Try the BBC languages website to gauge your level: www.bbc.co.uk/languages
Page Last Updated: 16 May 2013
