Languages

Course Information

Language skills are beneficial in travel and work. The Language programme covers:

* French
* German
* Greek
* Italian
* Japanese
* Polish
* Spanish
* Mandarin Chinese

You choose if you do a certificate or do the course for fun. The European language courses are offered through The Regional Open College Network up to level 3. OCR certificates also available. Other languages may not involve studying for a certificate.Although a certificate of attendance will record your achievements.

Tutors who can teach other languages are welcome to contact the Adult Education Service so that we can offer more courses.

Learning a language can lead to the satisfaction of being able to communicate freely which can be of benefit on holiday, or through career opportunities in the rapidly developing international job market. Some examples of careers are as interpreters, translators, teaching, bilingual secretary, sales and clerical work.

Course Entry Requirements

You should be able to read, write and be willing to join in spoken group work. You should have done the level below the level you are joining. There are no entry requirements for any of these courses.

What Will I Learn?

Initially you will be taught the basics such as the 24 hour clock, simple communication skills plus recognition of signs and place names. You will then be able to develop your knowledge through to levels 2 and 3 giving you the confidence to communicate in a wide range of circumstances. For example:

* Making arrangements for accommodation and travel
* Seeking medical assistance
* Writing short messages and letters
* Conversations

Teaching is based on informal sessions allowing you to develop at your own pace. The emphasis is on spoken language. Small group work, videos, computers with Internet access and CDs are all used to improve the quality of the language learning experience.

Assessment and Accreditation

Continuous practical assessment will take place during the course as well as a portfolio of evidence prepared for external moderation by those people who would like to do the OCN certificate. You might choose to do the OCR certificate in some classes. This will involve a short exam at the end of the course and a charge for the exam entry for full fee learners.

What Should I Bring?

Pen and Notebook, further information will be available through your tutor at the first session.

What Can I Do Next?

Develop advanced language skills by working towards higher accredita- tion with OCR. These courses will suit people wishing to pursue higher level studies in languages and are looking for a sound basis for further development of language skills. GCSEs, A levels and University degrees in languages are also on offer with other providers. Further guidance can be obtained from;
Peter Samson, MAES Languages Coordinator.
Telephone....01642 304225
e-mail.......southlands@maes.ac.uk

Online resources are also used through our Virtual Learning Environment.
Contact Peter for more details.