Brief Description

Aims:
This course will allow you to practise the French language that you have already studied or used for a certain number of years and on several occasions (e.g. travelling to France, studying French for your A levels or at university, watching films, listening to songs, etc). However, you won’t require an exhaustive knowledge of French language. This course will help you A) to boost your oral competence (speaking and understanding), B) to familiarise with and exchange on topics taken from culture, politics, current affairs, etc,, C) to enhance your confidence in practising the French language on several occasions (travelling to France, meeting with French people, watching a film, listening to a song, reading in French, etc.), D) to revise and recap some basic grammar points.

Contents:
You will approach and discuss a variety of chosen topics and you are welcome to suggest topics of interest in addition to the planned ones. A variety of class activities will be used to encourage an active usage of the language (e.g. games, listening to audio clips and songs, watching films)

Home preparation and homework:
No weekly preparation is needed before joining each class. On demand you will be given self-directed activities with answers and transcriptions (in the case of a video or a song) to be done at home on a voluntary basis.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

You should have already studied or used the French language for a certain number of years and on several occasions (e.g. travelling to France, studying French for your A levels or at university, watching films, listening to songs, etc)
Finally you should also have an adequate knowledge of prepositions, personal pronouns and the indicative verbs (present, past and future). However, there will be some brief recaps of this basic grammar throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the 30 week course (3 terms) you will have the opportunity to:
• Cope alone in a French-speaking country for essential tourist matters.
• Speak and exchange ideas spontaneously and clearly, if not fluently, about any familiar matter.
• Understand the main points of a conversation between native speakers regardless of the delivery of speech, provided there aren’t too many people speaking at a time.
• Be more familiar with the different registers of language, without necessarily being able to actually master them

For the first session you will need to bring:

You will probably want to make your own notes, so bring along a notebook or folder and something to write with.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you as to the next step. The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This course is a progression from this year’s Improvers course and is suitable for students who have already studied Italian for about two years or who have a good understanding of the spoken language.   Learners will have the opportunity to develop the four language skills to a higher level, enabling them to consolidate and reinforce the language previously learned. The focus will be on conversation but grammar will also be an important component of the course and there will be homework set each week to consolidate the understanding of grammar structures. The course is based on interactive and communicative methods. The textbook used will be Nuovo Espresso 2 (the last two chapters only) for students who already have the book from the previous year, but there is no need to buy the book for new students joining the class.  Class discussions on a variety of topics will take place on a regular basis and learners will be strongly encouraged to take an active part in the lessons.

WHAT WILLL BE COVERED

Term 1

● Meeting people, things you do and don’t do in Italy, what is considered good manners and what is bad manners.

Recounting events.
● Homes in Italy. Vocabulary related to homes, rooms and furniture. Describing a house.

Describing the area where people live.
● Family in Italy. How families have changed over the past 30 or 40 years.
● Babies and children in Italy. I “Mammoni”

Term 2

● (Regional diversity. North and South.

Few facts about Italian history What legacy have the Romans left us? Who were the Etruscans? Garibaldi: a hero or a villain?
● More on food and eating habits. The Mediterranean diet. Rice in the North and pasta everywhere. Why are tomatoes so good for you?

Term 3

Depending on people’s interests and wishes we can explore more on Italian history or have a look at  a few individual cities: Rome and Florence  in particular.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the full one year course students will have revised many grammatical structures and tenses previously studied but also covered more in depth the following:

• use of prepositions
• linking words (connectives)
• stare per +infinitive
• present and perfect subjunctive (don’t worry, it will be explained !)
• Imperative mode
• Impersonal constructions
• Comparatives (taller than, better than) and superlatives (the tallest, the best)
• Idiomatic expressions

TEXT BOOK,

Course book Nuovo Espresso 2 (for those students who already have it. Mostly the last 2 chapters will be covered s the rest of the book was studied in the previous academic year.)

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

A ring binder, paper, dividers and pens.

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, WHAT MIGHT YOUR NEXT STEPS BE?

Learners will be able to proceed to the Upper Intermediate course after 3 terms of this Intermediate course.
The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description

This course is suitable for advanced students who have already reached a good level  of fluency either by attending formal classes or by living, working or having frequent holidays in Italy. A sound knowledge of the language structure and basic grammar is required, together with the ability to read and understand original materials. You are expected to contribute actively to class discussions on a wide range of topics including current affairs, social issues, literature and cinema. You should also be able to demonstrate a high level of interest not only for the Italian language, but also for the Country’s history, culture and society.
The main aim of the course is to teach you how to use and manipulate the language to high standards mainly through the development of speaking skills. Other activities will include research on specific topics, reading of newspapers and literature, presentations, listening exercises and written homework. There will be also some revision of specific elements of grammar upon students’ request.
The course is priced for one term; To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend both terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

The course is suitable for those of you who have already studied Italian for several years. A good understanding of the structure and basic grammar of the language is required, together with the ability to read and understand original materials. You are expected to show a high level of interest not only for the Italian language, but also for the country’s history, culture and society.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course you will be able to:
• express confidently your own opinions on a variety of topics
• read and comment on articles from the national press
• read some modern/contemporary literature and perform a critical appraisal
• appreciate the differences between regions and their inhabitants
• use the language outside the context of the classroom
• construct more complex sentences using a variety of verb forms and tenses

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment

The tutor will provide a variety of materials and there is no compulsory textbook.
You will need a good size bilingual dictionary.

For the first session you will need to bring:

A ring binder, paper, dividers and pens

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

You will be able to continue on this course the following year.
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This course is a progression from the Intermediate course and is suitable for students who have already studied Italian for at least three years or who feel confident in understanding the language. Learners will have the opportunity to develop the four language skills to a more advanced level, enabling them to understand authentic materials from the Italian media and modern literature. The course will be based on interactive and communicative methods and will be taught entirely in Italian. A variety of activities will be used, including group discussions, reading of slightly longer texts on cultural topics, looking in particular at some Italian cities and some famous people who have played a vital role in shaping the thoughts, art or literature of the Country.
Conversation on a variety of topics will take place on a regular basis and learners will be strongly encouraged to participate actively in lessons.
We may look at a famous Italian film and discuss it as a class, with particular reference to the society and historical context in which it is set.
The course is priced for 9 weeks (one term); To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend all three terms (but there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

what will be covered

Term 1

• a famous Italian person :Dante
• an Italian city: FIRENZE
• an Italian film: To be discussed

Term 2

• a  famous Italian person :Giuseppe Verdi
• an Italian city: ROMA
• an Italian film: To be decided

Term 3

a famous Italian person:
Current affairs and life in Italy today
Family, children, education, work

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the one year course learners will have covered the above topics.

They will have also studied the following points of grammar:
revision of main tenses (present, past, future, imperfect and conditional)
the past historic
the subjunctive
passive form
revision and consolidation of pronouns
different conjunctions and linking words

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

A ring binder, paper, dividers and pens.

Extra Costs:

Course book to be discussed in class

Brief Description

This an advanced course. Learners will become proficient in sentence structure and grammar through the study of a variety of different topics from Japanese geography and history to pop culture, focusing on reading and writing skills, listening comprehension and speaking, using material selected to fit the target skill. What you learn will reflect the realities of Japanese as it is actually used. On completion of this course, learners will be ready for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N2 or N3.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This course is for learners who have been developing the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, in order to cultivate overall competence in Japanese. It is suitable for those who have studied Japanese for more than 240 hours

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the one-year course you will have the opportunity to learn:
• the four language skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing, using natural language
• to use correct grammatical structures and communication strategies
• around 2000 kanji to develop the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature
• language required for writing a letter or thesis
• contemporary Japanese customs, culture and social skills

About Your Tutor:

Yukiko Isono has been teaching Japanese in the UK since 1980 and has developed Japanese teaching methods for adult learners. She is the author of “BBC Talk Japanese”.

Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment:

Text book: 中級日本語, an Integrated course in Japanese revised edition ISBN 978-4-7890-1307-9

For the first session you will need to bring:

It is highly recommended that you purchase the specific course textbook before the first lesson. Writing materials.

Examination Fees:

There is no prescribed examination at the end of this course. However the Japan Foundation operates an internationally recognised examination called the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N 3, or N2.

JLPT http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/levelsummary.html

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will give learners the options for further learning.
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description

This course will build upon the basics of the Japanese language learnt in the first term, you will continue to develop basic speaking and listening skills in everyday situations, to read and write Hiragana and Katakana as well as recognise some Kanji, to help you speak with confidence.
To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to both terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This is the 3rd term. You will need approx 30 hours previous experience

Learning Outcomes:

You will cover the following in the first (Autumn) term:
• use greetings, make introductions, and give personal information
• order drinks and snacks at a coffee shop
• offer someone a drink …. and to accept or refuse
• ask for and give directions
• find out about places and how to get there
• read and write Hiragana and Katakana

In the Spring course (9 weeks) you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
• recognise some signs and Kanji
• go shopping, use the post office, or visit a department store, etc.
• change money and ways of paying
• find a hotel room (Western and Japanese style)
• book ahead by phone
• check in at reception
• ask about facilities
• find out about train times
• buy tickets
• ask about public transport
• take a taxi

In the Summer course (9 weeks) you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
• eat out
• talk about likes and dislikes
• ask about items on the menu and order a meal
• pay compliments
• deal with customs at the airport
• cope when feeling ill, visit a doctor or hospital

Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment

Textbook: “BBC Talk Japanese” ISBN: 978-1-40668-019-5
・Workbook: “SHIN NIHONGO NO KISO KANA WORKBOOK”
ISBN: 9784906224289 (approx. £6.00 from Amazon)
For the first session you will need to bring:
Textbook: “BBC Talk Japanese” ISBN: 978-1-40668-019-5 (approx. £10.00 from Amazon)
・Workbook: “SHIN NIHONGO NO KISO KANA WORKBOOK”

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

You will be ready for the Improvers course (after 3 terms of study).
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description

This course is for learners who have completed a beginners course; have had the opportunity to develop basic Japanese conversation skills and can read and write Hiragana and Katakana and some kanji You will build up more speaking, listening, and reading and writing skills with proper grammar and sentence structure. On completion of this course you will be ready for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N 5.
The course is priced for 9 weeks (one term); To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend all 3 terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This course is suitable for learners who have studied Japanese for about 60 hours, are able to read and write Hiragana and Katakana, and manage basic conversation in Japanese.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the 7 weeks you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
・tell about experiences and intentions
・describe qualities or conditions
・give and receive
・describe the present state
・report on information
In the spring course (7 weeks) you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
・make suggestions and give advice
・action giving and receiving
・learn about Japanese culture and events
・compare two items among three or more items
In the summer course (7 weeks) you will have the opportunity to learn how to:
・deal with the hospital
・cause someone to do something
・learn 200 kanji and a vocabulary of 1000 words

Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment:

You will need the textbook, please bring this to your first lesson:
“Genki 1 – An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese”, Second Edition
ISBN: 978-4-7890-1440-3 Publisher: Gakken/Japan Publications

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Japanese Intermediate course (after 3 terms of Improvers).
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description:

This Japanese course is based on a comprehensive approach, developing the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, in order to cultivate overall competence in Japanese. You will become proficient in sentence structure and grammar through the study of a variety of different topics from Japanese geography and history to pop culture. On completion of this course you will be ready for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level N4 or N3.
The course is priced for one term; to complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend all 3 terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND TERM

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This course is suitable if you have studied Japanese for approx. 150 hours, can read and write hiragana, katakana, about 200 kanji, and 2000 words, and have developed the ability to take part in everyday conversation and read and write simple sentences.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the 1st term, you will have the opportunity to learn:

• Dealing at the bank
• Potential verbs
• Volitional form
• あげる/くれる/もらう
• Accommodations in Japan
• Interesting experiences in Japan
• ‘I hear that’
• Transitivity pairs

In the 2nd term you will have the opportunity to learn:
• Job hunting
• Manga
• Write letters and E-mail
• Honorific verbs
• Giving respectful advice
• Extra-modest expressions/humble expressions

In the 3rd term, you will have the opportunity to learn:
• Questions with in larger sentences
• Passive sentences
• Causative sentences/ causative-passive sentences
• Four language skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing, using natural language to recognize and use correct grammatical structures and communication strategies
• Around 400 kanji and 2500 words to develop the ability to converse, read and write about matters of a general nature
• Language required for writing a letter or thesis
• Contemporary Japanese customs, culture and social

Extra costs on the course, for example text book, materials or equipment:

Textbook: げんき2, “An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Genki 2” second edition ISBN 978-4-7890-1443-4. The cost is approximately £35 from Amazon.

For the first session, you will need to bring:

It is highly recommended that you purchase the specific course textbook before the first lesson, once the college has confirmed your course is running.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

You will be able to proceed to a Japanese Advanced course.
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

This Spanish course is suitable for those willing to improve their fluency in the language to an advanced level for work, study or leisure. You will be working towards reaching level C1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The course follows a communicative approach. Teaching and learning will be carried out entirely in Spanish. Learners will be able to build on their previous knowledge to further develop all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening), although particular emphasis will be given to listening and speaking and. Learners will be encouraged to share their knowledge, experience and views in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Continuous assessment will be carried out to measure students’ progress. All learners needs and goals will be taken into account to make the learning experience appealing and meaningful. Although this is not an exam preparation course, guidance and help will be given to those learners willing to sit A Level, DELE or SIELE exams.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED?

This course is suitable for those who have already studied Spanish for 6 years (approximately 350 hours) – or equivalent learning.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Childhood memories:

• Identify vocabulary related to:
• TV, cinema, history and dictatorship in Argentina.
• Family memories and celebrations.
• Make rhetorical questions.
• Use reported speech (estilo indirecto).
• Identify the grammatical structure Lo más + adjective…
• Write a cinema review.

2. Gender equality:

• Identify vocabulary related to gender equality/inequality.
• Differentiate the several meanings that one word can have (polysemy).
• Identify some word collocations.
• Use verbal set phrases to express progressive and finished actions.

3. Develop conversational and listening skills.
4. Watch Spanish videos, TV programs or films.
5. Read and debate news, articles and short stories in Spanish.

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE FOR EXAMPLE TEXT BOOK, MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT:

Textbook C de C1, Curso de Español de Nivel Superior, Publisher Difusión.      ISBN 9788416273485 (approx. cost £20)

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

Notebook and pen

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, WHAT MIGHT YOUR NEXT STEPS BE?

The tutor will advise you of the next step and other Spanish courses.
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Brief Description

Spanish course suitable for those who want to improve their fluency in the language with the guidance of a qualified native Spanish speaking tutor. You will develop your listening and speaking skills along with your reading and writing. This will allow you to cope with everyday and more complex situations in Spanish speaking countries. The course is learner-centred and all needs and goals will be taken into account to make the learning experience appealing and meaningful. Learners are encouraged to use the target language and interact with the tutor and other classmates in a social and enjoyable environment.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This course is suitable for those who have completed a Beginners Spanish course and completed around 60 hours (or equivalent learning).

For knowledge required, check the Spanish Beginners course description.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the one-year course you will have the opportunity to learn how to:

 First Term:

1. Your Spanish learning experience:

• Express habits, duration, and motivation (Recap of Present tense conjugation-regular/irregular).
• Make recommendations.
• Talk about how you feel (Reflexive verb SENTIRSE + adjective).

2. Spain and Latin America past (biographies)

• State facts in the past (Pretérito -Past simple-).

3. Housing:

• Identify types of houses, rooms, furniture and household objects (shape, material, style). Verb SER
• Describe location. Verb ESTAR + prepositions of place.
• Talk about likes and preferences (Present tense Verbs GUSTAR/PREFERIR).
• Make comparisons.

Second Term:

1. Social rules in Spain and Latin America

• Make invitations, greet and introduce people in formal or informal situations.
• Ask favours or objects, give and ask permission and apologise in formal or informal situations.
• State future plans or projects (IR a + Infinitive).
• Talk about temporary actions and situations in the present (ESTAR + Gerund).

2. Tourism and sightseeing

• Give and ask for information on leisure activities or opening times.
• Recount past experiences (Pretérito Perfecto).

3. Healthy eating and drinking habits

• Talk about eating likes and habits.
• Describe a recipe.

 Third Term:

1. Culture and entertainment

• Recount past experiences (Pretérito Perfecto /Pretérito).
• Assess past experiences (Pretérito Perfecto Simple).
• Express wishes (Verb GUSTAR Conditional Mood).

2. Health

• Identify body parts.
• Express pain and symptoms.
• Give advice (Imperative Mood).

3. Comparing the present and the past

• Talk about habits in the past (Pretérito Imperfecto).
• Express agreement and disagreement.

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE FOR EXAMPLE TEXT BOOK, MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT:

Aula Internacional 2 New Edition, Student book & CD. Publisher: Difusión. ISBN: 978-84-1564-010-3

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

This Spanish course is suitable for those willing to improve their fluency in the language at an advanced level for work, study or leisure. You will be working towards reaching level B2-C1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The course follows a communicative approach. Teaching is carried out entirely in Spanish by a qualified native speaker tutor.

Learners will be able to build on their previous knowledge to further develop all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing and listening), although particular emphasis will be given to speaking and listening. Regular homework will be set to consolidate what has been learnt in class. Continuous assessment will be carried out to measure students’ progress.

All students’ needs and goals will be taken into account to make the learning experience appealing and meaningful. Although this is not an exam preparation course, guidance and help will be given to those learners willing to sit A Level, DELE or SIELE exams.

To complete the full course and cover all the learning outcomes listed below you will need to attend three terms (there is no obligation to attend more than one term).

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED?

This course is suitable for those who have already studied Spanish for 5 years (approx. 300 hours.) If you are unsure of your level, please contact the office and they will put you in contact with the tutor.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course you will be able to:

1. Research and make a presentation on a topic related to Spain or Latin American countries.
2. Debate on the subjects presented by other learners.
3. Deliver a Presentation on a piece of news.
4. Read and discuss short stories or articles in Spanish.
5. Watch and discuss videos or TV programmes in Spanish.
6. Differentiate cultural, linguistic and historical features of Hispanic countries.
7. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures with accuracy and fluency.

EXTRA COSTS ON THE COURSE FOR EXAMPLE TEXT BOOK, MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT

TBC

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

Notebook and pen

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, WHAT MIGHT YOUR NEXT STEPS BE?

Learners will be able to proceed to the Spanish Advanced course.
The Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.