Widen your horizons through the study of language, literature or culture. Learn in an informal and supportive environment with lots of opportunities to develop practical skills. Courses include English Language and Literature, Foreign Languages, British Sign Language and Lip Reading.
British Sign Language
The Level 1 qualification, accredited by CACDP, is designed to enable you to communicate with deaf people on a range of topics which involve simple everyday language.
Lip Reading
Work on lip reading as a social skill and aid better communication, and understand the range of environmental aids available. Understand problems, both social and practical, arising from deafness and work with strategies to cope with social events such as dining out, visits to doctor, hospital or theatre.
English Language and Literature
For GCSE or A Level English, our tutors will advise on the best strategy for you. If you don't want a qualification, but want to read more widely, try our Exploring Literature courses.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages
| Reason to learn |
|
| For your holidays |
To increase your employability |
| To live or work abroad |
To communicate with friends, family and colleagues |
| To help your children |
Or simply because you can! |
Whatever your reason, you will find learning very different from school. You will work in a smaller group with like-minded people, be involved in planning what you learn, have lots of practice speaking and understanding and generally enjoy the experience. A small amount of language can make a huge difference and we offer a range of options to meet different language needs and lifestyles.
Steps courses consist of one 3-hour session with specific objectives. These may be based on general or business needs and some basic cultural knowledge. You may find that learning simple greetings, for example, is enough for your purposes. You may wish to progress to a longer course or self study. A great opportunity to find out if language learning is for you.
Language Days are part of our "Enjoy" concept for those learners who wish to hone and practise previously acquired skills they have learnt. They are designed for improvers to practise the language intensively over 5 hours through a variety of practical activities. This is your chance to refresh your skills and come away thinking in the foreign language - no English for 5 hours!
Longer courses give you the opportunity to learn for two hours a week and gradually build up your skills. Ten week courses progress from term to term provided there are sufficient enrolments.
Accredited courses
Courses accredited by the Asset Languages Scheme will allow you to gain certficates in the different language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, at the appropriate level. This scheme is nationally recognised and used for learners of all ages. Assessments are carried out in normal class time and there are several opportunities throughout the year.
Courses accredited by ABC provide progression for learners who gained qualifications with ABC during the last academic year and wish to continue to the next level. This is a similar system based on a series of assessments within the sessions. Newcomers are welcome but should choose the appropriate level.
A Guide to Foreign Language Levels
If ONE OR MORE of the statements applies to you, choose the indicated level. It is not advisable to join a beginners course for revision purposes. You may need to spend more than one year at Level 2. Some Level 3 courses are broken down into different stages, others welcome learners at a variety of stages within the level. See the pre-course information for further details.
Course levels
| Statements |
|
| I am a complete beginner; I have not had any previous contact with the foreign language. |
Beginners
(Year 1)
|
| I have had a little basic contact with the foreign language, but am unable to put sentences together, use or understand many words. |
Beginners
(Year 1)
|
| I can use and understand set phrases, questions and answers in a limited number of familiar situations with no complications. |
Improvers, Level 1 (Year 2) |
| I have completed a 60-hour beginners’ course. |
Improvers, Level 1 (Year 2) |
| I learnt the foreign language at school, but did not take it as far as GCSE level. |
Improvers, Level 1 (Year 2) |
| I can communicate with some confidence in everyday situations. |
Improvers, Level 2
(Year 3 and beyond)
|
| I can express and understand simple facts in the past, present and future tenses. |
Improvers, Level 2
(Year 3 and beyond)
|
| I have attended an adult education course in this language for approximately two years. |
Improvers, Level 2
(Year 3 and beyond)
|
| I achieved a good grade at GCSE or O’ level and have maintained my skills. |
Advanced
Level 3
(usually year 4 and beyond)
|
| I can use and understand a range of grammatical structures. |
Advanced
Level 3
(usually year 4 and beyond)
|
| I can give extra information in everyday situations and cope with minor complications. |
Advanced
Level 3
(usually year 4 and beyond)
|
| I can express opinions and give reasons with a degree of fluency. |
Advanced
Level 3
(usually year 4 and beyond)
|
| I have spent a substantial amount of time in a country where the language is spoken and wish to increase or maintain my fluency |
Advanced
Level 3
(usually year 4 and beyond)
|
Learner stories
Read stories from previous learners who took this course
Learner stories
Click here to read stories from previous learners who took this course
Finding a course
To search all of our courses online, use the interactive course finder.
You can also view online or print out our course guide (PDF file).
Enrolling on a course
You can print out our Enrolment Form and post it or take it to the Adult Education Centre which is offering the course (the course details will tell you which one this is).
View Adult Education Centre addresses.
Alternatively, you can book online using our interactive course finder. Simply find the course you're interested in, then click 'Book a Place Online' and complete the form.
Contact us
Contact your nearest Adult Education Centre to speak to someone who can give you more information about the course which interests you.
