Language courses

Learning a new language can be fun, a challenge and a good way to know more about the culture of the countries where the language is spoken.

Our language courses cover the 4 skills:

  • speaking
  • listening
  • reading
  • writing

You can learn short phrases for a holiday to progressing through the years to get a good level of the 4 skills in the language.

  • year 1 - for beginners, getting a good grounding
  • year 2 - intermediate, learning about tenses and extending vocabulary on different topics
  • year 3 - extending your knowledge and using more complex sentences, giving your opinion etc.
  • you can then join year 4 (structured with grammar) or Advanced Conversation classes to keep practising, getting more fluent

Our qualified tutors, many of them native speakers will take you through each course.

Find a language course

Choosing the right language course

There are 3 parts to language courses, and it is advisable to enrol for part 1, then part 2 and transition (or part 3). Most parts are 10 sessions each.

If you feel you have sufficient knowledge to enrol from part 2, please call the team (see number below) with details of your experience. We will contact the tutor who may wish to give you an informal assessment to check if the course is right for you.

For learning outcomes of each course, please check the Course Information Sheet which give you further information.

For more information contact the Adult Learning Business Support Team.

Year 1, parts 1, 2 and transition or introduction to…

No previous knowledge is required. You will learn to communicate simply but effectively in everyday situations for example shopping, travelling, and eating out.

Year 2, parts 1, 2 and transition

You will need to have completed 40 hours or year 1 of learning or have a “rusty” GCSE or equivalent knowledge of the language for these courses.

You will learn how to talk about past and future events and will extend your vocabulary and topics.

Year 3 parts 1 and 2

You will need to have completed 80 hours or equivalent knowledge of the language, see year 1 and 2 for these courses.

You will be developing your vocabulary, conversation, and discussion skills.

Year 4 parts 1 and 2

These courses are suitable if you want to further your language learning skills such as grammar, conversation, news and have a good knowledge already.

Advanced conversation courses could be right for you if you:

  • can talk about general topics in different situations
  • have some fluency in the language (year 3 or recent GCSE grade 9 to 7, or A to B) and want to practice your speaking skills especially

If you find that the course you have enrolled on is unsuitable, you may be able to transfer to another if available.

Last updated 13 March 2024