01. Who is this course for?
This course is designed to further develop confidence, and improve accuracy & fluency on a wide range of topics, presenting opinions and understanding those of others, on subjects such as current affairs, personal interests, cultural aspects as well as situations encountered when travelling abroad. The emphasis will be on oral communication and the active participation of the learner is essential. Activities will be varied and include use of the internet, recordings, video clips and films, newspaper and magazine articles and book extracts to reflect aspects of cultural & social life. All skills will be developed through individual, pair and group work.
|
02. What will I learn?
You will learn to develop confidence and fluency in a wide range of subjects enabling you to communicate more freely on current affairs, general topics of interest and personal interests. You will build on existing knowledge and extend your range and complexity of vocabulary and grammar (e. g. subjunctive mood, complex relative pronouns). By the end of the course, you will have an increased understanding of authentic written and spoken documents / extracts and deepen your knowledge of the culture.
|
03. How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a variety of learning materials such as DVDs, CDs, practical activities, games, books and the internet. Your progress and achievements will be recognised and recorded throughout your course in a number of ways. For example: Regular dialogue with your tutor, class activities including group, paired work, role play and language games. Spoken and/or written exercises with feedback from your tutor.
|
04. What will I need to bring?
You will need a Pen/pencil and paper for notes. You will be given an A4 folder to store handouts, notes, vocabulary and worksheets so please bring this to class each week.
Details of course materials you may wish to purchase will be given at the first session. A dictionary could be useful but is not essential – please talk to your tutor.
|
05. What skills or experience do I need?
You should have completed a year 6 course in your chosen language with us, or have equivalent knowledge by another means for example 5 years part-time study, or having completed an equivalent course with another provider / have a good working knowledge of the language at GCSE / GCE O level or who have reached this level by other means e.g. frequent visits to a country where the target language is spoken, and have some degree of confidence in discussing matters of general interest to them. A certain amount of time for self-study outside the class is recommended to progress steadily each week. Please speak to a member of staff if you are unsure about your level.
|
06. How will I be assessed?
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor in different forms, and work will be assessed through general classwork / homework and classroom activities. You will also be asked to complete and Individual learning plan (ILP) to record and measure your own progress.
|
07. What could I do after this course?
The ' Advanced Skills & Conversation' classes are divided into 3 ‘parts’, you can progress through these levels year by year, which will continue your learning and knowledge of the language and help you to improve.
Different topics and aspects of grammar are studied in each part. Topics will vary from class to class as we take a learner-centred approach. Topics are chosen throughout the year as the classes progress by tutors and learners together depending on areas interest and current events.
You can also progress onto our ‘Structured conversation’ courses where you will continue learning about various aspects of the Spanish culture, traditions and current affairs through the reading/watching/listening/presentation & discussion of different stimulus.
|
08. How will I be supported in my learning?
We aim to support all learners to succeed. Our tutors will work with all learners to meet individual needs by using a range of resources and teaching methods.
When you enrol on your course you will be asked if you have any additional learning needs or disabilities which may affect your learning. This might include physical disabilities, neurodivergent needs (e.g., Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, etc.), visual and auditory impairments, or a medical condition which might affect your learning. Your tutor will contact you prior to joining the course to discuss what support can be put in place.
For some learners, this may mean organising extra time in exams or arranging for a Learning Support Assistant to support your learning in class. We also offer a wide range of assistive technology such as reader pens, screen readers, large print keyboards and screens, alongside in-class resources such as coloured overlays, large-print resources and more.
|
09. Is help available with course fees?
Many of our courses are FREE to all learners. For fee-paying courses, if you are in receipt of state benefits or have a low income (£26,211.90 before deductions) you could be entitled to enrol on your course for FREE, or at a 70% Reduced Fee cost. If your course is accredited (working towards a formal qualification) your course may be FREE if you earn under £25,000 before deductions. Some exclusions apply, eligibility for fee reduction is subject to change, and you may be required to provide evidence of earnings.
If the amount you must pay for your course is over £50, we offer instalment plans which break down the cost of learning into a set number of easy monthly payments.
If you need help with the wider costs of study, such as childcare, resources, travel, and transport costs, you may be eligible to have these costs reimbursed through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Visit us online for more details, and to download the online application form.
|
10. How do I choose the right course for me?
If you are unsure about which course may be right for you, our team of Learning and Work Advisers are on hand to offer FREE and impartial information, advice and guidance on learning and work options available to you.
To book your free, confidential, and impartial appointment, please call FREEphone 0800 988 0308 or email LALS.LWA@leics.gov.uk.
|