22/04/2013, by CLAS

Anyone for grammar in the Easter vacation?

As part of the CLAS Widening Participation programme, specialist tutors from the University’s Language Centre delivered in-house French, German and Spanish intensive study sessions for local 16-19 school language learners between March 25 and 27. The sessions catered for GCSE, AS, A2 level and International Baccalaureate and included the essential skills necessary for succeeding in a foreign language: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing as well as top tips for revision and advice on how best to approach the upcoming examinations.

Ninety pupils from across the East Midlands attended, some travelling for more than two hours to ensure their language skills were polished in time for the return to school and the impending oral exams.

Expectations were often guarded: (of German) … that it would be boring and difficult, and I wouldn’t be able to understand … but the experience was very positive:  [German] was challenging but easy to understand, nice to use current materials …

Any future language students for Nottingham?  Carry on studying? – Definitely!  So useful … standing out from other applicants for jobs.

What did they find the most useful activities of the day?  Amongst other things:   Working together to come up with stories – good to learn vocabulary from peers … grammar (the imperfect) … so many good materials …. video and listening tasks…    

What the Language Centre tutors said:  It’s useful to keep in touch with the current language curriculum in schools and enables us to understand better the problems language learners encounter at that level. The students made the most of this special day, concentrating on their chosen language in a new environment with different tutors.

Maria Cox (German), Language Centre WP representative

Posted in Language CentreOutreach