A quick guide to finding your level

It is highly recommended that you read this guide before you decide which level suits you.

Communication is the name of the game; the main emphasis of all our language classes will be conversational skills. These courses will equip you to cope in most situations that you could find yourself in whilst on holiday or when meeting foreign visitors in this country. Basic structures and vocabulary will be learned using a wide range of materials. If you are unsure as to which class to go to you should choose the one you think is closest to your level and then ask the teacher's advice.

Please note; that all our Year 1 classes, with some exceptions, are non-accredited i.e. there is no assessment process, and no certificate. Year 2 and upwards including Year 4 are accredited through the Open College, an adult-friendly scheme of assessment in which there is no exam. Please note: as this is an accredited programme, learners will be expected to complete the full 30 week programme. During the course learners will collect a portfolio of completed tasks as evidence of achievement.

Beginners (Year 1) - non accredited (L)
For absolute beginners or those wishing to start again. You will learn to get by in the country of your choice. Topics include greetings, personal information, finding the way, shopping, ordering food and drink, tourist information and using public transport. Some basic grammar will be introduced.

Continuation (Year 2) (Q)
For those who have completed a year 1 course or 'false' beginners e.g.: an old qualification. Topics as above in more depth, also booking accommodation, talking about your home, family, leisure and interests, daily routine, illness and injury. More grammatical structures will be covered.

Intermediate (Year 3) (Q)
You have completed a course at the above level or equivalent. You can talk about yourself, family; hobbies etc. and get by in a number of everyday situations. You can usually understand a native speaker using familiar language; you can read simple texts and are beginning to develop writing skills. You should be able to express yourself in a number of tenses.

Intermediate Plus (Year 4) (Q)
For students of reasonable competence with a good understanding of the language. All four language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) will be developed using a variety of topics. The course aims to develop fluency, accuracy and expression.

Conversation classes - non accredited (L)
Please note that these classes are not for beginners but for learners who have a good knowledge of the language and who wish to extend their vocabulary, gain confidence and increase their fluency. There are two levels:

Year 5 Conversation (L)
For learners with 4/5 years of study or a recent GCSE pass (A-C), or equivalent.

Year 6 + / Advanced Conversation (L)
For competent learners wishing to improve accuracy and develop fluency and variety of expression with the guidance of a native speaker.

L – Leisure Course - progress is recorded by the student and tutor

Q – ABC Qualification course – assessment based with certification

French
German
Italian
Japanese
Mandarin Chinese
Polish
Russian
Sign Language
Spanish

Click on a course to see its details.