Languages – Beginners Plus

Parts 1 & 2

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1

Course aims

To enable you to understand and express simple ideas in the target language and exchange and find out basic information in familiar situations.

Course length

Part 1: 10 weeks (20 hours)

Part 2: 10 weeks (20 hours)

Who is this course for?

Part 1:

• For those who have completed a Beginners course (part 2)
• For those who previously studied the language for up to 20 hours
• For those with very basic knowledge of the language.

Part 2:

• For those who have completed a Beginners Plus course (part 1)
• For those who previously studied the language for up to 40 hours
• For those with very basic knowledge of the language. 

Course content

The course explores in more detail topics and functions covered at Beginners level:

• Personal information
• Eating and drinking
• Shopping and services
• Leisure
• Using the new alphabet (for non-Roman script languages)
• Formal and informal language if appropriate
• Negative structure
• Words used to link ideas g. and, but, also
• How to ask questions
• The basic rules of pronunciation
• Cultural aspect
• Simple structures to express like / dislike
• Present tense / timeframe with frequently used verbs / structures
• Basic numerical data.

This is not an exhaustive list. Other topics and language functions may be added or replaced according to the needs of the language and the learners.

How will I be assessed?

This course has no formal qualification; however, your work in class will be assessed by your tutor in order to enhance your learning. You will be expected to take these assessments.

Throughout your course, you will be required to complete your Individual Learning Plan (or Personal Action Plan) which includes your learning objectives, long and short term goals.

You will have opportunities to review your own progress and reflect on how you can further improve your language skills. You will set up your own personal targets (task, project, etc.) which will be reviewed with your tutor via tutorials on a one-to-one basis.

A certificate of achievement may be requested on completion of the course.

What could this course lead to?

A course at Improvers level*
*Please note that we cannot guarantee that this level will be offered as all courses are planned subject to sufficient demand.

How will I learn?

Using the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The emphasis at this level will be on acquiring and practising speaking and listening skills in order to get by in the country. There will be tutor input, group pair and individual work, and use of a range of audiovisual and IT resources. We aim to match the teaching to a wide range of individual learning styles and to make your learning enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. You will be given homework to complete after each session.

Some literacy, numeracy and IT skills can help you learn a language. We can give you guidance and support to acquire these.

Your commitments as a learner:

• Attend every session of your course. If you need to miss a class, please let your tutor know in advance; Learners should consider their personal commitments and circumstances that may prevent attendance before enrolling on a course as missed classes will affect their learning. Missed classes cannot be taken at another time;
• Have sufficient time for self-study and completion of homework; In order to maximise your learning, we strongly recommend that you spend at least 15 minutes every day (2 hours per week) on self-study, homework, language practice, etc.
• Complete the course
• Complete all the assessments.

Our courses are funded by the government on that understanding.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring a pen, paper, ring-binder and you may be required to purchase a course book.

Useful websites

The Birmingham Adult Education Service website www.learnbaes.ac.uk

Brasshouse Languages website: www.brasshouse.ac.uk