Languages

The group is at an advanced level. The first hour is spent in conversation, with each member bringing something that interests them to the table. The second hour is spent reading and translating an article, chosen by members in turn, which is sent out a week in advance. We would welcome new members to the group.

Whilst there is a wide range of linguistic competence within the group, all members are nevertheless encouraged to participate as fully as possible in the relaxed atmosphere. Subjects of conversation include members' recent holidays, theatre visits etc. We also read interesting magazine articles which expand our knowledge of French life and culture past and present. The group is currently full. However, anyone interested in joining at a later date is welcome to contact the leader.

We are an informal group, and at varied levels of competence, but we enjoy speaking together, and don't study any books etc! Please note the group is currently full.

This group is for those who already know some French and wish to improve it through conversation. We meet over lunchtime and participants bring their own lunch. The group uses French for the whole session, with support and translation.

We call this group "French polishing" as we aim to improve our existing use of French language through speaking together. It is not designed for beginners; nor is it a structured educational group, but instead an opportunity to get talking in an informal and supportive setting. The standard is intermediate level, but have some spaces for people who are capable speakers whose fluency has become rusty.

This is a small group for complete beginners who want to get a flavour of French and learn the basics of French conversation, with the emphasis on speaking, listening and gaining confidence and the goal of learning enough to manage everyday situations. Sorry, but there is a long waiting list. Please see the webpage and/or contact the leader for the latest information.

We expect members to be able to speak French fluently, to take part in discussions and on occasions to lead them.

Members simply relax and chat in French on anything and everything. There is no preparation, no grammar and no homework!

Members simply relax and chat in French on anything and everything. There is no preparation, no grammar and no homework!

The aim of the group is to improve confidence, accuracy and fluency in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Members subscribe to a French magazine, Rendez-vous, which comes out every two months, has a wide variety of interesting articles and keeps us up-to-date with vocabulary as well as with events in France.

Our course uses a structured format to improve members’ vocabulary, grammar, spelling, sentence construction, listening and responding skills. We listen to tapes (native speakers) and participate in role-plays relating to everyday real life situations.

We have been following the BBC Talk German course and the group have now completed their first year of study. We are serious about learning and aren’t afraid to tackle all aspects of the language, but in a relaxed environment where camaraderie and fun are also important! We have room for one or two new members but a certain level of competency will be necessary.

We speak in German about anything and everything, what we have done in the last week, topics suggested by members or anything else that takes our fancy. We help one another out with vocabulary and there is no grammar and no homework. Everybody with an interest in the German language at whatever level is welcome, even if you just want to listen in.

Members have a working knowledge of German and, though not yet fluent, can understand and hold conversations in German. We will be using a range of materials including written and broadcast news and German literature. We will also be taking a more practical approach with the use of role plays and word games to expand vocabulary and aid conversation. At present the group is full with a waiting list.

For people with a range of fluency in the language, we converse, read and discuss various topics usually on Italian art and culture. NOT for absolute beginners.

The group will continue to follow the GCSE course, which started in September 2022. If you have a basic grasp of Latin and wish to brush up former skills, you will be most welcome to join us.

This group is for students who are already familiar and confident with the alphabet and are ready to start at Lesson 3 of the course book [Ruslan Russian 1]. A degree of flexibility enables us to follow participants’ interests and learn about Russia as we progress. The group includes some who are refreshing previous knowledge from O level etc. or started from scratch with u3a.

This group is for beginners and is a 2 year course

This is a group of those who can converse easily in Spanish about their lives and the world around them - past, present and future - and who seek out interesting snippets of information to share, thus extending our Spanish vocabulary as well as our general (and specific) knowledge.

Members have varying levels of fluency and prefer to learn the language through conversation. Preparation is not essential, and we have no theme, but most members come with ideas and prepare a few sentences in Spanish.

Our aim is to introduce the Spanish language and way of life through speech and written work, and by videos and oral cassettes as well as books. At holiday times the group will be given the choice of whether to meet.