Modern Foreign Language Courses

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1 Modern Foreign Language Courses Daytime and evening courses Saturday morning courses Saturday Immersion days 'Essential' language courses for the love of language

2 Welcome Brasshouse Language Centre Welcome to the Brasshouse Language Centre. We are the country s largest Adult Education Centre specialising in languages. We offer a wide variety of weekly courses in 30 languages as well as special short courses such as: the Saturday Immersion Day, Essential language courses, Tasters and various cultural activities designed to enhance your language learning. Academic Year Enrolment Weeks: Monday 3 Saturday 15 September 2012 Please note that this year there will be 2 enrolment weeks. For times please see under Registration It is expected that all learners will have completed the enrolment process before the start of the course Autumn Term: Monday 17 September Saturday 15 December 2012 (half term: October 2012) Please note: British Sign Language Level 2 Stage 2, GCSE, AS & A Level classes start week beginning 10 September Spring Term: Monday 7 January Thursday 28 March 2013 (half term: February 2013) Summer Term: Friday 12 April Monday 17 June Friday 12 April Monday 15 July 2013 (January Beginners) (half term: 27 May 1 June 2013) The 30 Languages We Offer In 2012/13 we will be offering the following languages and levels, subject to sufficient enrolments: Ancient Greek Arabic and Level 1 British Sign Language to Level 3 stage 1 Cantonese Croatian/Serbian/Bosnian Czech and Level 1 Danish Dutch Finnish French to Level 6 German to Level 5 Greek, Levels 1,3 & 5 Hebrew Hungarian Italian to Level 5 Japanese to Level 4 Korean and Level 2 Latin and Level 2 Mandarin to Level 4 Norwegian to Level 2 Polish to Level 2 Portuguese, Levels 1, 2, 3 & 5 Punjabi Russian to Level 3 Spanish to Level 6 Swedish, Levels 1 & 3 Thai Turkish to Level 2 Urdu and Level 1 Welsh to Level 2 The Right Level We can offer you many different levels in your chosen language and it is vital to start off at the right level in order to get the most out of your language learning. The Brasshouse Levels are as follows: Stage 1 - is for absolute beginners. Stage 2 - is for learners with a little basic knowledge. Level 1 Stage 1 - is for learners who can get by at a basic level. Level 1 Stage 2 - works at the level of a GCSE at grades D-G. Level 2 Stage 1 - works at the level of a GCSE at grades A-C. Level 2 Stage 2 - works at the level of pre-as. Level 3 Stage 1 - works at the level of AS Level. Level 3 Stage 2 - works at the level of A2 Level. Level 4 Stage 1 - works at the level of 1st year Undergraduate. Page 2

3 The content of this brochure is available in alternative formats. Please telephone: Level 4 Stage 2 - works at the level of 2nd year Undergraduate. Level 5 Stage 1 - works at the level of 3rd year Undergraduate. Level 5 Stage 2 - works at Degree Level. Level 6 - works at Postgraduate Level. Test your Level Self Assessment If you are uncertain of your level, you will be able to complete a short self-assessment test to find out which course would be most suitable for you. These self-assessment tests will give you an idea of the level required for each course and are available at the Info Desk and on-line at the Brasshouse website: We strongly advise you to complete this selfassessment before enrolling. Examinations We offer courses leading to a range of examinations in a variety of languages: British Sign Language Levels 1 & 2 GCSE in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish AS/A Level in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish We also offer courses leading to internationally recognised examinations: French DELF (Diplôme d Etudes en Langue Française) French DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) German Zertifikat Deutsch (ÖSD) German Oberstufe Deutsch (ÖSD) Italian Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri (PLIDA) Spanish Instituto Cervantes DELE Intermedio 3 week Introduction course first. During the three weeks learners will be given tests, assessment activities and information to check that they are at the right level. Learners who successfully complete the introduction course will be able to enrol on the main examination course; those learners who are not successful will be re-directed to another level/course. We do not post examination certificates: these will be available for collection from the Fees Desk. Please check dates with your tutor or with the Exams Office. ABC Awards in Practical Languages Learners studying at, Level 1 and Level 2 Stage 1 in Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Turkish & Urdu will gain an ABC Award in Speaking & Listening or in Reading & Writing upon completion of assessments organised in class and marked by the tutor. ABC Intensive courses give learners the opportunity to gain Awards in both Speaking & Listening and in Reading & Writing in one year. Learners who are successful in both Awards will receive an ABC Certificate in Practical Language. Please note: ABC courses receive a higher subsidy from the Skills Funding Agency and learners who enrol on these courses will be expected to complete the assessments. We reserve the right to charge additional fees to learners who do not complete the course or the assessment. The course fee includes a non-refundable assessment fee of 20. We are also an examination centre for: The Institute of Linguists' Diploma in Translation Please note: Examination fees are additional to the course fees. Learners who enrol on a course leading to an examination will be expected to take the examination, otherwise extra fees will be payable. School/college students who enrol on a GCSE, AS or A2 course must take the examination at Brasshouse, otherwise extra fees will be payable. All learners wishing to register on a GCSE, AS or British Sign Language L2 Stage 2 course must successfully complete the compulsory free Page 3

4 The content of this brochure is ava Please telephone: 01 Asset Languages Courses in Cantonese, Swedish and Welsh and also in French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Russian, Spanish & Turkish at levels 2 Stage 2 and Level 3 will continue to be assessed through Asset Languages. We reserve the right to charge additional fees to learners who do not complete the course or the assessment. The course fee includes a non-refundable assessment fee of 12. Short Courses As well as our full year courses, we also offer a range of short courses: Level 2 Stage 1 is an extended practice course, to consolidate what you learned in Level 1. All learners are required to complete this course and the end-of-year internal assessment before moving to the examination course - Level 2 Stage 2. Essential language courses week (15 hours) introductory courses aimed at beginners who want to learn the basics of the language in order to communicate effectively in everyday practical situations. Please see course listing for dates Saturday Immersion Courses 23rd March ( 11 concessionary fee) French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish These whole day immersion courses are an excellent opportunity to reinforce your learning, to consolidate and revise through language activities and to learn more about the culture and countries of the language you are studying. Please note that, in order to reduce costs, lunch will not be provided. There are however many restaurants and sandwich bars in the vicinity of the Brasshouse Language Centre, and the Brasshouse Café will be available for people who wish to bring a packed lunch. Free Tasters: Weeks beginning 3rd & 10th September :30-6:30 p.m. These one-hour courses will give you the opportunity to get a taste of a language and an idea of what will be involved in learning the language. Please see course listing for dates. British Sign Language British Sign Language (BSL) has its own specialised accreditation scheme called Signature, and their examinations are nationally recognised.. All learners are required to complete this course before moving on to Level 1. Level 2 Stage 2 is the course leading to the Level 2 examination. In order to join this course you must already have passed the internal assessment at the end of Level 2 Stage 1. In addition all learners will also be expected to complete a 3 week compulsory introduction course during which learners will be given tests, assessment activities and information to check that they are at the right level. Learners who successfully complete the introduction course will be able to enrol on the BSL Level 2 Stage 2 course; those learners who are not successful will be re-directed to another level/course. The Level 2 examination is divided into 3 units (201, 202 & 203), each of which is assessed separately. On passing all three units you will gain a full BSL certificate at Level 2 awarded by Signature. Level 3 Stage 1. This is a leisure course intended as consolidation and revision for learners who have already achieved BSL Level 2. There is an internal assessment at the end of the course. Please note: We will not be offering an NVQ L3 course in , but we will supply information about courses offered by other providers. We reserve the right to charge additional fees to learners who do not complete the course or the assessment. Level 1 is divided into 3 units (101,102 & 103), each of which is assessed separately. On passing all three units you will gain a full BSL certificate at Level 1 awarded by Signature. Page 4

5 is available in alternative formats. ne: Brasshouse Language Services BLS Language Learning on demand If the language or course you are looking for is not on the list, contact Brasshouse Languages Services/BLS to discuss options. We can organise: One-to-one and small group tuition for personal interest or professional development At a time to suit you Face-to-face, distance learning, Skype link or a combination of formats At Brasshouse Language Centre or at your workplace Intensive, semi-intensive, weekly or flexible appointments Just a few hours or on-going Direct lines: / marie.pringle@birmingham.gov.uk You choose the format. We design the course content around your needs Language Clubs In addition to regular weekly classes and our programme of short courses, the Brasshouse Language Centre also runs more informal language clubs which are intended to familiarise you with aspects of the life and culture of the country whose language you are studying. fee 4.50, unless stated otherwise. Please purchase your ticket at the Fees Desk on the day of the Club. Please see our course listing or website or ask at reception for further details of any of the above courses and language clubs. Open Learning Centre This facility is available to all students at the Brasshouse Language Centre. For a small fee you will be able to use the facilities to supplement your language learning or to arrange a one-to-one session with a tutor for revision or for catching up. Please ask at the Open Learning Centre for details and opening hours. Choosing the Right Course & Enrolment It is very important for us that you receive information, advice and guidance before paying any fees so that you enrol on the course that is right for you. It is expected that all learners will have completed the enrolment process before the start of the course. The Information Desk Our specialist language advisors are available throughout the year to speak to you in person (no appointment needed) at the following times to supply course details and discuss your learning needs. 10:00 to 17:00 during August 10:00 to 20:30 Monday to Friday during term time 11:00 to 14:00 at holiday times during the year Alternatively you can ring Enrolment Weeks: 3rd to 15th September 2012 A team of tutors will be available to give you the necessary information, advice and guidance to enable you to enrol on the course that is most suitable for you. Monday to Thursday: 14:00 20:00 Friday: 14:00 18:00 Saturday: 10:00 12:00. Test Your Level self-assessment tests In order to get an idea of your language level before you enrol, please try the Test Your Level selfassessment tests on the Brasshouse website: To request a brochure including a course listing, please phone: or brasshouse@birmingham.gov.uk Please note: We regret that we are unable to accept online enrolments as we need to ensure that all learners have had the appropriate Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registering. All learners will need to bring proof of identity when enrolling. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Fees Fees are payable in advance for the full course. Please see our course listing for the fee structure as well as the concessionary criteria. Our fees office is open for payment: Monday to Friday during term time: 09:15 to 20:30 Saturday during term time: 09:15 to 12:30 Holiday periods: 09:15 to 16:30 Credit card payments can be made over the phone if you have already had Information, Advice and Guidance about your registration and if you are paying the standard fee. We accept all credit and debit cards except American Express. Page 5

6 The content of this brochure is ava Please telephone: 01 Payment by Direct Debit may be available. Please ask at Fees Desk for more information. Please make cheques payable to Birmingham City Council. Please note: Learners will not be permitted to attend courses without prior payment. Tutors will ask for proof of enrolment before accepting learners in their class Concessionary Fees Course fees will depend on the type of course, how long it is and your circumstances. For details on course costs and to check your eligibility for any discounts or concessions, please check our website at or call our Information Line on Many of our introduction courses are FREE and concessions and discounts are available for those on Job Seekers Allowance and other benefits. Please ask at your local centre for more details. You will need to register in person and show evidence of your entitlement to a concession or discount at the time of registration. If you are unable to do this and have to pay by post or telephone, or if the evidence is not available at the time of registration, the full fee will be charged and the difference refunded when proof of entitlement is produced. Our course fees are subsidised by the Skills Funding Agency. Learners will therefore be accepted for a maximum of 2 language courses (must be 2 different languages) in any one academic year. Any further enrolments will be charged at the full fee of 8 per hour. Additional Costs Please bear in mind that books and other materials are not included in the fees and that in some courses the exam fee is additional. Learners are required to buy the course book and to bring it to the lesson. Cancellations and Refunds A refund will only be given if your course is closed and in that case a pro-rata refund will be issued to those learners who have been in regular attendance. Learners withdrawing from a course are not entitled to a refund. In some cases we can permit learners to transfer the balance of their payment for a course to another BAES course in the same academic year. We try very hard to avoid closing classes; however, classes can only run subject to sufficient numbers of enrolled learners. We reserve the right to run courses at our discretion. Page 6 In the event of closure of the Centre due to unforeseen circumstances (snow etc.), an announcement will be made through local radio (BBC Radio WM and BRMB) and a recorded telephone message will be available on: Transfers It is usually possible to transfer to a different class if your circumstances change or if you are enrolled at the wrong level. Please consult your tutor or an advisor at the Info Desk to discuss the alternatives available. Learner Responsibility Regular attendance and commitment are essential in order for you to progress with your language learning. Before registering please be sure that you will be able to: attend regularly and punctually have sufficient time for self-study complete the course complete the required assessment or examination for your course Attendance Learners are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of the course. Government subsidy for our courses is dependent on learners completion of the course and their achievement in the end-of-course examination/ assessment. We reserve the right to charge full course fees ( 8 per hour) to any learner whose attendance record is below 90%. Children Please note that our courses are not open to children under the age of 16 on 31st August Brasshouse Translation and Interpreting Services (BTIS) Birmingham City Council s corporate translation and interpreting agency offers interpreting and translation in most world languages. Whether you need a technical manual or a birth certificate translated or even an interpreter for a wedding BTIS will be happy to help. BTIS also offers an accessible information service. If you need advice on how to make sure that information is accessible to people with sight loss, or if you need a British Sign Language signer, we are the people to contact. We also transcribe text into Braille. Telephone interpreting can be booked in advance by calling the telephone number below. For more information please phone (for translation and interpreting) or (for making information accessible)

7 s available in alternative formats. ne: Your Views We are interested in knowing what you think about our services. If you have any problems which your tutor cannot resolve, forms are available for you to register any complaints, comments or compliments. Alternatively you may wish to use the anonymous feedback book. Please ask at the Welcome Desk. We will also be organising Learner Forums and some short surveys in the reception area during the year for instant feedback. Dates of Learner Forums to be announced later. Equality of Opportunity The staff at the Brasshouse Centre is keen to ensure that all learners have an equal opportunity to learn and to access our services. If you have any particular needs, or if you are facing any difficulties, please speak to a member of our staff. All information will be treated confidentially and we will work with you to support your learning in the best way we can. This brochure can be made available in a range of formats to make it more accessible to you. Please contact us on to discuss your requirements. All telephone numbers are accessible via Text Relay. How to find us Contact us Brasshouse Language Centre, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ Telephone: Fax: brasshouse@birmingham.gov.uk Brasshouse Website: New web address from October: Birmingham Adult Education Service Website: Page 7

8 I need this course as a qualification for higher education German AS Level Learner My daughter-in-law is Brazilian and I am learning Portuguese to talk with her family Portuguese Learner My French has come on in leaps and bounds. I can now enjoy French films at the MAC cinema The Brasshouse Centre French DELF B2 Learner offers an outstanding range of provision The range and levels Language study has helped me to keep alert in retirement. It helps to keep me mentally agile Spanish Learner I use Chinese at work to speak to our supplier from China. It helps our communication Mandarin Learner of languages are exceptional OFSTED Inspection March 2011 I have been offered a job in Sweden Swedish Learner Contact us Brasshouse Language Centre, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ Tel: Fax: Information, advice and guidance: General enquiries: To request a brochure: or brasshouse@birmingham.gov.uk brasshouse@birmingham.gov.uk Brasshouse Website: New web address from October: Birmingham Adult Education Service Website: