What level should I join?

All our courses are at level 1 University, Level 4 CQFW:

http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/170712-cqfw-fan-diagram-en.pdf

 

For you to decide which course to join, please see the table below:

NQF

NC Levels

General Qualifications

LL stages

CEF (approx)

Courses in

Lifelong Learning


Entry Level


1 - 3


Entry 1 - 3


Breakthrough: 1-3


A1 (A2)

Beginners1 and 2

Improvers 1 and 2


Level 1


4 - 6


Foundation GCSE


Preliminary: 4-6


A2 (B1)

Improvers 2 and Intermediate


Level 2


7 - EP


Higher GCSE


Intermediate: 7-9


B1

Higher Intermediate and Advanced 1


Level 3

 


AS/A/AEA


Advanced: 10-12


B2

Advanced 1 and Advanced 2


Level 4

 

 


Proficiency: 13


C1

 Advanced 2 and others in French, German, Russian and Spanish


Level 5

 

 


Mastery: 14


C2

 

Please notice that we have changed the name of the following courses in all languages:
Beginners 3 is now Improvers 1, Beginners 4 is now Improvers 2, and Lower intermediate is now Intermediate.

Beginners 1 and 2

These modules are designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language. They aim to introduce students to the sounds, basic structures, common vocabulary and expressions of the language. They will enable you to reach an intelligent appreciation of the functioning and conventions of the language. They will equip you with a basic knowledge of the countries where the language is spoken and encourage your curiosity about the country, the people, their environment, society, traditions and culture. These modules are 10 weeks each.

Improvers 1 and 2

These are a continuation of the Beginners 1 courses. However, students with a basic knowledge of the language may enrol at this level if they wish. During this year you will develop the skills to cope with a wider range of situations. The courses will help you to revise the sounds, basic structures, common vocabulary and expressions of the language and develop an awareness of register and context, from everyday to specific situations. They will equip you with a basic knowledge of the countries where the language is spoken and encourage your curiosity about the language and the various contexts within which it is used.
At the end of Improvers 2 level you should have reached a GCSE level or similar.
These modules are 10 weeks each.

Intermediate and Higher Intermediate

If you enrol at this level you should have a good basic knowledge of the language (GCSE or similar). The courses cover similar topics to those dealt with at Beginners Level but in greater depth and with a wider range of grammatical structures. You will develop confidence in coping not only with routine but also non-routine situations. The modules aim to improve your ability to understand and read the language and to express yourself orally and in writing. Their aim is to enable you to extend your languages skills in the performance of general and specific tasks. They also aim to develop your knowledge of the society of the countries where the language is spoken.

At the end of these modules you should have reached ‘A’ Level or similar. These modules are 20 weeks each.

Advanced 1 and 2

You should be reasonably proficient (near ‘A’ Level or similar) in all skill areas and have a good knowledge of grammar and structures. You should be able to understand native speakers without too much difficulty, maintain a conversation even though there may be inaccuracies. You will improve your linguistic skills and also explore further culture, politics and institutions through press, radio, television and Internet material. The topicbased content of the modules is strongly contemporary and is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of key social, political, cultural and economic structures. These modules are 20 weeks each.

CULTURE AND LANGUAGE MODULES

Extra Courses’ in all Languages and Levels: term 3

These courses are available in all the languages we offer, and we hope they support and enhance your learning experience with us.

‘Extra’ courses offer several benefits for you, and we hope you can join us. They have been created to complement your studies and to ease the road towards the Certificate of Higher Education: Modern Languages (CHE:ML) at different levels.

We hope these courses will keep you motivated and supported, and with the continuation of regular practice they will allow you to become even more fluent and confident, in all the different skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking.

They would also support and encourage those of you that have been away from learning languages for some time, as they offer more flexible revision. Students wanting to join the CHE: ML at different levels would be able to do so gradually, and benefit from taking these courses. With the ‘Extra’ courses you will be better prepared for the new academic year.

The courses, however, do not form part of the CHE: ML, and the credits don’t count towards the CHE:ML.