Why Study Languages?
The importance of speaking a second language in an increasingly global economy is recognised by the government and business leaders. It is therefore not surprising that language graduates are highly sought by employers in view of the transferable skills (e.g. communication, independence and flexibility) that they have developed as part of their degree studies. Studying a language will undoubtedly provide students with significantly increased job opportunities, as well as a fascinating insight into another culture.
Here at Oldham Sixth Form College our experienced and enthusiastic staff will provide you with excellent tuition and support to help you fulfil your potential in French, German, Spanish or Urdu. Our four foreign language assistants will work with each student on a one-to-one basis to order to prepare for the oral exams. All students have the opportunity to participate in an exchange visit in order to further develop language skills and heighten cultural awareness. The open-access digital language lab allows students to work on an independent basis at a suitable pace.
Student Case Studies - Website
Outstanding Support
As a language student you will be treated as an individual and everybody within the department will do their best to help you achieve success and enjoy your studies. Here are some of the examples of how we will help you to succeed:
Sessions with a Language Assistant
Each A level student will attend a 30 minute timetabled oral session with a native speaker every week. These individual weekly sessions are an excellent opportunity for students to develop their general conversation skills and to carry out thorough preparation for the oral exam. This distinctive feature of the department is always highly praised in student reviews at the end of each year.
Workshops
Each language organises workshops for students at suitable times during the week. Students find the sessions very useful if they are unsure about certain aspects of grammar or need individual help with particular aspects of their work.
Aim Higher
Each language arranges a weekly Aim Higher meeting for students with a special aptitude or who are intending to study the language at university. These small groups focus on providing extension activities that will develop more advanced language skills and enhance the possibility of gaining admission to the most prestigious universities.
Exchange Visits
Our well established programme of exchange visits provides students with an excellent opportunity to improve their language skills and develop their cultural awareness.
France
Our partner college is located in Le Mans, a pleasant medium-sized town in the Pays de La Loire region. A particular feature of the visit is the three day work experience placement in a primary school, which gives students an invaluable insight into the French education system, as well as providing ample opportunity for further developing communication skills.
Germany
Our annual exchange is with a college in Berlin. In addition to practicing their language skills and gaining an insight into everyday German life by living with a family and attending college, students have the tremendous opportunity to experience life in this unique, exciting city which is a centre of immense cultural and historical significance.
Spain
Students visit Cantabria in the north of Spain and benefit from a variety of experiences including living with a family, taking part in Spanish lessons at our partner school and undertaking a two day work placement in a primary school. They also visit Santander and other places of interest. The visit aims to give them a valuable insight into what living in spain is really like.
Enrichment
In addition to the AS level course the department also offers Foreign Language at Work (FLAW) courses that give students the chance to learn a new language over 14 weeks (German, Italian or Spanish). In both instances the courses focus on developing speaking and listening skills in a vocational context for particular use in future employment. You will also have the opportunity to attend some taster sessions in less common languages such as Chinese, Russian or Portuguese.
Facilities
We are proud of the range of facilities available to students to help language learning. The digital language lab allows students to work at their own pace during lessons, as well as being available for independent study. Our extensive moodle site is very useful in helping students to develop language skills and carry out research. Students also appreciate the opportunity to borrow foreign language DVD's in order to improve their communication skills and cultural knowledge.
Meet the Staff
Mike Owen - Head of Department
Sandra Smith - French Assistant
Bernadette Feeney - Head of Spanish
Martine Marshall - French Assistant
John Page - Head of German
Gonzalo Fernandez-Mardomingo - Spanish Assistant
Birgit Winnington - German Assistant
