In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=headyheady;83665]........ However, I'm a bit old to be taking a GCSE..........[/quote]
I was in my mid 40's when I got my Grade A at GCSE Italian. The eldest person on the course was 70+
Go for it!
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In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[QUOTE=headyheady;83665] However, I'm a bit old to be taking a GCSE:smile:
I'm doing the new OU Italian for Beginners Course - L195 Andante - and before you say you've already been studying Italian for years, so have a few on the course and the reason they are doing this course is to get the qualification. We range from very young to the over 70's so perhaps you ought to try it. Apart from a few gliches with the technical side the course is pretty good and it takes you to GCSE level. Most of the study is on your own but there are online Tutorials and a couple of face to face during the course year. We're all hoping that by next year they have got the next level up and running.
Check out the OU website for more info.
Lorraine
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In order to get funding most language courses in the Uk now have to have some qualification goal, which can attract an extra exam fee, however it does give you something to aim at and when acquired can act as credits towards other courses.
None of this helps the brain work more efficiently however - and I do find retention a problem as I get older. The Italians, however, God bless 'em, are invariably pleased at your efforts and will be very helpful and patient.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
The course I took was a free one at one of the local schools, which has language college status. One of the conditions of funding is that they provide free language classes for adults. It might be worth contacting your local education authority and asking if there are any language schools in the area.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=janie;83787]The course I took was a free one at one of the local schools, which has language college status. One of the conditions of funding is that they provide free language classes for adults. It might be worth contacting your local education authority and asking if there are any language schools in the area.[/quote]
We are currently taking a (beginners) course at our local language college, run by Accrinnton and Rossendale borough. It cost £100 for 30 * 2 hour lessons, it is attended by 18 people with all manner of different reasons for being there. Not all are aspiring property owners.
The course in general follows the BBC material, so home studying is relatively easy and next year it progresses to the GCSE level course.
Ask at your local colleges, because I am really enjoying taking this course and my confidence in using the language (as is all in the class) is growing rapidly.
Andy
[quote=headyheady;83665]I've been learning Italian for a few years now and thought it would be good to have something to show for it. However, I'm a bit old to be taking a GCSE:smile:
Is there a recognised exam or qualification anyone can recommend? I live full-time in the UK but have an apartment in Italy - so it would have to be in the UK i think.[/quote]
Obviously I don't know how old you are but in my view, you're never too old!
I took my GCSE last summer after studying Italian for several years. Our group ranged from a 16 year old who couldn't do Italian at her school, to a retired lecturer. At 42, I was one of the younger members of the group! Although it was quite stressful at the time, the feeling I had when I found out I'd passed with a grade A was worth every minute of the stress.
I've sent you a PM.