“There”, “their” or “they’re”? English can be a tricky language to learn, especially if it’s not your first.
To make things easier, Council is now offering two levels of English classes: beginner and intermediate.
For eight years, Council has been running free English language classes for adults on Saturdays to help them improve their speaking and listening skills. The classes are fun and social and cover a good range of interesting topics.
Tutor Julie Cloughley says the classes are an opportunity for students from other countries to practise using English in a safe and encouraging environment. Julie is leading the intermediate classes.
“As the teacher I see my role as providing interesting material on topics that students will want to talk about, using readings, news articles, songs, short videos and games to stimulate discussion.
“Currently we have students from Peru, Chile, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Algeria, Russia, Philippines and Turkey. Last term, we had between 11 and 15 students attending each Saturday so there is a real need for this class.”
With more people wanting to improve their English, a new beginner’s class launched last term. Tutor Eugenie Brain says her beginner’s class has more of a focus on:
- listening
- basic grammar
- building confidence at using short sentences.
“Some of the goals for beginner students include gaining more independence to do things like order food, make appointments, talk to neighbours and understand their grandkids,” Eugenie says.
“Classes are usually themed around a language goal, for example using the verb 'can', asking yes/no questions, or describing a person.”
Classes are free and are run during school terms.
Class details for term 4
When: Saturdays, 11 October – 6 December
Where: Rangiora Town Hall Function Room, 303 High Street
- Beginner class from 9-10am.
- Intermediate class from 10am-1pm (students need to be able to speak about everyday topics).
- Enrolment is essential.
Eugenie Brain | Beginner Tutor
Email: eugeniebrain@gmail.com
Julie Cloughley | Intermediate Tutor
Email: cloughju@hotmail.com
Phone: 027 403 8245