A THRIVING Saddleworth language class suggests Brexit won’t force Brits to cut their ties with Europe.
Up to 30 students, at varying stages of expertise, happily attend weekly language classes at the Reclamation Room in Uppermill.
And making the French connection for Sarah Shaw’s adults group means more than knowing the difference between he petit-dejeuner and le repas du soir.
“Improving your memory, exercising your mind and building self-confidence are some of the unsung benefits of learning a language,” says Sarah, a former French A Level teacher and owner of Aspire Languages.
“Add to these the opportunity to meet new people and of course, develop a new skill and there is a very good case for joining an adult language class.
“People come to the classes for a variety of reasons. But one thing that everyone has in common is the desire to learn in a supportive and positive environment whilst having fun.”
Sarah says the key is making classes as enjoyable, engaging and interactive as possible to encourage participation and to ensure that everyone feels comfortable ‘having a go.’
“It sounds like a cliché but making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn and they are inevitable when learning a language,” she explains.
“Knowing that you can try, get it wrong and not be judged is absolutely essential.”
Tony Schuller, who attends classes with his wife and has been learning French with Sarah since September says: “Language classes may sound dry and something to be suffered, which is why I failed so miserably to enjoy French at school.
“But Sarah brings her joy of the language along with her effortless ability to make all of us see our Thursday lessons as one of the highlights of our week.”
And it’s not all desk learning. The group enjoy regular activities including: French cheese and wine evening, meals out and trips to the cinema to see French films.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the group should call Sarah on 07919 072135 or email: aspirelanguages@gmail.com
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