Friday, 25 February 2011

ALL - 'Culture Call' - a new conversation group

Well, the second semester is nearly here and I'm already getting quite excited about a new group that will begin next semester - the group is called 'Culture Call' and is open to all of you, whatever your level of English.

What is 'Culture Call'?
'Culture Call' is a group that will meet up to speak in English each week.

Speak about...what, precisely?
Well - that's up to you. I'll be there, to add ideas if necessary, but I'd like you to propose interesting topics to speak about each week. Topics could include culture, society, current affairs, films, art, books, the environment ...more or less anything - it's up to you.

Who must come?
Nobody must come, but you can - it's not an obligatory part of your course - but it'll be fun!

Will I have to do written work for 'Culture Call'?
No, of course not! It's a conversation group and is in no way connected to your language courses and grades. In fact I will not accept written work to be checked in 'Culture Call'.

The only thing necessary to do at home is to think about what you'd like to speak about, and maybe read some articles about it in preparation (if you like).

Is there a cost?
Of course not, it's free.

Will it be fun?
Yes! We shall make it fun!

When/where will it be?
Ahhh, I knew you would eventually ask me the difficult question! ...At the moment I'm not sure. The group will begin in week two of semester two, with a weekly one-hour session. When will it be? Where will it be? ...I need your help. If you're interested in participating, please click to vote on the simple poll (in the side-bar to the right) to let me know which time/day would be best for you. When the survey closes I will choose the session that most people can attend.

Shall I join in, then?
Yes! What are you waiting for?!

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

ALL - new semester

A quick message to let you know that the new timetable can now be found on the Faculty website. Please check our class times and rooms carefully.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all again next week - back again full of energy and some new ideas.

See you next week!

Wednesday, 2 February 2011

ALL - a little hello

Hello to you all, for those of you who are giving exams at the moment - the best of luck; I hope things are going well.

Please remember the work that was set at the end of semester 1 (assignments and grammar chapters) - a few people have already sent me some work, but I was expecting to see more. It's really important ...or rather, essential... that you keep practising your written English both in preparation for the end of year exam (as a close objective) but also for your English skills in general (as a constant objective of continuing improvement, which goes way beyond the duration of your university studies).

So, if you already have assignments ready - you can already e-mail them to me, I'm already accepting and correcting them. If you haven't yet done them - do get practising, because the inter-semester break is long, and like a sport or a musical instrument, your languages need constant practice.

More news coming soon about semester two...

Bye for now!