Speaking with thought leadership resource Quartz, Schmidt dismissed any notions that adult language learning is back-breaking mental Pilates. “Learners of any age can achieve brilliant, even nativelike, command of the vocabulary of another language”, she explained, “including such challenging structures as idioms or proverbs”. 

In short, not only is adult language learning smoother sailing than you might think. But there are also some very compelling reasons to try it.

What are the Key Benefits of Adult Language Learning?  

Here’s just a few of the multiple different ways in which adult language learning enriches your life –

• Brainpower Boost – Learning a new language in adulthood keeps your cognitive functions stimulated and invigorates your overall intelligence levels.
  

• Improved Career Prospects – Having more than your native language under your belt can open up career channels that might have previously been unavailable to you.

• Expanded Social Opportunities – Embarking on a language learning journey with other adults in the same boat is a great way to forge new friendships. In addition, it puts whole new worlds of social media in other languages at your fingertips.

At award-winning La Academia, we’re preparing to give a ginormous welcome to hundreds of new adult students during the 2022-23 academic year, starting in September 2022. Here’s what’s coming up –

ADULT SPANISH BEGINNERS
From Thursday 15th September 2022 at 1.00-3.00pm
From Thursday 15th September 2022 at 7.00-9.00pm

ADULT FRENCH BEGINNERS
From Monday 19th September 2022 at 7.00-9.00pm

These courses all run for six consecutive weeks at La Academia in Cheadle @ £100.00 per course.

Take a look at our full timetables here and get in touch to secure your place.

 Source
It’s a myth that adults can’t become fluent in a new language, Monika Schmid, Quartz

Apparently it’s a PMA (positive mental attitude) thing. The study uses the term “a multilingual identity”. It’s an interesting concept. But perhaps not an unusual one, when language skills are acknowledged for broadening the horizons and imaginations of high school students for decades.

To this end, the study suggests that even modest language skills improve the self-confidence of GSCE students, instilling them with greater conviction in their ability to do well in ALL their exams.

Language Skills Promote ‘Growth Mindset’

Dr Dee Rutgers, one of the Cambridge academics who carried out the study, explained, “The evidence suggests that the more multilingual you consider yourself to be, the higher your GCSE scores. 

“While we need to understand more about why that relationship exists, it may be that children who see ­themselves as multilingual have a sort of ‘growth mindset’, which impacts on wider attainment.”

The world children are living in is becoming a smaller place and the findings align with this. 24/7 news, connectivity and quicker and more affordable travel have contributed to the world becoming more accessible to all.

As a result, children with language skills are experiencing a wider window on the world that’s having a positive impact on their overall educational achievement.

At La Academia, we’ve never needed any convincing about the life enhancing potency of language skills.  We offer a range of award-winning courses and tuition options to boost your child’s language skills, and also in all core subjects at GSCE level.

So, if you’ve got even a slight concern about them making the grade, we’d love to help.

Source
‘Children exposed to different languages become GCSE superstars in all their subjects’, Miriam Stoppard, The Mirror

Schools continue to be more multi-cultural and diverse. As a result, progressive Trusts, headteachers and their teams are keen to embrace and leverage the melting pot of awe and wonder that comes with having a student base from many and various countries.

In addition, they’re recognising it’s no longer a big wide world their primary and junior students are growing up in.

So, they’re finding it enriching and expansive to use expert and credible KS1 and KS2 language support services for supplementary learning, such as –

• Special culture days that celebrate the Chinese language, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or even Russian.
• Regular Spanish and/or French clubs.
• After school and/or lunchtime Spanish and/or French Clubs.
• Flamenco classes and clubs.
  

But the benefits of KS1 and KS2 language support don’t begin and end with broadening the horizons of 5-11 years old students.

There’s More to External KS1 and KS2 Language Support than the Joy of Language Learning

Schools are enlisting external KS1 and KS2 language support to help them plug gaps caused by the ongoing shortage of language teaching talent on the market.

Teach First explains –

“In an increasingly globalised world, the ability to speak additional languages can provide a major career boost for school leavers. But…There is also currently a shortage of modern foreign languages (MFL) teachers in schools across England. New Spanish and French teachers are particularly needed…”

At La Academia, all our team members are fully qualified teachers who can provide supplementary KS1 and KS2 language support and cover PPA with our lessons.

We’re so convinced you’ll love our KS1 and KS2 language support services we’re offering schools the opportunity to try a MFL taster lesson on us for free!

Get in touch today to arrange your complimentary try-before-you-buy session at –
T – 0161 491 1444
E – info@laacademia.co.uk

Sources 

Help lead a revival in modern foreign language teaching, Teach First
https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/teach-languages

PS. One to tell parents of 7-11 year-olds about – KS2 CHILDREN’S SPANISH FOR BEGINNERS GROUP (YEAR 3 TO YEAR 6) EVERY TUESDAY AT 5.00-6.00PM AT THE LA ACADEMIA SCHOOL IN CHEADLE

Places available immediately!

Our ‘In The Staffroom’ series of articles has been introducing you to some of the wonderful people who help make La Academia such a great place to work and to learn. Our April edition features Kyriaki Koukou, who we all call Kiki.

Kiki is our Greek language goddess. She teaches Ancient Greek, Modern Greek and Latin to our students.

When we caught up with her recently, she told us about the mouth-watering Mediterranean food and the blistering beach weather that keep her longing for her homeland.

Q: You’ve always spoken the Modern Greek language Kiki, but you developed a love for languages from a young age. Tell us about that.
A: Yes, I was born in Greece. I’m a native speaker of the Modern Greek language, and I also learnt Ancient Greek and Latin in high school.

Q: What springs in to your mind when Greece comes up in conversation?
A: The food. Greek cuisine it’s a main part of our culture. In fact, Greek culture revolves around food, all celebrations, a wedding, a christening, a funeral. Absolutely everything. Combine that with the warm weather that lasts for the larger part of the year. Thanks to the weather conditions there are several activities, entertainment and events relevant to Greek culture that can take place outdoors.

Q: How has the Greek language influenced your life and career?
A: Back in Greece, I used to teach Modern Greek mainly as a first language, but also as a foreign language, too. Then I had the opportunity to move to England and continue teaching the Greek language as a foreign language. I still attend personal development courses to keep improving myself and my language skills.

Q: What do you get up to when you’re off duty from everything to do with the Greek language?
A: I love listening to music, baking, cooking, reading in the garden (when the Manchester weather permits!) and going for walks. I’m also a keen cinema-goer. So, I’m looking forward to getting back in front of the big screen in the not too distant future.

Greek is the word for Kiki. Have her musings inspired your interest in learning the Greek language? We’d love to hear from you and talk you through the Ancient and Modern options available at La Academia.

But it’s not just about the football. It’s also about ensuring the youngsters are able to communicate more effectively in the world’s international language on the football pitch.
English tends to be the lingua franca for communication among players, their coaches and managers in high ranking football clubs where many different languages are commonly represented these days.

BSSCA has teamed up with la Academia to provide English language tutoring alongside the football training. The goal is to ensure players can speak, listen to, read and write in English in a variety of everyday situations, encouraged by la Academia’s fantastic teachers. Lots of football, lots of English — and lots of fun.

What better way to learn than to join BSSCA’s and la Academia’s unique course combining English classes with the world’s favourite sport?  Whether you are a future international star or just play football as a hobby, you will love this football and English programme.

Our students come from all around the world for these courses and we offer both residential accommodation and Home Stays. We’re always looking for suitable homes for our students so do get in touch if you can help – a great way for your own kids to learn about other languages and culture too. Who knows – you may even host the next Beckham or Lionel Messi.

Bookings are being taken now for July’s courses.

For more information visit the BCSSA website www.bcssa.co.uk or call 0161 491 1444 or 07772 865 579. A booking form is available here: http://www.bcssa.co.uk/english-book/

La Academia offers homestays in Manchester – living in a family home, visiting Manchester’s sights and enjoying life in one of the UK’s most exciting cities. If you have any overseas friends who would like to study English in Manchester, please put them in touch with us!

Why Homestay in Manchester?

Manchester is one of the UK’s most lively and exciting cities. It offers cultural events, top-level sport with 2 leading Premiership football clubs – Manchester City and Manchester United, world-renowned shopping centres like the Trafford Centre and the Arndale Centre, and above all a lively, buzzing and youthful city.

Outside Manchester itself there is so much to explore – beautiful Cheshire countryside, the moors and the Derbyshire Peak District, and a network of peaceful canals. There is easy access to other exciting cities such as Chester, Leeds and Liverpool.

What are the benefits of a homestay in the UK?

A homestay with an English-speaking family allows the English student to get fully immersed in the language and culture of England. Compared to staying in a hotel, which can be impersonal and rather lonely, the experience of being with a local family can give the student’s English skills a real boost.

Why homestay with la Academia?

La Academia’s host families are often linguists themselves and they understand the challenges that language learners face. All our host families are friendly and welcoming and will do their best to make your stay fun, and to help you with your English.

What’s included in the homestay?

• A 2-week Manchester homestay
• 30 hours of intensive English lessons
• Full immersion in the English way of life and English language during their stay
•  La Academia will help guests book tickets for events
• Our multilingual staff members will be happy to help you with any questions

So if you have friends abroad who want a little more from a stay in the UK, point them to a la Academia homestay! The contact details are: +44 (0) 161 491 1444 and info@laacademia.co.uk

For England fans he will always be remembered as a World Cup Winner with England in 1966, commanding the midfield, winning 106 caps.

English fans who do not support United respect him as a man who showed great loyalty to one club, spending all except his final couple of seasons with Manchester United. His strength to battle through the Munich air crash, with the loss of some great friends and then going on to achieve all that he did is seen as a tremendous accomplishment.

On Sunday at Old Trafford this man, who is a hero to so many, was honoured by Manchester United. The South Stand was renamed as the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. Standing tall and looking fit as ever at 78 Sir Bobby looked quite emotional as the celebrations took place. Fans waved scarves, and shared their thoughts and memories of Sir Bobby on Social Media, as they celebrated the occasion.

For us at la Academia, we see Sir Bobby’s legacy in the youngsters who visit Manchester each year to learn English and play football with fellow “soccer” players from around the world.  Sir Bobby founded the soccer camps 38 years ago. Although he is no longer directly involved with their running, the camps continue to spread his love of football and to inspire youngsters from around the world.

Past soccer camps have inspired players such as David Beckham to become professional footballers. Many other youngsters have taken steps on the road to a professional career, and have made friendships and learned English along the way. Find out more here:

La Academia is delighted to be part of this continuing tradition, started by one of England’s greatest football heroes!

Our motto will be Live, Learn, Play! as we use the interest that the children aged 8-18 have in soccer to develop their English skills. During their time in Manchester (which can be from 1 week to 6 weeks), the young football players will have the chance to see some of England, including touring a Premier League club.

BCSSA was founded by Sir Bobby Charlton more than 30 years ago, and la Academia has been teaching youngsters languages in a fun environment for 15 years. This partnership of the best soccer school with the best language school will give students an amazing experience. There’s no better way to learn English – the language of football, business and international communication – than through enjoyment of a sport which the children love, in a truly international environment!

It was at BCSSA that David Beckham was scouted to play for Manchester United.

The young soccer players will be hosted in accommodation with other children from all corners of the globe, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime English soccer experience; making friends, visiting England, playing lots of soccer, and learning English with their new friends. If you know a local child who loves football, please contact us – youngsters who speak English already don’t have to do the study sessions, and can be non-residential.

Dates for 2016 are Sunday 3rd July to Sunday 14th August. Bookings are being taken now! For more information visit the BCSSA website www.bcssa.co.uk or call 0161 491 1444 or 07772 865 579.

The course starts on Friday June 14th 6-7:30 p.m., and runs for 4 weeks. This gives a total of 6 hours of holiday Spanish for £40 – a real bargain!

Learning a little Spanish before you go on holiday can help you enjoy your stay to the maximum, so give us a ring, email us or fill in the contact form to reserve your place now!

The Children’s Spanish Summer Course will run for 5 days from 5th to 9th August, from 10-11:30 each day, at our language school in Cheadle. This is a total of 7.5 hours of Spanish classes, for a cost of just £37.50.

Our team of native Spanish speakers teach in local schools in Stockport, Manchester and the North West, and we have a proven programme that develops your child’s enthusiasm and confidence in Spanish.

Places on the Spanish Summer course are limited to 10 children aged 7-11 (KS2), so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Do contact us with any questions. Other languages are available for all ages and levels on a one-to-one basis over the summer.