Learning a Language at SERC - Suitable from Four to Ninety

It is never too late, or early, to pick up a second language.   That’s the message from SERC who are celebrating the fact they have students studying French from ages four to ninety.

Tessa Barrett, Deputy Head of School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages said, “A second language is a wonderful skill to have and can bring great enjoyment to one’s life, whether you choose to learn for pleasure or want to become fluent. I am passionate about languages and strongly feel that starting to learn a second one from a very young age helps children to become confident in all aspects of their education. I have taught languages to adults for thirty years and have seen hundreds of students who started with no knowledge, progress to become completely fluent through attending our language classes at SERC.”

She added, “We all know that young children are like sponges when it comes to learning new things. Starting early means they are less conscientious about how they sound when they speak a new language and just get on with the new words and sounds.”

“Likewise, when we get older, there is a strong body of evidence that supports keeping your brain active. Essentially it is a muscle that needs exercise, and learning a language is one way to help keep it in tip-top condition.”

The College’s language students' range in age from four-year-old Alec Thompson, a pupil at Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, to ninety-year-old David McShane, from Helen’s Bay, both of whom are enjoying learning French.

David, who has progressed from basic French to an advanced level French speaker (Level 4) said, “I have been coming to the College for several years.  Some people might think it has taken a long time to learn French, but I have been coming as much to learn the language as for the social aspect of the class. The Language tutors at SERC are excellent, there is great camaraderie in the course each year and we usually organise a Christmas dinner and end of term, which is always a lovely occasion.

He added, “A second language is a social skill and I have found it does help when you get older.   If you don’t use it, you can quickly lose the vocabulary and the feel for the language.” “I think it is so important for children to learn a second language from a young age and the younger they start, the better.”

When asked if he could fly off anywhere, he said, “It would be nice to have a stroll along the Promenade da la Croisette in Cannes on the Côte d'Azur.   It is the perfect spot for people-watching and just to soak up the atmosphere.”

Olivia Thompson, Alec’s mother, said, “We lived in Switzerland for a while, and I was amazed at how everyone could switch from French to German to English in conversation with such ease, so I think it is great that Alec and his sister Alana (6) are both getting an introduction to another language at an early age. It really opens up their world as they get to know there are other countries and other languages beyond what they know at home.  They particularly enjoy sharing what they are learning with their grandparents each week such as numbers, colours and everyday objects.”

SERC offer a choice of seven languages - French, Spanish, German, Italian, Irish, Japanese, and Arabic – with some courses from beginner level right through to advanced level.  In addition, there are 10-week after school French and Spanish courses for Primary School children.