This is an online course taught via Zoom

What will I be learning?

You will learn more about Italian art and language. During this course you will learn how to describe and talk about art in Italian, as well as learn about the Italian artwork and artists.

You will be able to practice the Italian language in discussions with others who have similar interests in a friendly environment. You will be guided and supported by our experienced, native speaking tutor and you will build up your speaking skills and confidence, as well as develop an ability to interact in a personal manner with works of art.

During this course you will:

• Learn about Leonardo’s and Michelangelo’s life and career
• Learn about their cultural context
• Explore and learn about their greatest masterpieces
• Learn to appreciate the rich and influential aspects of Italian Renaissance art
• Learn Italian vocabulary about art

Does the course lead to a qualification?

No, this course does not lead to a qualification

Who is the course for?

Anyone who has previous knowledge of the language to at least intermediate (GCSE) level.

What do I need to bring?

Bring yourself, pen and paper, your smile and a willingness to have a go. These sessions will be very relaxed and fun!

What can I expect to be doing in classes?

Taking part in activities together, in pairs and small groups to:

• Learn new vocabulary and cultural facts
• Create dialogues and presentations on your chosen topic(s)
• Practise listening and speaking
• Participate in games and quizzes
• Complete reading and writing exercises
• Ask questions, discuss and understand key language, culture and communication concepts all along the way

Additional Requirements

In order to be able to participate in this course you must:

1. Have access to regular, stable internet connection

2. Have access to a smartphone, tablet or preferably a PC/Laptop. Occasionally you may need to use your smartphone/tablet as a backup for the class, but this will not support all the features that are required to participate effectively in the classes.

3. Have an up-to-date email address and be able to confidently communicate via email.

Additional Information / How will I learn?

The class will be 2hrs, once a week. It will be a mixture of live online delivery (via Zoom) and distance learning (via email and/or other secure platform). At enrolment, you need to provide a current email address.

In addition, you will be expected to complete some independent study outside the class each week. Your tutor will advise you according to your goals and progress.

About Zoom 

If you have not used Zoom before, you need to familiarise yourself with the basics.

Prior to starting the class, you will need to have read the DALS Zoom guidance policy. This will be sent to you via email and you will need to reply to your tutor to confirm you have read and accepted the policy.

About DALS online teaching and learning platform: Derbylearn 

Your tutor may ask you to register for a user account at www.derbylearn.net, our secure online platform. For this you will need to:

• Supply your email address
• Choose a user name
• Choose a secure password.

Support with preparing for online learning 

If you have any difficulties with using either Zoom or Derbylearn then please consult with your tutor who will try to help.

You can expect:

• A confidence building environment
• Regular contact with your tutor
• Meet like-minded people and practise your new skills and knowledge together
• Fun!

Home Study and Learning Resources

• Time to consolidate learning at your own pace
• Activity sheets, learning projects, online resources and/or set books as advised by your tutor

How will I know how I am progressing during the course?

At DALS, we use an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to set and review targets and provide feedback, enabling continual reflection and evaluation throughout the course. Learners will also receive verbal and/or written feedback on marked work. Learners will use their ILP to help track and monitor their own progress towards set goals, to support personal development and achievement.

Is there an exam?

There is no formal exam, although there is continual evaluation throughout the course. This course does not lead to a qualification, but it can be very helpful on your way to a qualification course in the future.

Health and Wellbeing

The slogan you see on our brochures and leaflets is:   meet  enjoy  learn  achieve .

This is because we believe that taking part in adult and community learning can open the door to new friendships, give you something enjoyable and worthwhile to do with your time, enable you to learn something new and give you a sense of achievement. That's got to make you feel good!