Social English Classes Bridge Culture Gap

The City has run the successful English language sessions for 12 years. The classes run for 10 weeks every Thursday and help attendees to improve their spoken and written English.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said, “Most of us speak English as a first language so we take it for granted that we can easily communicate. However, there are many residents in the City who, due to their language barrier, have difficulty with the simple English required to catch a bus or buy groceries.”

“The Social English classes provide an opportunity for non-English speaking residents to fully participate in the community. Social English classes foster links between the English and non-English speaking communities, enhancing social integration.”

The classes are informative but informal with no examination pressure. The focus is on creating a friendly, relaxed environment while imparting the knowledge of grammar, building vocabulary and improving conversational English.

The sessions are held at AH Bracks Library, Willagee Community Centre and Civic Square Library and are available in Beginners Conversation, Intermediate Conversation and Intermediate Grammar categories.

City of Melville Intermediate Grammar Tutor Glenys MacDonald said, “I try to immerse the students in the language by providing interesting topics delivered in a fun way”.

“Students of all ages and every type of background attend and some return to repeat the course many times, not only because of the improvement in their written and spoken English, but because of the friendships they form”.

“Students can even prepare and share food from their cultures at the end of term. The fact that the students are reluctant to leave at the end of the sessions is a measure of their enjoyment of the classes”, Ms MacDonald said.

Enquiries about the course timetable and how to enrol can be made by contacting 1300 635 845 or visiting www.melvillecity.com.au/socialenglish