Language Steps

Which step is right for you? We look forward to welcoming you on your language journey with Belfast Met!

Step 1 - Beginner 12 weeks

For complete beginners. Basic activities.
Course level: speaking and listening unit
Topics: greetings, talking about yourself, family, work, weather, time, directions, shopping,
accommodation, snacks, drinks
There is no exam or formal assessment on this course

Step 2 Beginner Plus 12 weeks

Course level: reading and writing unit
Students should have completed step 1 or be at the same level. Structured activities.
Step 1 topics plus telephone, restaurant bookings, public transport and public services.
You will be consolidating your speaking and listening skills, while working on your reading and
writing skills.
Course level: reading and writing unit
There is no exam or formal assessment on this course

Step 3 Improver 30 weeks

Course Level: OCNNI Level 1
Students should have completed step 1 and 2 or be at the same level
Routine situations: more elaborate bookings, social arrangements, tourist information, health, complaints and personal reactions. Mostly spoken communication, while developing further the reading, writing skills alongside with relevant grammatical structures.
Assessment is a key component of this course:
Ongoing assessment in speaking and listening leading to 6 credits at Entry 3 and the OCNNI Level 1Award

Step 4 Improver plus 30 weeks

Students should have completed step 3 or be at the same level
Course Level: OCN Level 1
Routine situations you may encounter while abroad
Skills: emphasis on spoken communication but more elaborate writing and grammar
Assessment is a key component of this course:
Ongoing assessment in reading and writing leading to 6 credits at Level 1 Award OCNNI

Step 5 Pre-Intermediate 30 weeks

Course Level: OCN level 2
Students should have completed step 4 or be at the same level
Day-to-day situations: more elaborate bookings, social arrangements, tourist information, health,
complaints and personal reactions
Emphasis on spoken communication while further developing the reading and writing skills
alongside with relevant grammatical structures.
Assessment is a key component of this course:
Ongoing assessment in speaking and listening leading to 6 credits at Level 2 Award OCNNI

Step 6 Intermediate 30 weeks

Students should have completed step 5 or be at the same level
Course Level: OCN Level 2
Day-to-day situations you may encounter while abroad
Skills: focus on gaining more confidence in your spoken communication while developing more
elaborate writing and grammar
Assessment is a key component of this course:
Ongoing assessment in reading and writing leading to 6 credits at Level 2 Award OCNNI

Step 7 Upper Intermediate 32 weeks

Step 6 or equivalent level is required.
GCSE (Higher)
Assessment is a key component of this course:
Leading to GCSE Level 2 accredited by CCEA

Step 8 Pre- Advanced - AS Level (32 weeks) or Advanced Conversation classes (12 weeks).

GCSE (A -C) or equivalent level is required
Assessment is a key component for AS courses: leading to AS Level 3 accredited by CCEA
Note: There is no exam or formal assessment for the advanced conversation classes.

Step 9 Advanced Level 

A2 level (32 weeks) or DELE Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language ( B1) preparation course (30 weeks).AS or equivalent level is required. Assessment is a key component for the A2 courses: leading to A2 Level 3 accredited by CCEA Note: There is no formal examination at the end of the course.

Step 10 Proficiency

DELE Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language (B2) preparation course (30 weeks).A good level of fluency and accuracy is required. For experienced linguists, ideal for language teachers. Note: There is no formal examination at the end of the course.