Scotch College

Language Centre expands courses

In Semester 2, 1998 the Language Centre will expand its after-hours courses to include Languages for Business (Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, German, Spanish, Indonesian, etc), The Internet, and Effective Speaking.

The global market has become a reality for many companies and businesses, with exciting opportunities in Asia, Europe, South America, etc. These opportunities however bring new challenges, including coming to terms with new languages and cultures. The Scotch Language Centre is the ideal place for Old Boys and other members of the Scotch Family to learn these skills, and Robbie Clark ('66) who studied Indonesian at the Centre in 1996, says that, for those wanting to trade offshore, such skills are vital to success.

 

Languages for business courses

The new Languages for Business courses will focus on understanding the major cultural differences, how to establish good working relationships and avoid giving offence, and some basic survival skills in the language. Courses for small groups or individuals can be held either at the Centre or 'in-house' at your company or business, and at times to suit your needs. Teachers will be fully qualified and experienced in this area. To find out more, please phone Alan Shugg at the Centre on 9810 4292 or fax him direct on 9810 4437.

Internet classes for beginners

The Internet is arousing enormous interest worldwide, and is an unparalleled means of global communication and sharing information. Many people are curious about it, asking whether it is easy to use, and how to make best use of it. Our Centre has an extremely well-equipped computer laboratory, and we plan to use it for a series of courses on the Internet, each running 2 hours per week for 3 weeks, in the new semester starting July 27. The focus will be on beginners, and groups will be small.

Effective Speaking is a skill which is increasingly in demand in all walks of life, and yet one which is not often taught. One of the best-known presenters in this area is Don Kinsey of Communicators Melbourne. Don has had a long career in radio, television, and in conducting courses in effective speaking and business presentation. We are delighted to join forces with Don and his business partner Ben Hosking in a joint venture, with an initial 8-week course of 2 hours per week on Mondays, starting July 20.

Italian Government Grant

We have been successful in receiving a second grant from the Italian Government, and plan to use some of this money to finance an Italian Exchange between a small number of boys from Scotch and students from Collegio Gallio in Como, Italy for 2-3 weeks in Term 3 this year. The Scotch boys will be required to study Italian for two hours per week for 1 semester after school. Any parents who are interested should contact the Language Centre on 9810 4407 as soon as possible.

Top chefs classes continue

Needless to say, our normal Language classes and "Top Chefs" Cooking classes will continue as usual (please see the separate ads in this issue). With all this activity we are looking forward to a busy and interesting second semester.

Further information

For more information on all the above, please phone the Centre on 9810 4407, or fax on 9810 4437.