JANE, Aylesbury
Beginner Dutch Student (2012) - Part-Time

Small group size so good tutor/student ratio. Relaxed and informal teaching method. Good course material provided which covered a very useful range of topics and everyday situations. Good balance of grammar and vocabulary. Nice friendly tutor!

ANITA, Hatfield
A2-Level Dutch Student (2011-2012) - Distance Learning - Grade A*

It was well organised [the course] and I liked that the level of difficulty was spot on for the exams. I don't think there is much to improve on. I was very happy with the course! I tried to do my dutch preparation as much as possible but wasn't always motivated to revise maybe because there wasn't a physical teacher available. Maybe in the future there could be more centres open all over the country to make it easier for people to get motivated. Also, maybe you could have skype lessons so that pupils can ask questions "face to face" with teachers. Thank you very much for all your help. I received an A* on the 16th of August and exceeded my expectations!

GEMMA, DIDCOT
Beginner Dutch Student (2012) - Part-Time

I enjoy the fact the course is so small. It makes it much more intimate and easier for us to engage with each other. I think that the grammar could do with a little more attention sometimes (for me personally), though on the whole there is nothing really that could be improved as it's so enjoyable. No other comments - I shall be signing up soon for my next one in September 2012!

SUSANN, Oxford
AS-Level Dutch Student (2011-2012) - Part-time - Grade A

Small group of people, very good progression. We mainly trained our writing skills (due to the exam being entirely in written), but it would have been nice to have more opportunities to speak. Excellent preparation for the exam.

LESLEY, BRACKLEY
Beginner Dutch Student (2012) - Part-Time

I liked the informality and friendly nature of the course as well as the small class size. I liked the written lessons and the homework and the on-line homework and assessments, which with multiple choice meant you had to have understood the question. All these I felt formed a very good basis for the conversation and understanding of the Dutch language which for me is the hardest part.

I have just returned from a holiday in the Netherlands and found I could understand much more of the written words, eg in restaurants, road signs and instructions, shopping and adverts!

As we visit the Netherlands regularly I would like to be much more confident in speaking the language and understanding what is said. I still found the spoken Dutch hard to understand as it sounds as if they are speaking very fast, but when I did recognise a few words I had more confidence to reply in Dutch.

Of course, as soon as they knew we were English they used English, saying 'No problem', not appreciating that I really wanted to try to speak Dutch. So I practised on Dutch children where I found I had more success!

FREDDY, Oxford
GCSE Dutch Student (2010-2011) - Part-time - Grade A*

What I liked about the course is that the lessons and homework were not as stressful as lessons/tests at school. A small group made learning much easier and it has given me a useful qualification.

If I compare the Dutch lessons with foreign language lessons at school, I do not feel there is much need for improvement as the group was small, the teacher good and very approachable if you had questions or problems.

The course prepared me very well. To prepare us for the exams we went through passed papers, we were told what the examiner would be looking for in speaking and writing exams and I was given suggestions for further revising.

I enjoyed the lessons and am very very pleased with my results. Thank you very much.

MARK, Stockport
GCSE Dutch Student (2010-2011) - Distance-Learning

As a very rusty speaker of Dutch, the GCSE course has helped me to revise the grammar & structure of the language. I would love to have actually taken the exam in which Karin, my tutor, reckons I would have got a really high grade, but unfortunately I wasn't able to travel to do the exams. The learning pack with the CDs & exercises was well presented & clear to follow. I have enjoyed doing this immensely. Who knows, I could come back for more!

Ronnie, Oxford
A-Level Dutch Student (2010-2011) - part-time

I liked the enthusiasm of my fellow students and the friendly encouragement and support given by Karin, which made it an enjoyable learning experience.

The course prepared students well for exams. I didn't take the exam.

I wanted to practice my spoken Dutch and improve on aspects of grammar, rather than prepare for an exam, but I still enjoyed attending classes. I would be very interested if a conversation class is offered at some stage.

[We now run an Advanced conversation class and Ronnie was one of the first to enrol]

PHILIP, Wantage
Elementary Dutch Student (2011) - Part-time

Excellent structure and thematic flow between lessons. Materials covered cultural, not just linguistic, aspects of Dutch society. This is highly important for anyone intending to live and work in a Dutch-speaking country. Highly personable, attentive and adaptable teacher with a great sense of humour and ability to cater to many personalities. Classes were thoroughly enjoyable and, were I not leaving the UK, I would gladly sign up to again.

[I would have liked] More homework, namely enough to maintain a daily focus on the language (though this could be through self-check exercises or referral to online language tasks). However, understandably, not everyone will have time for such things. Maybe there could be an optional appendix of exercises. Work from the folder to complete for the following lesson took less than an hour. Perhaps a little more pair work also. But, even without any improvements, I would still highly recommend the course.

SHARON, Isle of Wight
BEGINNERS Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Distance-Learning

I found the Dutch beginners course the best ever. When I started the course I knew some Dutch as I have Dutch family but have only studied Dutch to a very basic level. Although this was a beginners course I feel the course goes much deeper than that and gives you confidence in the basics of the language. By the end of the course I was able to speak to my family in Dutch which was great.

Karin is a fantastic Tutor and helps you right through the course and goes over and above to what she gets paid for. I really enjoyed the course and I would recommend it to anyone. I am now working through the elementary level and next year go forward to GCSE. Thanks Karin for helping me so much. You are the best tutor ever.

I am not sure that the course can be improved as it is so good.

NICHOLAS, EPSOM
A-Level Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Distance-Learning - GRADE A

I enjoyed the course a great deal. I thought the exercises and topics were interesting and certainly good preperation for the exams. It was good having to write essays every lesson - although this sometimes seemed a bit daunting, you can't ignore the benefits. I maybe should have forced myself to do more essays in a time limit as when it came to the exam I felt a bit disappointed with what I wrote in the time.

The exercises in the course also helped prepare me for what was coming in the exam.

For me, the distance learning course was very enjoyable and made me keep learning.

MARC, GREAT MISSENDEN
GCSE Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

The course was very easy to follow and laid out in a very sensible manner. It provided a solid foundation and relevant preparation for the GCSE exams. The school staff were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and efficient as well as always on the end of the phone. I feel there is very little room for improvement.

JAMES, OXFORD
GCSE Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Part-Time - Grade A

I was very happy with the part-time Dutch GCSE course at the Dutch Language School, as is probably obvious from the fact that I've just signed up for the AS-Level. Not only was the course material focussed without being too narrow, but the classes themselves gave me a good chance to practice speaking and listening - the aspects of the language where I am weakest. The regular class structure and the (modest) weekly homework assignments definitely helped me keep on track and not drift off into other interests for months at a time, which I am rather inclined to do, lacking any sense of self-discipline.

Perhaps one way to improve the course might be to set more 'listening' homework - directing students to audio material on the Internet for instance, with questions set beforehand. I appreciate that it takes time to find suitable material, however.

The course offered excellent exam preparation - clearly explaining the types of material that we were likely to face and minimising any scope for panic and confusion. The time spent working through past papers was very useful, although I wouldn't want to spend any longer doing this, as that would begin to eat into the 'original learning' part of the course.

I'm looking forward to beginning the AS Level course now, and trying to keep my vocabulary up to scratch over the summer.

ANN, ALTRINCHAM
A-Level Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Distance-Learning - Grade A*

I liked the way that you introduced so many different topics which were relative to modern life in Europe generally and not just in Holland. I was very pleased that you trusted me with your Dvd's etc because they enriched my understanding of Holland and the Dutch.

All the homework was very relevant to the exam paper so I felt well prepared.

I found some of the voices on the cds difficult to understand. As I remember them, I think that some of them spoke too quickly and not very distictly [We include a range of listening material in our courses in order to help students become familiar with more tricky accents and speakers, so they are able to cope more easily with anythings that might turn up in the exams].

The course work was all a good preparation for the exam and I thank you most sincerely for your support and ecouragement especially when the going was rough.

LEONA, WALLINGFORD
A-Level Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Distance-Learning

This Distance Learning A-Level Dutch Course was a great course to follow. I particularly liked the fact that the work could be done in my own time; there wasn't any particular pressure to get it finished for a certain date or time. It was very relaxed, and therefore I enjoyed the learning a lot more. The work was all sent to me by mail, which was also very helpful. When I'd finished it, I sent my work back via email - quick and easy.

Whenever I sent in work for marking, I got a quick response and very helpful, structured comments with it to help me improve. If I had a problem with anything, I could send a quick email and always got a quick reply which was sure to help sort it out.

The course prepared me well for the exams, as I recognised a certain style of questions in the actual exam that we'd worked on in the course. The way the course's level of difficulty slowly built up was good, because each folder of work I was given, prepared me for the next one. I liked the fact that there was a lot of work and practice put into writing essays, as they are always a main part of any exam.

All in all, I really enjoyed taking this course and will definately consider it again if I ever wish to take up another Distance Learning Language Course. Thanks a lot!!

STEPHEN, ABINGDON
GCSE Dutch Student (2009-2010) - Part-Time

This course was excellent - friendly, small class size and great teaching and material. A great preparation for the GCSE and a great way to improve your general Dutch communication skills. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

MARY, HUNTLY
Elemetary Dutch Course Student (2008-2010)- Distance-Learning

I liked that not only were you improving your knowledge of Dutch, but also that each lesson dealt with different aspects of Netherlands society etc, so that you were also gaining an insight into how the Netherlands works, rests and plays; that you could learn at your own pace; the variety of homework, from relatively simple word puzzles to having your knowledge of verb conjugations etc tested, to having to interview Dutch-speaking people and to making written comparisons with your own country. I really had to work at some of the homework, which was good for me of course!

I found that sometimes the speed at which those recording the CDs spoke and the "thickness" of their accent made it difficult to pick up what they were saying (a lot of the time I wasn't able to refer to the written version, as

I listened to the CDs while driving). I think the course has been very well-designed and that the tutors have a very relaxed, informal way of communicating with students.

JENNIFER, LONDON
Beginners Dutch Course Student (2007-2010)- Distance-Learning

I like that I could do the course in my own time, however for me I also suffered from no deadlines so a blessing and a curse! I find that I know many different words and can deal with many situations in Dutch.

JOHN, OXFORD
Beginners 3 Dutch Student (2009) - Part-Time

As ever, the standard of tuition was excellent. The level of homework was just right and the lessons were are as enjoyable as ever. Many thanks. I cannot think of anything that could be done to improve the course.

DAVID, WANTAGE
Beginners 3 Dutch Student (2009) - Part-Time

I found the course very useful, as it introduced a greater range of vocabulary and starting to look at the tenses. The extra material in the course booklet made it easier to follow up outside of the lesson. I found the homework more challenging, which is good as it made me think more about the lessons.

Very much enjoyed, and useful. I can see a marked increase in my general understanding of Dutch.

OLIVIA, LONDON
A-Level Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Distance-Learning - GRADE A

I really enjoyed doing this course and feel that it was a great achievement. I would never have thought at the beginning of the year that i could read dutch literature. The lessons had a helpful structure and i learnt a lot more about holland and its history. The feedback on each lesson was really useful. I felt really well prepared for the exam and got an A. Thank you for all your help!.

LEE, CHELTENHAM
GCSE Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Distance-Learning

I think the course is very good! The lessons have gradually improved all aspects of my language skills.

Sheila, LONDON
A-Level Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Distance-Learning - Grade B

I liked the fact that was able to learn from a distance and still practice on my Dutch. I think the books were very intresting. I enjoyed the excersises and would not mind doing it again.The A level mock exams helped me a lot and it showed me my level which was good and found if very useful. Karin is a good teacher even from distance she would send me emails when I was bit behind, so Thank you.

CLAIRE, WIMBORNE
GCSE Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Distance-Learning - Grade A*

I like that there were a variety of questions and that the entire course was not sent in one block as this could have caused problems if it were to be lost. However I found it difficult to keep up to date with the lessons because I am fairly often away so maybe reminders could be sent at regular intervals? [We recognise that some students find it helpful to contacted more often and have recently put in place a new system to ensure more regular contact with students]

The practice papers helped me prepare because I knew what type of questions to expect. I have found the course very useful - Thank you!

JACQUELINE, OXFORD
Private tuition (2008-2009)

I enjoy learning about Dutch society and culture whilst also learning the language. The lessons are always friendly and fun and the enthusiasm of the teacher is infectious. I am not sure how the lessons could be improved on as I share private lessons with my husband and the teaching is very much tailored to our level and speed - unless my pronunciation should be corrected more often (My German often gets in the way). So far we have not been working towards exams - though this may be the next step. Excellent course and I'm looking forward to the next stage.

Irvin, BIRMINGHAM
A2-Level Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Distance-Learning - Grade C

I enjoyed the methodical way the course ran over the year having the same format as the As in year one. There was plenty to do and I enjoyed developing an insight into Dutch literature.The exam was 75% literature and the teaching was consequently and justifiably concentrated on that aspect. I would have liked more translation practice but this component only offers a few marks in the A2 paper. I felt I was well prepared for the paper especially the literature where I had previously written many essays on the prescribed texts. A very happy two years.

Ashley, AYLESBURY
Private Tuition (2008-2009) - Part-Time

Because of my irregular work pattern, it was important that I was able to book lessons at times that suited me, and the Dutch Lanuage School has allowed me the flexibility to do just this. A relaxed atmosphere and Karin's patience provide an ideal working enviroment, and make the learning experience an enjoyable one.

Learning a language is not something that comes naturally to me, however I feel that my one to one lessons have been individually tailored to help me get the most from the course. Thank you for your help and support in encouraging me with my Dutch.

JAMES, OXFORD
GCSE Dutch Student (2008-2009) - Part-Time - Grade A

The course was great fun and very interesting, it was also well structured. I felt that I was prepared extremely well for both the mocks and the real exams. I have no complaints at all, only praise for a very well taught and enjoyable year.

Christopher, OXFORDSHIRE
Beginners 1 Dutch Student (2008) - Part-Time

1. What did you like about the course?
The class was small, Karin is Dutch which makes all the difference and was helpful and very interesting. Good class notes and group involvement. It was a shame I had to miss a few.

2. What could be improved with the course?
I can not think of anything that could have been improved.

3. Any other comments?
Thanks very much Karin for all your help. If I was not moving to the USA to study I would enrol into the next class beginning in September.

Stephen, OXFORDSHIRE
Elementary Dutch Student (2008) - Part-Time

I thoroughly enjoyed this course, like all the previous ones. I think that it provided a good mix of approaches and activities; it was well-structured and well-paced and the size of the group was ideal.

Irvin, BIRMINGHAM
AS-Level Dutch Student (2007-2008) - Distance-Learning - Grade B

The course is excellent. The 20 lessons progress nicely throughout the program and push the student hard especially in the early stages. The student is presented with texts that are indeed more difficult than those encountered in the examination so that one is well prepared.

After the course there is a period of time of around 4 weeks before the exam which I used for vocabulary revision and past paper work.

The tutor is always available for help with extra work or as in my case the purchasing of high quality dictionaries. I would recommend this course to anyone seriously interested in improving their Dutch.

Emmanuela, SLOUGH
A-Level Dutch Student (2007-2008) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

This course was amazing. The tutor was excellent. Very nice and helpful. There was no pressure at all. Everything could be done from the comfort of home. I loved the way all my work was corrected and came back the next morning. The course prepared me very well for the exam. All the materials provided was exactly what I needed. Thank you for that !!!

The only improvements that can be made is to prompt students to send their work in time. To give them maybe a specific date in which a certain subject has to be given in. As a student you actually tend to forget things like that. For instance; my focus was more with the lesson's i took in school than at home.

But in all, I really enjoyed this style of tutoring, i seriously recommend every one to this.

DAVID, OXFORD
Beginners 1 Dutch Student (2007) - Part-Time

An excellent introductory course for those with no experience of Dutch.  The lessons are enjoyable and the atmosphere is friendly and informal.  Karin is an extremely competent and approachable teacher and works carefully to instruct students at a speed which suits them.

KAREN, OXFORD
Beginners 2 Dutch Student (2007) - Part-Time

1. What did you like about the course?
I liked the usefulness of the vocabulary/phrases taught - things that we could put to use straight away.  It was also good to be given extra material (Jip and Janneke!) to read at home.

2. What could be improved with the course?
Personally I would have like to have covered the past tense in this course, but that may be because I've studied German and know how similar it is!!

3. Any other comments?
Karin is an excellent teacher and I'll definitely be signing up for the next course!

ANN, OXFORD
Beginners 2 Dutch Student (2007) - Part-Time

For me, the course was very convenient in location and timing. I liked the small group size, and Karin is a very personable teacher. It is flexible and the amount of work is OK. I felt that maybe more vocab lists would have been useful. It is good to have the little lists in the lessons for doing particular exercises. But I wonder whether some sheets of vocab could be useful too? Maybe a little offputting for some people so perhaps this is deliberate. But anyway I am kind of struggling to find something to comment on - I really enjoyed the course and look forward to carrying on!

ANDREW, MANCHESTER
A-Level Dutch Student (2006-2007) - Distance-Learning

The best thing about the course was that Karin was very friendly, and understanding when I didn't get as much work done as I should, and was able to constantly re-arrange my work to best suit the available time. In fact if anything could have been improved, I probably should have been chased a bit more, but that's just me I think.
The advice I was given, particularly on which aspects to concentrate was always sound advice.

MONIKA, OXFORD
GSCE Dutch Student (2006-2007) - Part-Time - Grade A

Beste Karin,
Ik wil je bedanken voor fantastische lessen. De cursus vond ik hartstikke leuk. Ik vindt dat ik heb heel veel geleerd. Natuurlijk moesten we veel huiswerk maken maar alles was prima georganisieerd. Ik heb veel plezier gehaad met Nederlandse cultuur leren kennen. Dus tot volgende jaar.
Groetjes
Monika

JILL, SLOUGH
GSCE Dutch Student (2006-2007) - Part-Time - Grade A

I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The group size was right and the time of the course was good for me. The lesson time seemed to whiz by. Sometimes I felt we needed a little longer to go though homework or re cap the previous week's grammar. Some weeks we just covered it barely leaving time for that weeks lesson. If felt the preparation for the exams was excellent - the mock proved in valuable in setting expectations and we had plenty of chances to practice papers before the real thing! I hope there is the chance to continue with the AS level next year.

THEA, AUSTRALIA
A-Level Dutch Student (2006-2007) - Distance-Learning

I like the fact that the course can be undertaken in my own time with no pressure, this gives me the ability to complete some lessons in a short time, taking longer with the lessons I find more difficult. At times i find the course challenging but always interesting. I was born in Holland and left there when I was 7 years old therefore had little understanding of grammar, I have learnt not only the grammar but also a great deal about Holland and the people through this course. I visited Holland last month and people were amazed at my ability to still speak, read and write the language. I gave credit to the course I have been doing by correspondence through your school. My goal is to increase my skills even further and put them to use as a translator/interpreter.

KATE, OXFORD
Beginners 1 Dutch Student (2006) - Part-Time

Dear Karin,

I have really enjoyed Dutch lessons this term, and would like to book a place on Beginners 2 next term. Many thanks for all your help this term and for making Dutch such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Best Wishes,
Kate

PHILIP, KENT
A-Level Dutch Student (2005-2006) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

1. What did you like about the course?
 - I enjoyed being able to work at my own pace, and found the coursework set out very clearly and in a logical manner. Many of the subject units were interesting, and were good preparation for the exams.

2. What could be improved with the course?
- More exercises in translation from Dutch to English would be helpful.

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
- I found that the course prepared me very well for the exams. I am glad I took the mock exams in order to see what the layout of the exam was like, and was therefore less concerned when the real exam arrived!

4. Any other comments?
- A very interesting and worthwhile course.

RUTH, Manchester
GCSE Dutch Student (2005-2006) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

1. What did you like about the course?
I liked being able to learn at my own pace and found the advice of my tutor very helpful and friendly. I liked the materials used, the books are really nice.

2. What could be improved with the course?
Not much could be improved. Maybe the core vocabulary list could come a little earlier before the exams as it took me ages to learn it, also if it could come with the English translation alongside that would have saved time.

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
The course did prepare me for the exams really well. I felt prepared, for the reading and writing exams in particular.

4. Any other comments?
I really enjoyed it and feel my Dutch has improved.

Thank you.

LOUISE, BELGIUM
A-Level Dutch Student (2005-2006) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

1. What did you like about the course?
I liked the fact that I could do the work when I had time.  During busier periods at home and work I could easily do less work and vice versa. Karin also provided brilliant assistance for all my questions and corrections. She has given outstanding support and positive motivation throughout the course.

2. What could be improved with the course?
This is a tough question.  I don't think the course could have been any better for me. I do think that if I had started the course in September I would have liked to have had more lessons otherwise I think I could have
been finished a little too soon for the exams. This is of course my personal experience.

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
The layout of the lessons provided excellent practice for the exam. I felt very well prepared for the exam even though it was years ago that I had taken an exam.

4. Any other comments?
Both you and Karin have given me very good support during the course, thank you both. It was very easy to ask questions especially when you get such a friendly and clear response. I wish you both alot of luck for the
future and hope that you may help many students learn a high standard of Dutch.

ALEX, Surrey
A-Level Dutch Student (2005-2006) - Distance-Learning - Grade B

I was very pleased with the course. I enjoyed the way it was based around a variety of topics which expanded your knowledge in these areas, and that the lessons became progressively more challenging as you went on. I always got a fast response to any homework and Karin was always encouraging in her comments. I think the exams went reasonably well, I hope the actual result will be as good as the predicted one.

The only small problem I found was that in the last couple of lessons, a few of the questions on the cd template didn't match up with those in the course folder, but this is only a minor inconvenience [This was a one-off problem]. One possible addition could be a little more coverage of Flemish culture and language variations, as the Taal Totaal books don't seem to include much on Flanders.

I would definitely recommend DLS to anyone wishing to learn Dutch and hope to continue my studies with you with some speaking/listening classes and probably also the CNAVT exams next year.

louise, BELGIUM
A-Level Dutch Student (2005-2006) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

Ik wil je bedanken voor al je hulp en goede uitleg dat je mij gegeven hebt.

Ik vond de cursus duidelijk en leerrijk en ondertussen is er wat grammatica opgehelderd.

Mijn woordenschat is er zeker op vooruit gegaan en ik voel me gemotiveerd om nog meer Nederlandse schrijvers te leren kennen.

Nu denk ik ook dat ik voortaan boeken anders zal benaderen.

Ik voel me ook meer zeker op professionele vlak en heb zelfs mijn Belgische en Nederlandse collega's meer dan één keer moeten verbeteren! We vinden het allemaal wel grappig hoor!

Wie zou denken dat iemand van Engeland de taal (soms) beter kan, maar ja, het geeft een goed gevoel.

Stefanie, LONDON
A-Level Dutch Student (2004-2005) - Distance-Learning - Grade A

What I liked about the course was that it was very intensive and covered a huge variety of subjects. Before I started the course I had taught myself, but had never written anything in Dutch before, so I felt quite apprehensive about the essays. But it went really well, Karin is a great teacher and her comments gave me a lot of confidence. I'm really happy that it was possible to do this course from home via email. And the teacher's reply was always very prompt!

Because of the way the course was designed it was an ideal preparation for the exams.

Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement!!!

ANONYMOUS, MANCHESTER
GCSE Dutch Student (2004-2005) - Distance-Learning - Grade A*

1. What did you like about this course?
I liked the flexibility and the prompt feedback from the teacher. I enjoyed her friendly email style. I felt well prepared for the exam.

2. What could be improved with this course?
I didn't like the first part of each lesson - the vocabulary exercises. I found them boring. However, I accept that these are important.

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
Well. I feel I advanced in my knowledge of Dutch as the course progressed and the exam was well within my ability. The assignments at the end of the course were actually a bit harder than the exam itself.

4. Any other comments?
Thanks very much for a great experience and providing the opportunity of opening up a whole culture to me.

Charlotte, Oxford
GCSE Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Part-Time - Grade A*

Ik wilde je een briefje sturen te alvast bedankt zeggen! Ik heb de laatste 2 jaren hartstikke leuk en echt grappig gevonden. Ik heb zo veel geleerd! Ik ben zo blij dat ik kan met mijn Nederlandse vrienden in het Nederlands kletsen. Mar helaas, ik heb nu niet een super Blöf fan zoals mij gevonden! Dank u zo veel, ik kan niet tot "AS" wachten! Tot 19 augustus voor de cijfers!

KathArine, BERKS
A-Level Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Distance Learning - Grade A

Being able to do the lessons when it suited me was a great advantage as well as not having to travel to Oxford for the course. I thought the course itself was good fun, especially the books used for as-level. The pictures made them fun and easy to learn from.

When answering questions about the two novels, "De aanslag" in particular you have to read a large amount of text to be able to answer the questions which was very time consuming.

I thought the course was really good in the way it prepared you for the exam.  The two books were well studied and the questions asked in the course were very similar to the questions asked in the actual exam.

I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot, not only about the Dutch language but the Dutch culture as well.  A lot of things were covered but understandably there will always be words in the exam which the candidate will not have come across before.  I also found it helpful knowing that teachers could easily be contacted either by e-mail or telephone to answer any queries.

Just to say thank you very much for marking all the work and sending the corrections back so quickly. Although it was a lot of work the course was very enjoyable.  I look forward to the results later on in the summer.

Sep 2004:
Hartelijk bedankt voor alles, een A* voor mijn GCSE [Dutch] en een [A voor] A-Level [Dutch] met 16 is niet slecht, zonder al uw hulp was dat nooit gelukt! Dank u wel!

SARA, Oxford
GCSE Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Part-Time - Grade A*

Bedankt voor de fantastische lessen, met een heel mooi resultaat!

Marieke, london
A-Level Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Distance Learning

1. What did you like about this course?
You can study at your own pace.

2. What could be improved about this course?
Nothing. I think it is very good.

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
Very well, the texts and notes are very good. The teaching is excellent.

4. What is you overall opinion of this course?
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

5. Any other comments?
Thank you for all your help.  I did really enjoy it.

ANGELA, THE NETHERLANDS
A-Level Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Distance Learning - Grade A

1. What did you like about this course?
Being able to work at my own pace without having to adhere to very tight deadlines - important for me because I travel a lot with my job.

2. What could be improved about this course?
I would liked to have been marked/graded for each piece of homework so that I had a better idea of how well I was doing. Sometimes, especially with regard to essays and translations, I felt that I had made a lot of mistakes and was not really sure how well I had done. [Note: All our exam courses have been updated for the 2005 exams to include regular feedback on how students are progressing]

3. How well did this course prepare you for the examinations?
Given that I was able to complete all the homework assignments I think that the course prepared me quite well for the exam although there were still a lot of words used in the exams that I did not know, especially in the Part A sections of both papers.

4. What is you overall opinion of this course?
Enjoyable and challenging!

5. Any other comments?
I found the literature books very difficult and because they were a little "boring" it was sometimes difficult to get motivated to study them, De Aanslag especially. I do not know if the other two set books were more interesting but that is of course a question of individual preference!

Rebecca, LONDON
AS-Level Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Distance Learning - Grade A

I liked the flexibility of the course.  It was helped by being able to email the homework to a teacher, rather than having to post it or find someone else to mark it.  I also found the course interesting; it seemed to be tailored to cover aspects of Dutch life- politics and culture especially- that made it more interesting to write. 

It would be helpful to have a list of books that would suit the standard of AS students, just for vocab purposes... [Note: We will happily recommend suitable reading material to students who wish to extend their studies]

I found that the course prepared me quite well.  The translation and reading exercises proved especially helpful because they were like direct exam preparation. 

I really enjoyed the course overall, though it was quite hard work.  I think my level of Dutch improved over the time of taking the AS Course and by exam time I felt quite confident.

ELISE, gLOUCS
AS-Level Dutch Student (2003-2004) - Distance Learning

Julie-Ann, OXFORD
Beginners Dutch Student (2003) - Part-Time

1. Are you enjoying your course? Yes.
2. Do you feel the course is well organised? Yes.
3. Is the content of the course appropriate to your needs? Yes.
4. Do you receive clear explanations when you request them? Yes.
5. Do you feel that lessons are well prepared? Yes.
6. Are you encouraged to take an active part in the lesson? Yes.

STEVE, OXFORD
Beginners Dutch Student (2003) - Part-Time

1. Are you enjoying your course? Yes.
2. Do you feel the course is well organised? Yes.
3. Is the content of the course appropriate to your needs? Yes, perfect.
4. Do you receive clear explanations when you request them? Yes.
5. Do you feel that lessons are well prepared? Yes.
6. Are you encouraged to take an active part in the lesson? Yes.

PAUL, OXFORD
Beginners Dutch Student (2003) - Part-Time

1. Are you enjoying your course? Yes, very much.
2. Do you feel the course is well organised? Yes.
3. Is the content of the course appropriate to your needs? Yes.
4. Do you receive clear explanations when you request them? Yes.
5. Do you feel that lessons are well prepared? Yes.
6. Are you encouraged to take an active part in the lesson? Yes.

JENNIFER, OXFORD
Beginners Dutch Student (2003) - Part-Time

1. Are you enjoying your course? Very much.
2. Do you feel the course is well organised? Definitely.
3. Is the content of the course appropriate to your needs? Yes.
4. Do you receive clear explanations when you request them? Yes.
5. Do you feel that lessons are well prepared? Yes, very well.
6. Are you encouraged to take an active part in the lesson? Yes.

NATASHA, LONDON
A-Level Dutch Student (2002-2003) - Part-Time - Grade B

Harstikke bedankt voor een fijn cursus!

Ik heb echt heel veel geleerd, maar meestal vond ik het zo goed om lekker Nederlands te babbelen in zo'n gezellige sfeer!

Ik hoop dat wij u trots gaan maken.

Geraldine & Caroline , Oxford
Advanced Students (2002-2003) - Part-Time

Madrid, december 2002

Sint zat te surfen op het Net.
Ja, dat gaf hem heel veel pret.
Hij vond daar een heleboel
Over de Dutch Language School.

Wat een goede kwaliteit!
En die Karin is een leuke meid!
Maar toen kreeg hij een brief
Van een anonieme pief,

Die wilde graag heel hard studeren
Om goed Nederlands te leren.
Maar de groep waar hij bij wilde horen
Had daarnaar geen oren.

Geen grammatica maar gezellig praten
En ze zeiden dat ze huiswerk haten!
Waar moet het met die groep naar toe?
Volgens mij zijn ze liever lui dan moe.

Veel liefs,

The Saint