New lunchtime learning classes to offer languages, art, music and more

Maria Fernandez, Spanish Teacher

Imperial's Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication is due to launch a new programme of lunchtime classes for staff, students and visitors.

The classes at South Kensington include Spanish, French and Italian language at beginner or conversational level; Music for Listening; The Joy of Art; Creative Writing; Photography; and London (Art, Literature and People).

The Lunchtime Learning series builds on the success of Imperial’s ever-popular Evening Classes which have inspired many people, helped them navigate different countries and even launched new careers.

Dr Anna Nyburg is Coordinator of Evening Classes and has been involved in teaching humanities subjects at Imperial since 1989.

“This all came about because I represent the Centre [for Languages, Culture and Communication] at Imperial Insights - a meet and greet session for new staff. I was increasingly hearing people express an interest in the Evening Classes, but they simply couldn’t consider it because they had a young family or other important commitments. So we’re trialling it this year, and if it’s successful we’ll have a larger offering next year.”

Anna also notes that the lunchtime classes offer the chance to break up the day, and do ‘something for yourself’ and also helps with the overall work-life balance.

New offering

Last year saw the introduction of a new class ‘The Brain: Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience’ which provided immensely popular, attracting staff from outside the biosciences as well as for example administrators wanting to learn more about their department.

The Brain class will return this year, aptly followed by a brand new course called ‘Introduction to the Body: In Sickness and in Health’.

For the Evening and Lunchtime classes there is a special new fee tariff for students not at Imperial, as well as for staff from neighbouring institutions including the Royal College of Art, Royal College of Music, Science Museum and V&A amongst others.

Anna is quick to point out that even the fees for external visitors not from any of the above institutions is extremely competitive compared to any similar offerings across London.

“It’s nice to have people from outside our immediate community as well, because they bring different backgrounds and perspectives, which enrich the overall experience for everyone, especially the creative classes.”

Registration for the Lunchtime Classes opens on 1 September, with classes commencing in October. For more information and to enrol, please visit: //www.imperial.ac.uk/centre-for-languages-culture-and-communication/lunchtime-learning/