What is OLA?
OLA is our Online Language Assessment (OLA) recognition scheme. It replaces our Graded Objectives in Modern Languages (GOML/eGOML) recognition scheme.
This new scheme provides students with short-term language-learning goals and formally recognises their achievement in a range of increasingly demanding levels, from Entry 2 to Level 2.
For teachers, the OLA scheme retains many popular aspects of the old GOML/eGOML scheme, but it also introduces the following new features:
- flexible, functional language content and grammatical structures;
- alignment to the Northern Ireland Curriculum;
- increased relevance, taking account of CILT language standards;
- innovative online assessment;
- online marking, to reduce the marking burden;
- contexts in place of topics, to allow for expansion of language learned;
- use of levels to report on learners’ achievements; and
- self-assessment grids, which allow candidates to set attainable targets and track their own progress.
OLA offers five language pathways: French, Irish, German, Italian and Spanish.
The course is primarily directed at Key Stage 3 students but is also suitable as an enrichment course throughout the post-primary level.
This course provides students with a sound basis for further study of their target language. It builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding that they’ve acquired at the initial stage of language learning and uses a series of short, manageable and clearly defined steps to help them reach the GCSE threshold.
By offering a series of short-term accessible goals, OLA enhances the student’s self-esteem and self-confidence, enabling them to be successful within the framework of a publicly recognised and accredited examinations system.