The language Ab initio courses are language learning courses for beginners, designed to be followed over two years by students who have no previous experience of learning the target language. The main focus of the courses is on the acquisition of language required for purposes and situations usual in everyday social interaction. Language Ab initio courses are only available at standard level. Language Ab initio courses aim to develop a variety of linguistic skills, and a basic awareness of the culture using the language, through the study of a core syllabus and language specific syllabus.