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COURSE OVERVIEW
This is the first level offered within our ESOL programme and is ideal for learners who have a limited understanding of English, whose first language is not English, and who are living in the UK and wish to improve their language skills for everyday life, further study and future employment opportunities.
The course focuses on developing the four main English language skills:
- Reading -; understanding everyday texts, signs, notices, forms and written information.
- Writing -; producing simple written texts, completing forms and communicating effectively in writing.
- Speaking -; building confidence when communicating in English in a range of everyday situations.
- Listening -; understanding spoken English and responding appropriately in conversations and discussions.
In addition to developing these core skills, you will improve your knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. You will also learn about life in the UK, helping you to become more confident and independent in your local community.
For learners aged 16-;19, Maths forms an important part of the study programme. Students will work towards either Functional Skills Maths or GCSE Maths, depending on their individual starting point and qualifications.
The programme also supports the development of:
- Independent study skills
- Digital skills
- Employability skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Progression planning and future career opportunities
Our aim is to help learners develop the confidence, language skills and knowledge needed to succeed in education, employment and everyday life in the UK.
Our courses begin in September. We recommend applying as early as possible, as this will help you secure a place and allow plenty of time to complete the admissions process before the course starts.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To join ESOL Entry 1 full-time you need to be 16-19 and have an overall Entry 1 level result in the initial assessment completed during your initial meeting with us at the college. You need to have some very basic understanding of English and a lot of interest in learning and working hard.
Once you have applied, a member of our team will contact you with a date and time to come in for an assessment session.
The assessment will take approximately 2 hours -; we will test your grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills. This is to help us place you on the correct level for the start of your course. Once the initial assessment has taken place, you will be offered an interview.
After successful completion of the course, we will assess if you are ready to the next level of ESOL, this will depend on the level you come at from your end of the year assessment, exam results and teacher recommendation.
ESOL courses also prepare you to apply for other vocational courses. However, each vocational course will require different levels of English and maths, therefore appointments with the Progression Plus team throughout the year would be advisable to help ensure you are supported throughout your journey with us.
Throughout the course, you will complete a range of classroom activities, assessments and coursework that will help your teachers monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement. You will receive regular feedback and support to help you achieve your goals.
For English, students work towards the Pearson ESOL Skills for Life Entry 1 Certificate. Assessments take place at different stages throughout the academic year and include both classroom-based activities and formal examinations.
To achieve the Entry 1 ESOL Certificate, you will need to pass three exams:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and Listening
You will be fully prepared for these assessments through lessons, practice activities and mock assessments throughout the year.
For learners aged 16-;19, Maths is also an important part of the study programme:
- Functional Skills Maths -; one formal assessment, with multiple opportunities to sit the exam throughout the academic year.
- GCSE Maths -; three examinations taken at the end of the academic year (May-;June).
In addition to English and Maths, your progress in areas such as independent study, employability and personal development will be monitored and supported throughout the course.
- Pen, Pencil, Notebooks.
- Books will be provided.
There are no compulsory additional costs for this course. However, a textbook may be recommended to support learning. If so, this will be discussed during induction, including details of any associated costs.
Our ESOL Study Programme comprises a total of 540+ hours in the academic year. This works out around 4 days per week. The timetabled lessons will run from Monday to Friday. To enrol on this course you must ensure you are available to all the sessions in a week.
Inductions will be during the first week of September which you must be available for, prior to the lessons starting.