ESOL (Entry Level 3)

Teaching will be taught in a holistic way, combining all skills to ensure you are prepared for modern day life and work. Modules will include the following. However, basic grammatical concepts will be embedded throughout the course.

• Reading
• Speaking and Listening
• Writing

You will be encouraged to improve your speaking/listening skills using discussion/role play at a basic level. Different reading and writing strategies are used along with exam techniques, with lessons supporting everyday life activities. For example: writing will focus on: basic letter writing, basic emails and basic article writing.

Grammar is embedded into classes along with themes that comply with a citizenship element, such as: giving advice/government/problem solving and shopping. Students are encouraged to work in groups, pairs or independently to gain confidence.

Your teacher will support you throughout the ESOL course, but it is important you have a real drive and commitment to achieving an ESOL qualification. Whilst studying with us you will need to complete an additional 2 hours of weekly self-study learning through homework.

For the first seven weeks you will be enrolled on an introduction to ESOL course, where you will be taught the essential skills to help you progress on to the main qualification. At the end of the seven weeks, you will complete a progress assessment, followed by a discussion with your teacher to look at your areas of strength and development.

You should have good reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Where it is possible, but not essential, you should hold an Entry 2 ESOL qualification.

To help ensure the ESOL course meets your starting point, you will be invited to attend college prior to the course start date to complete a written diagnostic, have an interview to assess your speaking and listening skills, meet your teacher and learn more about the course.

Based on these assessments, we will be able to place you on the correct level based on your prior knowledge and skills. If you have achieved a specific level at another college, then we will need to see the certificates as proof, but you will still undertake the above assessments.

You will be formally assessed through three externally set formal examinations. The exams will take place at an appropriate time in the course when your teacher feels you have made enough progress. In addition to the external examinations, you will undertake internal progress assessments on a regular basis to monitor your progress and provide you with regular feedback.

To find out more contact Michelle Davies by emailing michelle.davies@nscg.ac.uk or calling 01782 254124

Once you have successfully achieved the ESOL qualification you may have the option to progress on to the next level.

A range of financial support may be available for adult students to help towards the cost of your fees, equipment, childcare and/or other expenses while studying, depending on your personal circumstances and the course you are studying. For full details please visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance