ESOL (Level 1)

Teaching will be taught in a holistic way, combining all skills to ensure you are prepared for living in the UK. Modules will include the following; however, more advanced grammatical concepts are embedded throughout the course.

• Reading
• Speaking and Listening
• Writing

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

Grammar is embedded into classes along with themes that comply with a citizenship element, such as: problem solving and education/giving advice about past situations and hypothetical scenarios. Students are encouraged to work in groups, pairs or independently to gain confidence and encourage expression along with the use of colloquial expressions.

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 are 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 be confident with reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. Where it is possible, but not essential, you should hold an Entry 3 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 with Pearson Edexcel. 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