What will I be learning?

Speaking and Listening

• Introduce yourself
• Spell your name
• Ask simple questions – e.g. What’s your name? / How old are you? / Where are you from?
• Answer simple questions – e.g. My name is … / I’m …… years old. / I am from …….
• Say where you live (full address)
• Learn names of objects, food, etc.
• Describe your house
• Ask for items
• Ask for and give basic directions – e.g. Turn left/right, etc.
• Follow basic instructions

Reading

• Learn the alphabet
• Learn and recognise simple words
• Read simple notices
• Read and understand simple sentences
• Read names of objects, food etc.
• Read basic instructions

Writing

• Write the alphabet
• Write your name and address
• Write names of objects, food etc.
• Write about yourself in simple sentences (5-6)
• Fill in a simple form
• Learn punctuation rules (capital letters, full stops, question marks etc.)

Grammar

• Verbs: be, have, do
• Modal: can
• Present Simple and Continuous (basics)
• Linking word: and, but
• Simple questions and negatives
• Basic adjectives

Does the course lead to a qualification?

No formal qualification at pre-entry. After your pre-entry course you can progress onto Entry 1 and gain a qualification (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

Entry 1: City and Guilds ESOL qualification at Entry 1 (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

Who is the course for?

The course is for learners meeting certain eligibility criteria who want to improve their English Language skills.

All learners must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria before they can join this course:

• Evidence of being an EU citizen – a passport or an EU identity card
• Evidence of a Refugee status
• Evidence of being an Asylum Seeker living in the UK for over 6 months
• Evidence of living in the UK for 3 years or more if not married to a British National
• Evidence of living in the UK for 3 year or more if married to a British National
• Evidence of living in the EU for 3 years or more if from a non EU country

What do I need to bring?

Pen, paper, folder and a dual language dictionary

Are there any additional costs?

Exam cost for fee payers - £20.60 per unit

How will I know how I am progressing during the course?

Your tutor will keep a written record of your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and progression throughout the course you are attending. You will also have continuous verbal feedback on your progression.

You will reflect on your own learning and record it on your Individual Learning Plan.

Your tutor will let you know when you are ready for an exam after which you can progress onto a different skill or a higher level group. Exams are offered on demand. Therefore, you will not have to wait until the end of your course to take an exam

Can I have help in the class?

Learner Support

If you need support to learn, for example, a communicator, large print, personal care, specific equipment, or extra time, let us know.  We will work with you to identify what you need and how we can best support you.

Learner Support Fund

If you are struggling to pay your exam fees or have a disability and need help to pay for transport to the course, we may be able to help you.   Ask the centre staff or your tutor for more information and an application form.  We have a small fund available to help learners who are experiencing genuine hardship. You are advised to apply as soon as you can.

How is this course supported by DerbyLearn?

DerbyLearn is a learning platform that supports and complements most classes.  To find out more, please go to www.derbylearn.net and sign up, it's free and well worth a look!

Progression within DALS

We have lots of courses planned to ensure you have a variety of progression routes.  If you are interested in another course, please ask for more information or telephone our helpline on Derby (01332) 717900 or enquiries@derbyals.org

On completion of this course, you could progress to:

• the next level of ESOL

Health and Wellbeing

The slogan you see on our brochures and leaflets is:
meet enjoy learn achieve
This is because we believe that taking part in adult and community learning can open the door to new friendships, give you something enjoyable and worthwhile to do with your time, enable you to learn something new and give you a sense of achievement. That's got to make you feel good!

Volunteering opportunities

We have a number of rewarding volunteering opportunities both within DALS and with other organisations.  These can offer you a number of benefits, including the ability to enhance your employment prospects, and the ability to learn whilst supporting others.  If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities, please contact Pat Ward on 01332 642308 or email pat.ward@derbyals.org  You can also find information on volunteering opportunities on our noticeboards and website.