What will I be learning?

You will be studying English used in work and everyday situations. Areas of study will include:

• News
• Shopping
• Health and Sport
• Travel and Transport
• Home
• Friends and Family
• Work and Employability
• Hobbies & Interests
• Social Media

Speaking and listening:

• Listen for detail (variety of topics)
• Give verbal descriptions of events
• Share news
• Conduct a discussion (10-15 mins)
• Deliver a presentation (L1: 5-10 mins, L2: 10-15 mins) and answer questions from audience
• Give feedback to a presentation

Reading:

• Read and understand a variety of texts (informative, instructive, persuasive, descriptive etc.)
• Understand purpose of text and tone of text
• Understand layout /textual features (headings, logos, captions, bullet points etc)
• Understand idiomatic language

Writing:

• Write a formal letter
• Write an article / essay
• Use complex and compound sentences
• Use correct spelling and punctuation
• Use paragraphs
• Draft a plan
• Use sequence markers and discourse markers

Grammar:

• Past, present and future tenses (simple and continuous) – statements, questions and negatives
• Modal verbs (including the past aspect)
• Conditionals 1&2 (L1), 1,2,3 (L2)
• The passive
• Reported speech (L2)
• Linking words
• Phrasal verbs
• Prepositional phrases

Does the course lead to a qualification?

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

Level 2: City and Guilds ESOL qualification at Level 2 (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

Who is the course for?

The course is for learners meeting certain eligibility criteria wanting to improve their English Language skills and achieve a recognised qualification

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; L2 completers can move on to Functional Skills and then GCSE English

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.