Who is the course aimed at?
For Staffordshire residents aged 19+, whose first language is not English. You will improve your English in everyday situations - building your confidence at home, at work or in learning.
Entry requirements
We have courses for absolute beginners, then Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. An ESOL tutor will talk to you before the course starts to check which level is right for you.
Learning methods
You will work in small groups with a friendly and supportive tutor. Some activities will help your digital skills - on a phone or the library computer. You will be asked to complete some work at home to help your progress.
For more detail on the course content, please see the bottom of the page.
Learner support
Your tutor will get to know you, what you want to achieve and support your progress. Please discuss any specific needs with your tutor so we can support you.
Course assessment
There is an exam at the end of the course. Your tutor will help you prepare for the exam.
Learning materials
On enrolment you will need to show us your ID (passport, e-visa, driving licence) and proof of eligibility. For the course you will need a pen, a note pad and a documents folder. For homework you will need an internet connected device, either a PC, a laptop, an iPad, tablet or smartphone - you could do this at your local library.
What can learners do next/progress onto?
Your tutor will give you advice. You could go on to do a higher level, or another ESOL skill course. As your level progresses you will be more able to apply for volunteering or work opportunities. You will be more able to enrol on other courses, including qualifications.
Locations and times
Courses take place in Stafford and Burton. Most courses have 2 sessions per week, in the daytime. Please contact us for more information on enrolment sessions.
Are there any course fees?
There are no fees to pay, if your income is less than £26,800 per year.
Who delivers this course?
Direct Delivery Unit
How to enrol on this course and find out more?
Please contact Direct Delivery Unit on:
Telephone: 01785 278770
Email:ben.murphy@staffordshire.gov.uk
Speaking and listening course content
Entry 1 - Take part in simple conversations. Listen to and answer questions. Use essential everyday words and phrases. Build your vocabulary and understanding.
Entry 2 - Take part in short discussions and role-plays, asking and answering questions clearly. Complete listening exercises. Develop your vocabulary and grammar skills. This course also helps your English reading and writing.
Entry 3 – You will build your confidence in English and take part in group discussions, short talks and presentations. You will practice listening for detail and how to use formal or informal language. You will also develop your written and reading skills.
Level 1 - Build your English speaking and listening confidence, clarity and accuracy. Join discussions. Gain confidence to give short talks and presentations. Widen your vocabulary. You will also further develop your written and reading skills.
Reading course content
Entry 1 - You will read and understand important information, simple instructions, sentences and questions. You will also improve your spoken and written English.
Entry 2 - This course will help you read and understand short everyday texts. It will also help you with English grammar and improve your spoken and written English.
Entry 3 - Build your reading skills. Read a range of everyday texts and identify key information. Apply reading strategies like skimming, scanning and inference. You will also develop your English grammar, speaking and writing skills.
Level 1 - Extend your vocabulary, grammar and reading skills. Read and understand a wide range of every day and work-related texts. Find the main ideas and specific information in longer texts. Identify purpose and tone and how to distinguish fact from fiction. You will also further develop your spoken and written skills.
Level 2 - This course will help you read and understand short everyday texts. It will also help you with English grammar and improve your spoken and written English.
Writing course content
Entry 1 - Become more confident writing simple sentences in short messages and forms. Improve your grammar, punctuation and spelling. Apply your writing skills to real-life situations, helping you at home and work. You will also practice your speaking, listening and reading skills.
Entry 2 - Become more confident writing longer sentences, using paragraphs to give and request information, including letters and emails. Improve your grammar, punctuation and spelling. Apply your writing skills to real-life situations, helping you at home and work. You will also practice your speaking, listening and reading skills.
Entry 3 – Plan and write longer text, for a range of different purposes. Improve your writing with more accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Apply your writing skills to real-world scenarios, improving your communication at home and work. You will also practice reading, listening and speaking skills.
Level 1 - Extend and use more complex grammar, structures and strategies to improve clarity in your writing. You will improve your proofreading and editing skills. You will develop the ability to write for different purposes and audiences. You will also further develop your reading, listening and speaking skills.