English For Speakers of Other Languages

Entry 3

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Qualification (Entry 3)

Provider: Spark Futures
Funding: Adult Education Budget (AEB)
Qualification Level: Entry 3
Duration: 12-16 weeks (flexible, depending on learner progress)
Delivery Mode: Blended learning – a combination of classroom-based lessons, online modules, and interactive workshops
Assessment: Portfolio of evidence, written assessments, speaking and listening assessments, and end-of-course exam
Target Audience: Adults aged 19+ who are non-native English speakers seeking to improve their English language skills for everyday life, work, or further study.

Course Overview:

The Entry 3 ESOL Qualification delivered by Spark Futures is designed to help learners develop their English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This course aims to build learners’ confidence in using English in everyday situations, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in various contexts, including social, educational, and workplace environments.

The course is suitable for individuals with some prior knowledge of English who wish to improve their proficiency to support their personal, professional, or academic aspirations.

Course Structure:

The course consists of six key modules, each focusing on different aspects of the English language, with a strong emphasis on practical application and real-life scenarios.

Module 1: Introduction to English Language Skills

Aim: To provide learners with an overview of the course structure and the essential English language skills required at Entry 3.

Topics Covered:

  1. Understanding ESOL:
  • The importance of learning English and its benefits
  • Overview of the ESOL qualification framework and assessments
  1. Basic Language Skills:
  • Introduction to the four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Setting personal language learning goals

Assessment:

  • Participation in class activities and discussions
  • Setting personal learning objectives

Module 2: Speaking and Listening Skills

Aim: To enhance learners’ ability to communicate effectively in spoken English and understand spoken language in various contexts.

Topics Covered:

  1. Conversational Skills:
  • Engaging in simple conversations (greetings, introductions, and everyday topics)
  • Asking for and giving information
  1. Listening Comprehension:
  • Understanding main ideas and details in spoken texts (conversations, announcements, etc.)
  • Listening for specific information in various contexts (work, school, social situations)
  1. Pronunciation and Intonation:
  • Practicing sounds and rhythm in English speech
  • Understanding the importance of intonation in conveying meaning

Assessment:

  • Practical speaking task: Participate in role-plays and conversations
  • Listening assessment: Comprehension tasks based on recorded dialogues

Module 3: Reading Skills

Aim: To develop learners’ ability to read and comprehend a range of written texts in English.

Topics Covered:

  1. Reading Strategies:
  • Skimming and scanning for information
  • Identifying main ideas and supporting details in texts
  1. Types of Texts:
  • Reading and understanding everyday texts (notices, signs, instructions, short articles)
  • Understanding simple narratives and descriptions
  1. Vocabulary Building:
  • Learning common vocabulary related to everyday topics (family, work, health, etc.)
  • Using context clues to infer meaning

Assessment:

  • Reading comprehension assessment: Answer questions based on a given text
  • Vocabulary quiz: Demonstrate understanding of new words and phrases

Module 4: Writing Skills

Aim: To improve learners’ ability to write clear and coherent texts in English for various purposes.

Topics Covered:

  1. Writing Basics:
  • Understanding sentence structure and basic grammar (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
  • Writing clear and coherent sentences
  1. Types of Writing:
  • Writing informal and formal messages (emails, letters, notes)
  • Creating simple paragraphs and short texts (descriptions, narratives)
  1. Editing and Proofreading:
  • Basic proofreading techniques to check for errors
  • Revising written work for clarity and correctness

Assessment:

  • Writing task: Compose a letter or email based on a given scenario
  • Editing task: Proofread a short text and correct errors

Module 5: Everyday English and Cultural Awareness

Aim: To equip learners with the language skills needed to navigate everyday situations and understand cultural aspects of life in an English-speaking environment.

Topics Covered:

  1. Everyday Situations:
  • Vocabulary and phrases for shopping, traveling, and socializing
  • Role-playing scenarios for real-life situations (ordering food, asking for directions)
  1. Cultural Awareness:
  • Understanding cultural norms and practices in English-speaking countries
  • Discussing cultural differences and similarities
  1. Community Engagement:
  • Learning about local services and resources available to learners
  • Building confidence to interact with community members

Assessment:

  • Practical task: Role-play everyday situations in class
  • Written assignment: Reflect on a cultural topic discussed in class

Module 6: Preparing for Assessment

Aim: To prepare learners for the end-of-course assessment and enhance their overall English language proficiency.

Topics Covered:

  1. Review and Revision:
  • Recap of key language skills learned throughout the course
  • Identifying areas for improvement and setting targets for the assessment
  1. Practice Assessments:
  • Conducting mock speaking, listening, reading, and writing assessments
  • Providing constructive feedback and support
  1. Test-Taking Strategies:
  • Understanding the assessment format and requirements
  • Tips for managing time and stress during assessments

Assessment:

  • Mock assessments for speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Feedback session to discuss performance and areas for growth

Employability and Career Support:

Throughout the course, learners will receive support in developing their employability skills:

  • CV writing and interview preparation to help them enter the job market.
  • Access to job search resources and local employment opportunities.
  • Workshops on communication skills relevant to the workplace, enhancing confidence in English usage.

Entry Requirements:

  • Entry 3 Qualification: No formal qualifications are required, but learners should have basic English language skills (e.g., at least Entry 2) to benefit from the course.

Progression Pathways:

Upon completing the qualification, learners can:

  • Progress to Level 1 ESOL or other vocational training courses.
  • Engage in further education, training, or employment opportunities that require English language proficiency.
  • Continue developing their English skills through community programs or additional courses.

Contact Details:

For more information or to apply for the ESOL Qualification (Entry 3), please contact Spark Futures at hello@universitasedu.org