English for Speakers of Other Languages

Level 1

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Qualification (Level 1)

Provider: Spark Futures
Funding: Adult Education Budget (AEB)
Qualification Level: Level 1
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 Level 1 ESOL Qualification delivered by Spark Futures aims to develop learners’ English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing at a foundational level. This course is designed to build learners’ confidence and proficiency in using English in various contexts, enabling them to communicate more effectively in social, educational, and workplace settings.

This qualification is suitable for individuals with basic English knowledge who wish to enhance their skills to support their personal, professional, or academic goals.

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 ESOL Skills

Aim: To provide learners with an overview of the course structure and the essential English language skills required at Level 1.

Topics Covered:

  1. Understanding ESOL:
  • The significance of learning English and its benefits for everyday life and work
  • Overview of the ESOL qualification framework and assessment criteria
  1. Language Skills Overview:
  • Introduction to the four key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Setting personal language learning objectives

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and activities
  • 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 conversations on familiar topics (work, hobbies, travel)
  • Asking and answering questions
  1. Listening Comprehension:
  • Understanding main ideas and specific information in spoken texts (conversations, announcements, etc.)
  • Listening for details in discussions and presentations
  1. Pronunciation and Clarity:
  • Practicing pronunciation, intonation, and stress in English speech
  • Strategies for clearer communication

Assessment:

  • Practical speaking task: Participate in role-plays and pair discussions
  • Listening assessment: Comprehension tasks based on audio recordings

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:
  • Techniques for skimming and scanning texts for information
  • Identifying main ideas and supporting details in various texts
  1. Types of Texts:
  • Reading and understanding everyday materials (notices, signs, forms, articles)
  • Analyzing simple narratives and descriptions
  1. Building Vocabulary:
  • Expanding vocabulary related to daily life and work environments
  • Using context clues to understand new words and phrases

Assessment:

  • Reading comprehension assessment: Answer questions based on selected texts
  • Vocabulary quiz: Demonstrate understanding of key terms

Module 4: Writing Skills

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

Topics Covered:

  1. Writing Fundamentals:
  • Understanding sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar (simple and compound sentences)
  • Writing coherent paragraphs
  1. Types of Writing:
  • Composing informal and formal messages (emails, letters, short reports)
  • Writing descriptions and short narratives
  1. Editing and Proofreading:
  • Techniques for revising written work for clarity and correctness
  • Identifying common grammatical errors

Assessment:

  • Writing task: Compose a letter or email based on a given prompt
  • Editing task: Proofread a piece of writing for grammatical errors

Module 5: Everyday English and Cultural Awareness

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

Topics Covered:

  1. Practical Language Skills:
  • Vocabulary and phrases for everyday situations (shopping, appointments, social interactions)
  • Role-playing common scenarios (making phone calls, visiting the doctor)
  1. Cultural Understanding:
  • Discussing cultural norms and practices in English-speaking countries
  • Exploring the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness
  1. Community Engagement:
  • Learning about local services and resources available to learners
  • Building confidence to interact within the community

Assessment:

  • Practical task: Role-play real-life scenarios in pairs or groups
  • 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 covered throughout the course
  • Identifying strengths and areas for improvement in language skills
  1. Practice Assessments:
  • Conducting mock assessments for speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Providing constructive feedback to support improvement
  1. Test-Taking Strategies:
  • Understanding the assessment format and requirements
  • Tips for effective time management and reducing exam anxiety

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:

  • Level 1 Qualification: 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 2 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 (Level 1), please contact Spark Futures at hello@universitasedu.org