English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Course
In Colchester
Description
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Type
Course
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Location
Colchester
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Start date
Different dates available
We have a long tradition of helping students to return to study. The Access to Higher Education Diploma course will offer you the ideal preparation for further study in higher education or training.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
What level of English will I study?
Before you start a class you will be invited to college to take a language placement test. The test will show us your level of English. You will be offered a place in the class best suited to your level if there are places available.
Part-time
A0
Pre-Entry
Complete Beginner
Part-time
A1
E1
Reviews
Subjects
- IT
- English
- ESOL
- Part Time
- Full Time
- English Language
- Skills and Training
- Writing
- Access
Course programme
You will have the opportunity to develop your English speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for a variety of purposes, including employment, further study or communicating with English speaking friends and family.
The large range of ESOL provision meets the needs of the growing numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in the local community very wellOfsted Report 2016
How will I learn?
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course is designed for people whose first language is not English, but who live or work permanently in the UK. The course gives you the opportunity to develop your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, as well as aspects of citizenship and employability. The ESOL qualification is recognised by the UK Border Agency for use to support Home Office applications for Settlement and British Citizenship.
Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will have individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development. Students are expected to complete homework every week and will be prepared for their exams, which are compulsory.
Assessment
Students are prepared for nationally recognised TRINITY ESOL Skills for Life examinations examinations. The exams are offered at five different levels:
Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2.
Exam dates – March and June
The maximum class size for the part-time ESOL programme is 15 learners.
Course Levels
What level of English will I study?
Before you start a class you will be invited to college to take a language placement test. The test will show us your level of English. You will be offered a place in the class best suited to your level if there are places available.
Part-time
A0
Pre-Entry
Complete Beginner
Part-time
A1
E1
Beginner
Full-time
A2
E2
Elementry
Full-time
B1
E3
Pre-Intermediate → Intermediate
Full-time
B2
L1
Intermediate → Upper Intermediate
Full-time
C1
L2
Upper Intermediate → Advanced
Part-time
C2
L3
Advanced
What exams will I take?
Students are prepared for nationally recognised Trinity ESOL Skills for Life examinations. The exams are offered at five different levels: Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.
ESOL exams take place in the weeks beginning 23 January and 19 June.
Entry and Enrolment Requirements
Entry to this course is dependent on the result of a written and oral assessment at the start of the course, and on the availability of places. The assessment will determine which class is the most suitable for you, and an individual learning plan will be agreed with the class tutor. The minimum age for enrolment on the part-time ESOL programme is 16 years old.
Additional Costs and Social Programmes
Students will need a pen, notebook and folder, which can be purchased from our college shop and will cost approximately £2. Students will need to purchase an English learner dictionary (We recommend the Longman active study dictionary or the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary; prices range from £15 – £20). Students will need to pay for their exam.
Social Programme
While studying with us students can attend some trips, visits and activities organised by the EFL department and the Students’ Union. For example these may include ten pin bowling or ice skating and day trips to London, Cambridge or Brighton. The cost of these trips range from £5 – £25.
Holidays and Vacations
If you study September to January:
1 week holiday 24 October – 28 October 2 weeks holiday 19 December – 30 December
There will be no classes on Friday 21 October or Monday 2 January
If you study January to June:
1 week holiday 15 February – 19 February 2 weeks holiday 25 March – 8 April
1 week holiday 30 May – 3 June
There will be no classes on Monday 17 April, Tuesday 18 April, Monday 1 May or Monday 29 May
For further information please contact Admissions:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 712705. Email efl@colchester.ac.uk
Information published is correct at the time of printing; Colchester Institute reserves the right to amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will not take responsibility for any changes that may result in students having to cease their studies.
What can I do next?
These qualifications are nationally recognised and are welcomed by employers in the UK or by education establishments for further study.
Course progression includes further study in English. Progression onto further and higher education at level 3 and above in a variety of subject areas, including Access to Higher Education, Business, IT, Construction, Hair and Beauty, and Creative Industries.
Further information
How much will the course cost?
The costs vary depending on how many exams you take (NOT on the number of hours you study). The cost for two qualifications (Speaking & Listening, Reading and/or Writing) will be approximately £550 to £630. If you are enrolled on a Speaking & Listening course, the fees include the cost of the course book that you will use during your studies. Otherwise, you will need to pay an extra £50 for the book at the start of your course.
If you claim a Benefit
If you are in receipt of a means tested benefit the course may be of a reduced cost to you. You will need to bring up to date evidence of the benefit you receive into College so that we can assess the fees you will need to pay. If you do not provide evidence then the full cost of the course will need to be made. If you are under the age of 19 the course may be of a reduced cost to you. You will be asked to provide proof of your age to obtain a reduced cost.
If you pay for your studies
You will need to pay for your course when you register and before you attend class. Failure to pay will result in you not being able to attend College and your place will be given to another person.
How many days a week will I attend classes?
Two mornings a week at either our Colchester or Braintree campus.
Information for Under 18's
Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18. In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults. You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important. All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.
Well-being and keeping safe
Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college. The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed. If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.
What should I do if I have a problem?
If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (B66a, Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute). At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56. Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.
We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.
Accommodation
You need to arrange where you are going to live during your studies before you arrive in the UK. Colchester Institute is able to offer accommodation to students but it is limited depending on demand.
Accommodation offered by Colchester Institute
If you would like to arrange accommodation through Colchester Institute you will need to complete an Accommodation Request Form, you can email the Accommodation Officer to ask for this form once you have received your course offer.
Please contact:
Elizabeth Bloyce-Hykel
Tel: 0044 (0)1206 712297 Email: Accommodation@colchester.ac.uk
Address:
Student Union
Colchester Institute
Sheepen Road
Colchester, Essex
CO3 3LL
How To Apply
Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme. Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible. You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester (for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:
Admissions
Colchester Institute
Sheepen Road
Colchester
CO3 3LL
Admissions
The College at Braintree
Church Lane
Braintree
CM7 5SN
English Language Courses (EFL, ESOL & IELTS)
We currently offer English Language courses on either a full-time or part-time basis depending on what suits you, your schedule and your needs. You can download the application form for the part-time ESOL course here.
Download Application Form – Part-Time English Language Courses (PDF)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)