What is the course about? 

This course is suitable if you speak a little English and can use the alphabet. The course will help you to improve all your English language skills, read and respond to a range of texts.  

You will focus on reading and take an Entry 1 ESOL Reading exam at the end of your course if you are ready.  

Is a pre-enrolment interview or assessment required for this course? 

Yes, you will need to do a pre-course assessment to establish your level of English before enrolling onto the course (unless you are progressing from the Westway Trust course Ascentis ESOL Award in Writing: Entry 1) 

What level is the course and do I require particular skills, experience or prior qualifications? 

This is an Entry 1 level course.  

This course is ideal for you if you have little or no English and want to learn in a relaxed environment. 

A high level of commitment is essential to benefit fully from the course. 

What topics does the course cover? 

You will practise reading in order to prepare for the Entry 1 Reading exam 

You will also practise:  

• Finding information in notices, simple adverts, forms and texts. 
• Learning a lot of basic vocabulary and the spelling. 
• Recognising symbols in text. 
• Recognising key words and numbers in text.  
• Identifying letters of the alphabet in upper and lower case. 

How will I be taught and assessed? Will there be any work outside the class? 

The course is classroom based and online. You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor.  

You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step-by-step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning.  

You will be expected to do homework regularly.  

At the end of the course, you can take the Ascentis Skills for Life exams covering speaking and listening. 

Are there any other costs or equipment I need to get? 

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a file to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and worksheets and let you know if there are any other resources that you might need to get. 

What will I achieve?  

By the end of the course you should be able to: 

• Learn to read simple texts. 
• Find information in notices, simple adverts, forms and texts.  
• Learn to recognise and understand common signs and symbols. 
• Spell common and personal words correctly. 
• Pass the Ascentis English ESOL Entry 1 Reading exam.  

When I finish, what should I be able to do next? 

There are few courses you can do after this course. These include:  

• Entry 1 ESOL Speaking and Listening. 
• ESOL E2 or E3 Speaking and Listening. 

This is an accredited course.