ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)

Latest news: The ESOL units have now been reviewed and new and amended units are available for use and can be viewed on the ESOL group page.  If a unit which is planned for deletion is on your framework then you will still be able to use it until August 2012. We hope that you will be pleased with the improvements made to the units.  

Important information about ESOL and Citizenship

The Agored Cymru ESOL units are valuable to those learners wishing to improve their language skills. However those wishing to gain citizenship will have to work towards an ESOL Skills for Life qualification in speaking and listening or sit the life in the UK test depending on their starting level. The Agored Cymru units will not satisfy this requirement but the NOCN ESOL Skills for Life Qualification will. See UKBA site for details of eligible qualifications.

Those wishing to renew their visa will also need to gain specific qualifications as set out by the UK border Agency. There are other important criteria that will need to be satisfied and these are frequently updated. If you are offering courses with a view to supporting learners in achieving citizenship or renewing a visa then it is important that you regularly check the UKBA site to ensure that you are meeting the necessary requirements.

Also applicable to EFL/EAL /English as a foreign language/English as an additional language

Agored Cymru units and NOCN Qualifications offer flexible opportunities for learners in the ESOL /EFL and EAL sector.

By using the units:

• Learners can achieve in bite sized chunks

  Units are available in a range of credits which are particularly useful for those on short programmes, for example, as part of employer initiatives. Units covering specific contexts also exist at different levels, allowing for differentiation within a class. To view units click here.

• Reading , writing , listening and speaking skills can be assessed independently

  Many of the units assess reading, writing, speaking and listening separately which accommodates learners coming from widely different educational backgrounds or who may be stronger in some aspects of language acquisition (spiky profile)

• Assessment may be linked to specific contexts relating to learner needs

  Many of the assessments are context free allowing for flexibility of a learning programme. However there are a number of units which are specifically linked to key topics that may be essential to ESOL learners, for example, health, skills for work or citizenship.

• Learners can build the skills required for British Citizenship

  Learners can use  ESOL units to secure the underpinning knowledge required for the NOCN skills for life qualifications necessary for citizenship. (See below)

Additional Information

Free materials can be accessed to support the delivery of units
To support the delivery of these units, exemplar assessment materials have also been developed, and are available by clicking on the paperclip on the unit descriptor. Alternatively these can be adapted to included information which is more relevant to the learner for example by making reference to local places or facilities.
For more information contact Judith Archer

Knowledge of Language and Life

On 7 April 2010, the UK Border Agency made important changes to the ESOL provisions within the 'knowledge of language and life' requirement for people seeking settlement in the UK. The changes can be viewed on the UK Border Agency website:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/25-kol-settlement1

NOCN ESOL Skills for Life

Recognised by QCA and eligible for funding, the NOCN ESOL Skills for Life qualification is suitable for those with very little English who may have recently arrived in the UK, or who have newly identified ESOL needs. The qualifications are available at Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3 and allow learners to achieve separate certification in the three modes that make up the qualification; Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. They also provide opportunities for delivery to take account of the wealth of cultural experience and diversity of learners, whilst ensuring their achievement is mapped against National Standards of the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum. To view the Qualification Guide click here . As with any qualification, it is important to check the last date of student registration when planning a curriculum.

NOCN ESOL for Work

This suite of qualifications has been developed specifically for those people who are in employment or planning to work in this country, but who do not want to become citizens of the UK. The Qualifications are available at Entry 3 and Level1, which include the 3 skill modes for achievement; Speaking & Listening, Reading, and Writing.  These are job focused with a practical approach to English skills which can lead to improved and new work opportunities. The flexibility of the qualifications allows for achievement at a lower level in the Writing for Work skill mode. To view the Qualification Guide click here. As with any qualification, it is important to check the last date of student registration when planning a curriculum.

Developing units for the library

New units currently under development include some which address the numeracy needs of the ESOL learner. If you feel that there are other gaps in the ESOL programme please contact Judith Archer

Useful websites

http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sflcurriculum
Downloadable version of the ESOL core curriculum

http://www.sflqi.org.uk/materials/pd_elements/01_01_02/finaloutput.htm
Package supporting teachers in the use of the ESOL core curriculum

http://www.lifeintheuktest.gov.uk/
This site helps learners at entry 3 or above to prepare for the Life in the UK Test that is now required for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK or British citizenship. Our units will provide a useful means of accrediting learners within ESOL provision whilst preparing for citizenship.

http://rwp.excellencegateway.org.uk/ESOL/ESOL%20teaching%20and%20learning%20materials/
A set of teaching resources ranging from entry level 1 to level 2 for ESOL, literacy and numeracy- look out for the rules and tools for an explanation of grammatical terms which may be particularly useful for those training to become ESOL teachers

http://www.skillsworkshop.org/index.htm
Skills for life resources all mapped to the Literacy, numeracy and ESOL core curriculum

http://www.niace.org.uk/projects/esolcitizenship/Home-Wal.htm
This link will take you to the Citizenship materials for ESOL learners in Wales pack. The aim of which is to help the ESOL teacher develop the learners' knowledge of life in the UK, help them become more active citizens and to support applications for citizenship and settlement.

http://www.niace.org.uk/publications
A good source of materials on all aspects of adult learning

http://rwp.excellencegateway.org.uk/Diagnostic%20Assessment/ESOL/
Diagnostic tools for use in assessing the specific skills needs of a learner once initial assessment has given an approximate level.

http://www.fin-lit-resources.org.uk/
Use this site to locate an extensive list of financial literacy resources

http://www.talent.ac.uk
A support site for teachers of ESOL, numeracy and literacy, providing resources and links to other useful sites