ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)

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 citizenship 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

Citizenship

The nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, states that all those applying for British citizenship are required to demonstrate

• Sufficient knowledge of English (or Welsh or Scottish Gaelic)
• Sufficient knowledge about life in the UK

Anyone below Entry 3 knowledge of English who wishes to gain citizenship is required to

• Achieve an Entry Level ESOL Skills for life Qualification at Entry 1, Entry 2 or Entry 3
• Have a letter from the centre confirming that the qualification has been gained in a citizenship context.

Additionally, there are two more requirements for citizenship:

• ESOL learners should have improved their level by the end of the course. This means that they should have a diagnostic assessment of their English language level prior to starting their course and thus be able to demonstrate progression.
• ESOL courses leading to qualifications must incorporate citizenship materials with a recommended 20 hours teaching as a minimum

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.aaw4u.co.uk/documents/ESOL.pdf
This is a directory for ESOL and ESOL support in Wales produced by the Basic Skills Cymru National Support project for ESOL. Produced in 2007 but still provides some useful information regarding ESOL in Wales.

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/readwriteplus/Learning_Materials_Main
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/readwriteplus/DiagnosticMaterialsESOL
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.lsbu.ac.uk/lluinteractive/index.php
Produced by London South Bank University, this site allows you to customise interactive ESOL resources to suit the needs of your own learners.

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