English for life and work - virtual (14RW59AL/22)


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Online Course
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Course details

We use our English skills every day in all aspects of our lives, whether we are at home, at work, or out and about in our communities. Taking time to develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills further can benefit you in all areas of your life, in ways that matter to you, whether this is supporting your children with their homework, managing your day-to-day tasks, or getting on at work.

Our English for Life and Work classes are friendly, welcoming spaces, designed to support you to develop your English skills and to gain a nationally recognised Functional Skills qualification.

If you’re ready to start developing your English skills for life and work, then this could be the learning opportunity you’ve been looking for. Apply now and a member of the team will get in touch to get you started on your learning journey.

What will I learn?

You’ll start your learning journey by meeting with one of our friendly advisors, who will discuss what you’d like to learn and what your goals are. Your advisor will then make sure you are enrolled on the course at the right level for you.

You will be able to develop your skills in the three main aspects of English:

  • Reading:

You’ll learn a range of strategies for identifying key information and details from different styles of text. You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between fact and opinion and how text and information can be presented in different ways, such as by using sub-headings, bullet-points and images.

  • Writing:

You’ll learn how to write in a range of formats, including articles, letters, and reports, and will learn how to write in different styles for a variety of audiences. You’ll also learn spelling and grammar rules and how to correctly use a broad range of punctuation, such as apostrophes, quotation marks, and commas.

  • Speaking, listening, and communication:

You’ll learn how to share facts and opinions on a range of topics by taking part in discussions and delivering short talks to the rest of the group. You’ll also learn effective questioning and answering techniques, as well as how to improve your confidence in speaking to groups of people.

What is it like to learn with East Riding Adult Learning and Employability?

At East Riding Adult Learning and Employability we pride ourselves on the support we give to our learners, from the very first time you contact us, right through to achieving your learning aims and beyond to ensure that you have the skills, knowledge, and advice you need to reach your goals.

When you apply for this English course your advisor will discuss with you all of the support we have available and together you will plan out your learning journey. When you get started in the classroom, your tutor will work with you to give you advice on the best ways to develop your skills and will support you to learn in a way that works for you. 

All of our English courses take place in small, friendly and welcoming classes, where you will have the opportunity to take part in activities to practice your skills both independently and as part of a group.

You’ll have regular 1-1 time with your tutor to discuss your progress and to identify opportunities for further development. Your tutor will work with you to make sure that you always have the support you need and will also give you information about opportunities to develop your maths or digital skills, exercise your creativity, or improve your health and well-being. If you’re looking for work or aiming for a change of role, then your tutor will make you aware of the employability programmes we have available to support you in achieving your employment goals.

What do I need to join the course?

You must be able to demonstrate English skills at Level 1 to be able to join this virtual Level 2 English course and be committed to attending the sessions and achieving your qualification.

As this course will be delivered virtually through Microsoft Teams, you will need to ensure that you are able to connect to the internet, have access to a web browser (such as Goole Chrome or Microsoft Edge,) and are confident in using a laptop or a PC, as all teaching and learning activities will take place online; this will involve the use of web-based resources, as well asword-processing software, such as Microsoft Word.

What do I need to provide for the first session?

You will need access to the internet and a laptop or PC. You might like to use a headset and microphone during the session, although this is not essential.

In addition, you will need to install the Microsoft Teams app on your device. This is available as a free download; if you need any support in installing the app, please contact us on 01482 887670 or email learn@eastriding.gov.uk as soon as possible before your course starts.

If you have never attended virtual training before, we recommend that you attend our 'Induction to ERYC Virtual Learning' course before your English course begins, although this is not essential. Your Learner Experience Advisor will discuss this with you.

What could I do next?

Your tutor will support you in deciding your next steps; you might like to apply what you’ve learned in a related course, such as creative writing or poetry.

You might choose instead to develop your maths or digital skills and work towards a qualification in these areas.

Alternatively, you may decide to learn about mental health, neurodiversity, or employability skills, or explore our wider course offer, which includes topics such as photography, arts and crafts, and mindfulness.

Can we help you to learn?

You can find more information on the Financial help and additional support page or you can contact us to talk about this and any other support we can provide.