English for Speakers of Other Languages

What is special about this course?

UHI Perth is the largest ESOL provider in Perth and Kinross. We work alongside other ESOL providers in the region to create learning pathways for ESOL learners to enhance their prospects for work and further study. The British Council accredit all our college-based courses for the teaching of English in the UK.

This course is for people whose first language is not English and who already have an intermediate level of English. This course will prepare you to study other courses at UHI Perth, help you progress into employment, and assist in integrating into Scottish life.

• Class sizes are between 15 and 20 students per class. The maximum class size is 20.
• The minimum enrolment age is 16. There is no upper age limit.
• All students aged 16 or 17 on entry are given a 24-hour emergency number.
• Students are supervised in class and during trips and activities. 16- and 17-year-old students need parental consent for these. Outside of these times there is no supervision of students.

This is a 34-week course and there are 18 hours and 20 minutes of classroom lessons per week.

Each week you will be on college for 3.5 days. You are also expected to do half an hour’s self-study per day.  

Entry requirements

All students will be level tested before the course starts and placed in an appropriately levelled class.

Find out more information about Language School interviews here.

The course is split into various elements:

Core English: You will learn the grammar and vocabulary appropriate for you to achieve a proficient level of English. You will enhance your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills while working individually, with a partner, and in grouped activities.

SQA stand-alone units: You will complete two of these: one in each semester. You will work on SQA outcomes which cover the 4 skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will refine your skills through redrafting of writing, preparing spoken tasks, and reading a variety of texts.

Receptive Skills: This is a student led element to the course. Your teacher will ask your class to suggest areas and themes for study and will then create a series of thematically linked lessons with related tasks. These will improve your listening and reading skills.

Productive Skills / ICT skills: This is a student led element to the course. Your teacher will ask your class to suggest areas and themes for study and will then create a series of thematically linked lessons with related tasks which you submit to your student portfolio. These will improve your speaking and writing skills. Some of these tasks will expand your proficiency in computing and technology.

Assessment: These course elements are assessed through written and spoken assignments.
Your class teachers will tell you about your assessments. You can find your assessment schedule on Brightspace.

Fees

Most full-time students will have their fees paid.

Students on part-time courses may also be eligible to have their course fees waived.

Additional costs

£125 for books and materials