Conversation Club

What is the course about?

Do you speak English as a second language? Do you want to practise your speaking and listening skills in an immersive and engaging environment? Want to practise making good conversation? Would you like to improve your fluency and learn social cues, norms and natural key phrases we use in the English language. The conversation club will allow you to develop your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. You will meet different people on the course and explore different themes and topics.

What will we cover?

We will speak about, read about and listen to many different topics to help you improve your communication skills and self-expression. You will improve the skill of carefully listening to others and contributing to healthy and interesting discussions. This will include:
• Listening and responding to familiar people in the context of straightforward and personal context
• Exploring topics from a range of perspectives. Topics may include life in the city of London, likes and dislikes, shopping, home, family and friends, culture and creativity, health, education and skills, nature and the environment, the weather, travel and transport, training and work life, local history and landmarks, food and cooking, money, interests & hobbies, technology, global community, the government & politics, social issues
• Identifying key points in a conversation and learning how to exchange information effectively
• Learning useful phrases for different types of verbal communication depending on the situation
• Some activities will include developing your reading skills, note taking or writing things down.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Ask and answer questions about your life in London
• Talk about yourself and your community
• Speak using present, past and future tenses
• Read short stories and emails
• Play common British communication games such as Charades, Pictionary, Taboo and The Yes/No Game
• Discuss written texts such as stories, emails, text messages, adverts, posters, notices, flyers, etc.
• Feel confident in your English and comfortable to not feel worried about making mistakes
• Correct yourself and others when the focus is on determinedly speaking accurately
• Confidently recognising and learning how to use other forms of communication such as interjections, body language, language or signs that show approval or disapproval and reasoning skills.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is open to all learners enrolled on our ESOL classes and is ideal for those who want to gain additional skills in English and improve their confidence in speaking. You can be at any ESOL level, Pre-entry to Level 2.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover British communication rules and features of spoken English. You will work with other students carrying out pair or group work. You will complete fun and challenging tasks in an enjoyable and relaxing way. You may do or explore learning outside the classroom and sometimes use digital skills to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You do not need anything in particular for this club, however, having a pen at hand will be useful. Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm to converse!

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

At the end of the course, you may continue attending and come to future sessions during different terms. Your tutor can discuss other ESOL/English courses that may suit your level of English including speaking, listening, reading and writing courses.