English, maths and digital skills for life (entry 1-entry 2)

What is the course about?

On this course you will talk about events in your life and topics that interest you and use these to improve your reading and writing and express your thoughts and feelings. You will learn how to form letters, how to write sentences, spell important common words and use punctuation correctly. You will learn new vocabulary and develop new strategies to help your reading and writing. You will also learn computer skills to develop your English and so you can write emails and fill in on-line forms. You will practise searching for information on the Internet. You will also work on your maths so you can do the most important calculations you need in everyday life. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident expressing yourself and doing the most important daily activities that involve reading and writing English, using computers and doing maths.

What will we cover?

We will cover a wide range of topics such as: important celebrations and events, food, health, newspaper stories, and current affairs, art and hobbies, as well as your own life stories and events. We will visit places. And also work on budgeting and working with money. During these discussions and topics we will focus on:
• identifying where a sentence begins and ends
• using linking words like 'but', 'and', 'or'
• identifying the purpose of posters and other types of writing
• recognising the sounds of letters and using these to help read and write whole words
• improving your spelling
• finding information in different types of text e.g. posters, notices and forms
• summarising information and opinions in spoken and written English
• following written instructions e.g. recipes
• understanding and responding to other points of view
• writing and sending emails
• searching for information on the Internet
• filling in forms on paper and on the computer
• making calculations to help you with your shopping, budget, organising your time and using timetables.

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

• be more confident in your reading, writing and speaking so you can make appointments, go to a library, complete forms, follow instructions and give your opinion
• write simple and complex sentences about different topics
• identify where a sentence begins and ends
• use linking words like 'but', 'and', 'or'
• identify the purpose of posters and other types of writing
• recognise the sounds of letters and using these to help read and write whole words
• develop strategies to improve your spelling of common and important words
• find information in different types of text e.g., posters, notices and forms
• summarise information and opinions
• follow written instructions e.g. recipes
• speak and express opinions about important topics
• understand and respond to other points of view
• write and send emails
• search for information on the Internet
• fill in forms on the computer
• make calculations to help you with your shopping, budget, organising your time and using timetables.

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

This course is for fluent speakers of English who need to develop their overall communication skills including basic writing and reading so they can write whole sentences, improve their spelling and read notices and other short texts. To do this course you will need to be able to write the alphabet, read some everyday words and be able to write your personal details (name, surname etc.).

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

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

You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a folder to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and worksheets.

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

When you successfully complete this part of the course, you can progress to the next part. When you are ready, you can move to:
English, maths and digital skills for life (entry 2-entry 3)
English communication skills - for life and work (entry 3)

For more information, ask your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / (telephone temporarily unavailable).