What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. Good Study Skills are vital to ensure you gain the best from your course. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course.

What Qualification/level is this course?
Your tutor will discuss the level of qualification you will be taking, based on the results of the Initial and Diagnostic assessments before the course.

IELTS & Citizenship
ACL Essex does NOT offer the IELTS test and cannot offer advice on citizenship. Go to: www.ielts.org www.britishcouncil.org/takeielts http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/choose-ielts/what-ielts/ielts-work http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS%20Information-for-Candidates-March%202015.pdf

Disclaimers: attendance, exams
You MUST attend all your classes; any absences must be explained to the tutor. Any missed work will need to be completed. You should plan holidays outside of term time if possible. Otherwise you may be at risk of losing your place on the course. You MUST attend the exam date(s) - if you do not, you will have to pay for a resit. You will have to attend an ACL Centre in person for your exams. If you withdraw before completing the course, you may still be liable for the full cost if not fully funded. We do not usually offer refunds.

Who is this course for?
For speakers of other languages, who need to improve their reading, writing and speaking & listening skills, to become functional in their everyday lives and work. This course is for learners who want to study once a week, for 4 hours per class. This course will include taking qualifications.

What can I expect to Learn?
You will learn the topics required for your exam(s). You will discuss your individual learning needs with your tutor.

How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.

How will I know how well I am doing?
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor on your progress and you will maintain a Progress Record as part of your course.

Will I need to do extra work at home?
You will be expected to undertake some independent study and to complete any homework that your tutor gives you. You should allow at least two hours each week for this.

What will I need to provide?
You will need to bring a pen, pencil, ruler, lined paper and a folder for your work. For online study you will need a good internet connection and we recommend you have a PC or a laptop. Before buying any books please speak to your tutor first.

Are there any other costs?

What can I do next?
You can progress on to courses at the next level. Your tutor will advise you. For information on ACL courses please see www.essex.gov.uk/adultlearning The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7635.