ESOL Classes

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes

English language skills have been identified as a barrier for clients wishing to participate in mainstream education and training initiatives as well as those wishing to secure employment. As a response, a series of classes for whom English is not their first language have been provided collaboratively between the Local Employment Service of the Tolka Area Partnership (TAP) and the Cabra Read Write scheme under the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC).

The aim of the classes are to provide tailored English language tuition in a group setting (maximum 12 students) on a block delivery means over a fourteen week period for six hours per week (84 hours total). This typically runs tri-annually with intake in January, May and September. Classes are available to all clients of the Tolka Area Partnership and students engaged in classes in Cabra Read Write scheme. All potential students are assessed prior to being offered a place to ensure the most appropriate referral is made in terms of existing language level. Based on client demand, classes are delivered at two levels: 

Basic (consisting of Beginner, Elementary and Pre-Intermediate learners)

These classes would consist of basic skills in talking and reading about everyday situations. The classes would primarily focus on introducing students to tenses, sentence construction, vocabulary on areas of interest and need and the opportunity to put these skills in practice through conversation.

Improver (consisting of Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate learners)

These classes consist on building on the strong foundation laid in the Basic group or to direct entrants who wish to develop and expand their language skills. The classes expand into looking at simple, perfect and continuous forms of tenses while also developing students understanding of areas which cause particular difficulties to English learners such as phrasal verbs. 

In addition, inputs on areas such as awareness of the Irish labour market structure, CV preparation and job hunting skills are delivered which presents a barrier to labour market participation for many clients. 

If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to register your interest in the next available programme, please contact Fergus Craddock at Fergus.Craddock@tap.ie or by phone at 087 2340217.