Skills for life

Skills for Life

Do you want to improve your English or Maths skills?  If so we offer courses in community venues near you.  Daytime and evening.  Some courses have crèches.

Courses are for adults who want to:

  • improve or revise their existing skills e.g. spelling, letter writing;
  • gain a nationally recognised qualification – e.g Certificate in Adult Literacy or Numeracy, Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life;
  • start at the beginning – learn reading or speaking and listening in English at any level up to Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE A* - C grades).

All courses are free.

All learners have individual learning plans and opportunities to discuss which course would be best for them.

The following are available:

  • Assessment Sessions – Find out about your existing level of skills and which course would suit your needs best. Individual and confidential interview included.
  • Ongoing courses – join at any time; continue until you meet your goals. Normally 2 hours a week daytime or evening. Courses in reading and writing, basic maths or English Language for people whose first language is not English.
  • Short Courses – from 10 – 30 hours.
  • Move On – Prepare for national literacy or numeracy tests at Level 1 or Level 2.
  • Key In Learn On –Improve your spelling, punctuation and proofreading skills while learning basic computer skills.

We also offer occasional short courses such as effective writing, study skills, spelling, writing for pleasure and can put on workshops tailored to the needs of groups – 3 or 6 hour sessions on such topics as portfolio building, writing CVs or preparing community newsletters.

Embedded Skills for Life Courses

These are courses that teach English or Maths skills at the same time as other skills.  Currently on offer through ESF funded Get On 2 Skills project:

ESOL and ICT – offering accreditation in English skills and computer skills. Currently courses in Ipswich and Felixstowe.

Get Ready: Choices for life, learning and work with literacy. A course to help adults who want to make changes in their lives but uncertain where to start.  A chance to gain an OCN certificate and a national literacy qualification.  Courses available in Lowestoft

Parenting and Literacy: See the Family Learning Programme

In partnership with Suffolk College and CSV Media there are also opportunities in Ipswich for Gardening and Maths or Digital Photography and Maths.  Digital Photography will also run in Lowestoft.

Other opportunities to improve literacy, language and numeracy skills may be available for parents and carers through the family learning programme or through Training Matters for people at work wanting to study in their workplace.