Communication - Level 1 and 2 Essential Skills (OCN)

Essentials

Duration: 15 Weeks Part-time
Number of weeks: 15
Start date: 22nd January 2025
End date: 21st May 2025
Day: Wed
Time: 18:30-21:30

Course fee: FREE

Course Content

Essential skills are the qualifications that could help you to: 

• get the most out of life
• engage easily with others
• solve problems 
• develop personally and improve self confidence 
• help with homework 
• manage your finances 
• access the internet and exchange emails 
• get a job 
• get promotion 
• study for other courses and get good results.

There are three Essential Skills:

Communication - Essential Skills Communication will give you the opportunity to develop your speaking and listening, reading and writing skills. 

Application of Number - Essential Skills Application of Number will give you the opportunity to use your skills in working with figures and numbers.   

ICT - Essential Skills ICT aims to give you the opportunity to develop practical computer skills to use in your current or future workplace and for your own personal need. We also offer Entry Level ICT classes for complete beginners. 

Classes are about two hours and usually run weekly.  On average, it takes over 40 hours to complete a course but this will be determined by your needs and tutor's assessment.  Classes are held in a range of venues, from your local community hall to your local college, throughout the day and evening depending on campus provision.

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers, therefore you may be offered an alternative time or location should your chosen session not run.

Assessment Methods

For Level 1 and Level 2 courses in Communication and Application of Number assessment is through the completion of an externally assessed and marked exam. At Entry Level assessment is by the completion of an in-house test.

For Level 1 and Level 2 ICT assessment is through a portfolio only.

Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

No specific entry requirements.

This course is delivered in English and is designed for native speakers. Those who have English as a Second Language should have a working level of B1 in the Common European Framework Reference, or equivalent.

During your initial class, your lecturer will assess your current working level and assign your target level.

Improving your Essential Skills qualifications can help improve your confidence and employability. Achievement in Essential Skills can help you progress to GCSE level and also onto some Level 3 programmes.