ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): Everyday Life & In Context (SCQF Levels 2-5)

On successful completion, candidates will achieve:

• One SQA ESOL Unit at the appropriate SCQF Level. (2 to 5)

Units are delivered in one of the following contexts (depending on your group and learning plan):

• ESOL Everyday Life. (practical English for daily situations)
• ESOL in Context. (English for workplace/community/real-world contexts)

This course is delivered over 16 weeks using a blended approach:

Online tutor-led sessions (interactive learning, speaking practice, guided tasks, feedback)
Independent study activities to build confidence between sessions
In-person assessments at the end of the course (and/or at agreed points during delivery)

Learners are supported throughout with clear goals, regular check-ins, and activities matched to their current English level.

Online Delivery

Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels

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There are no formal qualification requirements. This course is ideal for:

• Adults whose first language is not English and who want to improve English for everyday life, work, or further study.
• Learners who want a supportive route into college learning in Scotland.
• Candidates aiming to progress through ESOL levels over time.

To ensure you join the right level, we will ask you to complete a short initial assessment (and/or informal discussion) to confirm your current English level and place you at SCQF Level 2, 3, 4 or 5.

You should also have:

• Access to a device for online learning (smartphone/tablet/laptop) and an internet connection.
• Willingness to participate in group activities and practise English regularly.

Completing an ESOL unit at the right SCQF level can support progression to:

• Higher level ESOL units and programmes at Borders College. (SCQF 2 to 5, subject to availability)
• Wider college pathways such as employability, customer service, hospitality, care, construction, or other vocational options. (depending on English level and course entry requirements)
• Community learning and volunteering opportunities that build confidence and local networks.
• Further study routes that require stronger English for learning and assessment.

This course is designed to help you take the next step, whether that is moving up an ESOL level or progressing into a vocational programme or employment.

Once you have registered, you will be invited to an online assessment where you will work with a trained tutor to decide what level of English is best for you.

Once you have been assessed, you will receive an invitation when your class is due to start. You may have to wait for an assessment or for a suitable class to start.

Improved English skills can make a real difference to your confidence, independence, and employability. This ESOL course supports communication skills that are valuable across many roles in the Scottish Borders, including:

• Hospitality and tourism. (hotels, cafes, visitor attractions)
• Retail and customer service.
• Health and social care support roles. (where appropriate English is required)
• Manufacturing and textiles.
• Construction and trades support roles.

Strong English helps you communicate with colleagues and customers, follow instructions safely, and progress into training or further qualifications.

£20 Candidates residing within the Scottish Borders:20 GBP plus VAT, Candidates residing outwith the Scottish Borders:150 GBP plus VAT

You will develop skills across speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a strong focus on using English in realistic situations. Content is tailored to your SCQF level and the unit you are taking.

ESOL Everyday Life (Typical Themes)

• Introducing yourself; talking about family, routines, and interests.
• Numbers, time, dates, directions and travel.
• Shopping, money, services and asking for help.
• Appointments (GP, dentist, school), forms and basic information.
• Local community, housing and everyday problems/solutions.
• Practical reading: signs, labels, timetables, short messages.
• Practical writing: simple emails, notes, forms, short texts.

ESOL in Context (Typical Themes)

• Communicating in workplace and community settings.
• Speaking clearly and politely with colleagues and services.
• Understanding instructions, announcements and key information.
• Reading workplace/community texts. (notices, instructions, simple policies)
• Writing for purpose: messages, emails, short workplace/community notes.
• Building vocabulary for your goals. (work, volunteering, study)

Study Skills (Built In)

• Confidence in participating in groups and asking questions.
• Strategies for improving pronunciation and accuracy.
• Building vocabulary and using simple grammar effectively.
• Digital skills for joining online sessions and submitting work. (where required)

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00

enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk