Enquiry Line Update

IT Services Update - Thursday 28th March 2024
Colchester Institute’s phone system is undergoing maintenance between 12noon and 6pm on Thursday 28th March 2024. This will cause some disruption as staff phone lines may be unable to receive or make any calls throughout this period. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

ESOL Stepping Up (English Language for 16 – 19 year olds)

Colchester Institute English Language department was established over 40 years ago and aims to provide a welcoming environment for all. All learners are encouraged to realize their full potential and every individual is valued and offered an equal opportunity to progress. Our classes have a mix of students from different backgrounds and ages, ensuring that the lessons are a multi-cultural learning experience. The English language department was named a Centre of Excellence by the EL Gazette in 2013.

Course Info
How to make an Application
Introduction

First set up in 2008, the Stepping Up ESOL Study Programme is specifically designed for 16 – 19 year old students whose first language is not English and it is delivered at six levels from Pre-Entry to Level 2. While the main focus is English (ESOL), students also study Functional Skills Maths and ICT, ‘Personal and Social Development’ (including aspects of citizenship) and Employability/Work/Study Skills.

A wide variety of enrichment activities are offered and students also prepare for starting other vocational courses, progressing to Higher Education or going into employment. Occasionally, under 18 students may be in a class with some adult students (19+) but they will welcome you and help with your studies.

How will I learn?

Students will develop all aspects of their English, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), working in pairs & small groups to develop fluency. Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will have individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development. Students are expected to complete homework every week and will be prepared for their exams, (most of which are compulsory).

When are the classes?     

There are 16 hours of classes per week taught over 3 or 4 days.

What level of English will I study?     

Before you start a class, you will be invited to college to take a language placement test. The test will show us your level of English. You will be offered a place in the class which best suits you:

Pre-Entry Level, Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 or Level 2.

No formal qualifications are needed before starting the course.

Additional Information

What exams will I take?    

Students are prepared for nationally recognised Trinity ESOL Skills for Life examinations. The exams are offered at five different levels:  Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

Additional costs for your studies

Students will need a pen, pencil, paper, writing notebook and folder.

How much will the course cost?

The course is free of charge to students who are 16 – 18 years old at the start of the academic year and who are assessed as eligible for home fees.  Some students can also claim a weekly college bursary fund to help with course-related costs and travel.

Entry Requirements

This programme is for students whose first language is not English. There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, just the desire to improve your skills for progression on to another programme.

Information for Under 18’s

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18. In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults. You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important. All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college. The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed. If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

Course Progression

While Stepping Up study programmes provide a range of general skills, further study on a specific vocational course is advised. As a well-established course, progression onto vocational courses from Stepping Up has, in recent years, included business, IT, construction, engineering, music technology, catering, hair and beauty, health and social care, art and design, sports studies, accountancy and photography.

What our learners say

What our learners say about us



Alexandra Radita
(from Romania)





We were like a family and we supported each other. I feel very bad now that I have finished and I wish I could go right back to the very first day to start again





Hannan Seid
(from Ethiopia)





I have improved a lot since I started ESOL and it’s with your help I have come so far. Thank you very much










Applications are open now and can be made using the application button in the menu in the section below.

Stepping Up (English Language for 16 – 19 year olds)
LevelEntry Level
Level 1
Level 2
LocationColchester
DurationOne-year course
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2024
Attendance16 hours per week spread over 4 days
Fee(s)16-19 year olds study programme only: Free

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2023-24 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.