Red Kite Learning gained an insight into life inside the House of Commons through delivering a 12 week ESOL and numeracy programme to a group of employees keen to improve their English and numeracy skills.
Two learners were working as stewards, two as waiters and another as a general assistant. This opportunity to attend a Skills for Life course was part of their staff development, aimed at increasing their chances of promotion within the organisation.
As the learners were already fluent English speakers, ESOL delivery focused on improving vocabulary and understanding of English grammar, and learning the basics of reading and writing in English. During the 12-week course the learners, all highly motivated, made significant progress according to their levels, and reported that their self confidence had also improved.
Comments made by the learners in their evaluation forms include:
“[...]I used to say things in a wrong way - that course help me to correct it. […] The 12 week course has been very good, and I know it is going to help me with my work.”
“I learned how to spell words. I learned aspects of grammar like adjectives, adverbs and questions […] I was very glad to attend this course, which gave me more knowledge about English language.”
Red Kite Learning has since been recontracted by the House of Commons to deliver ESOL to two further groups of employees.
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For more information contact Jo Earley, Skills for Life Manager, on 020 73789400, or email jo.earley@rkl.org.uk
(Published August 2009)
