Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
The Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award In Introduction to English for Non-native Speakers (Entry 1) qualification covers very basic speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
All units are mandatory and the qualification covers the essential English language skills which need to be explicitly taught to the intended target group (but which most learners registering on an Entry 1 ESOL course will already have or be capable of acquiring very quickly).
The Introduction to English for Non-native Speakers (Entry 1) qualification is an accredited alternative to a RARPA-based approach. Achievement of this qualification can be used as an indicator that a learner is ready to access an E1 ESOL course/qualification.
Learner Types
The target learner group for this Award is non-native speakers who have no or very limited exposure to English – they may be newly arrived in the country and who need to be taught the very basic knowledge and skills that other E1 learners will already possess when they sign up for an E1 course or will pick up very quickly. For example they cannot follow instructions in the class room.
Progression Routes
The qualification is designed to provide a first step towards employability for a target group whose lack of English language skills currently makes employment impossible. It is intended as the first rung in a ladder of English language learning, with the typical progression route initially being to Entry 1 ESOL qualifications and from there up through further levels of ESOL qualifications before eventually leading to employment.
•Introduction to Speaking English (2 credits)
•Introduction to Listening to and Understanding English (1 credit)
•Introduction to Reading English (2 credits)
•Introduction to Writing English (1 credit)
•Introduction to English Language for Learning (1 credit)
The last unit in particular focuses on key language associated with learning to enable them to engage more fully as learners ready for when they progress to E1 ESOL classes.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is by Portfolio of evidence
•Naturally occurring through teaching and learning activity
•No requirement for completion of any specific assignments or controlled conditions
•Assessment guidance provided for each unit
Typical forms of evidence might include assessor observation records, video or audio clips and documents of varying kinds including hand-written input by the candidate.
Entry Requirements
Learners are not expected to have any prior qualifications or attainment in English language learning. There are no age restrictions. Target learners will typically be those who are seeking to gain English language skills in order to access employment and improve social integration from a very low starting point. They will almost all expect to undertake further learning in the English language before achieving these goals.