St John's Centre

St John's Centre

ESOL Courses

We generally have several ESOL courses and conversation groups running at St John’s at various levels, in association with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA).

In January 2023, we are starting a new First Steps ESOL 1 class for pre-entry learners.

In this class we will talk about our everyday lives (for example, shopping, health, where you live). You will start to learn about the alphabet and numbers. You will practise asking for and giving basic personal information about yourself. You will learn new words and start to develop your reading and skills.

Assessments and enrolments for this course will be held on Tuesday, January 17th at 10-12am. The class will be on Mondays and Thursdays from 12.20-3pm from January 23rd.

If you would like to join this course, please call 0161 872 7795 or email lkerr@wea.org.uk to arrange an assessment.

This course is free to learners on means tested benefits or low incomes, and to asylum seekers. Because they are funded by GMCA, there are some restrictions on who can join (usually depending on how long you have been in the UK).

We will also have our three open access, volunteer-led groups, which are free and open to anyone. Registration for these groups takes place in the first week of each half term (the next registrations will be in the week beginning February 20th 2023).

  • ESOL Speaking and Listening (B2/Level 1) – Monday 1-2.30pm during school term time
  • Discover Manchester (all levels) – Friday 10-11.30am during school term time
  • Family ESOL – all levels (pre-school children welcome) – Wednesday 10.30-12am during school term time

If you are interested in joining one of these courses or groups, please email emma@stjohnscentre.org or call 0161 872 7795.

The WEA are also offering online courses – go to www.wea.org.uk to find out what is available.

If you would like to practise your English at home, there are useful resources for all levels of study on the ManchesterESOL website.

We are always looking for volunteers to help in our ESOL groups – if you can speak and read English well and would like to help, please contact claire@stjohnscentre.org or ivy@stjohnscentre.org