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  • Course Type
    16-19 Courses
  • Course Code
    ES998
  • Campus
    Conway Park
  • Level
    Level
  • Duration
    1 year
  • Course Details

    The course aims to help you gain a good knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and functional language for everyday life and provides opportunities for you to practise these skills.

    The RARPA Skills for Life course aims to help you gain a good knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and functional language for everyday life and provides opportunities for you to practise these skills.

    Once you have completed your RARPA Skills for Life course you will be ready to move on to sit an accredited Ascentis ESOL exam.

  • Entry Guidelines

    An initial interview and assessment will ensure you are put in a class at the right level. These levels are Pre Entry, Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

    Your tutor will work with you to identify your particular learning and support needs. Your immigration status for study will be discussed during your assessment.

  • Where can I progress to?

    You could progress into employment or further study (ESOL courses, FE courses, and university courses, either here or in your home country.

    Returning students would need to be able to demonstrate improvement in their skills in order to progress to the next level.

    Explore potential careers via Career Coach, it provides current local data on wages and employment prospects.

  • Timetable

    You will typically be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week. You will receive your individual timetable at the start of your course.
  • Assessment Methods

    You will be assessed throughout the year, for example with progress tests from the course book, and you will practise exam papers.

    Once you have completed your RARPA Skills for Life course you will be ready to move on to sit an accredited Ascentis ESOL exam.

Engineering student Mahamat Nour standing inside Twelve Quays workshop

Mahamat Nour

Engineering Student

I started with ESOL two years ago, before I joined Engineering. Since the beginning, I have had a lot of support from the college. Engineering is my dream, and I now have a conditional offer from Liverpool John Moores University for Mechanical Engineering. I would recommend Wirral Met to my friends.

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.