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Build Your Skills in Conversational ESOL (Next Step)

Gain the essential English skills you need, without the pressure of exams.

Please note: 

  • Enrolment for Next Step courses will not open until November 2025. Priority will be given to learners who are enrolled on the related First Step course.
  • Assessment dates will be available in January 2026 to start the course in February. Complete an enquiry form to be added to the waiting list.

Course description

Improve your English skills and build your confidence, so that you can move onto a qualification-based course when you’re ready.

At the level that’s right for you, you will:

  • Focus on your speaking and listening skills supported through some reading and writing activities.
  • Communicate effectively in everyday conversation.
  • Gain an understanding of how to respond appropriately in common social and work situations.
  • Increase your vocabulary and improve pronunciation.
  • Build listening comprehension and confidence in speaking. 

Course level

Next Step - The aim of these courses is to take your learning and confidence to the next stage. You will learn more about applying your skills further and delve deeper into the subject. For learners who have completed the First Step course.

Who is this course for?

Residents of Calderdale aged 19+ who are not yet ready to sit an exam, or have been out of education for a while, and want to build up basic knowledge and skills. 

Next Step – Take your learning and confidence to the next stage. Delve deeper into the skills and techniques you explored in the First Step course and make informed decisions about your own progression.

What do I need to bring?

You will use Google Classroom throughout your course to view work from your lessons, receive messages from your tutor, and access online resources. You can access this on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer. Your tutor will support you to log-in during your first lesson, and the Learner Support team is always on hand to help with any issues. 

Improving essential skills

Course information

Start date: Various
Time: 10am to 12noon
Day: Various
Venue: Various

Course length: 18 weeks
Course code: Various
Course level: Next Step

Fees

Full fee: £180
Fee waiver available: Yes
Additional costs: No

Course dates and times

Venue Course code Start date Day Time How to enrol
King Cross Library CC00132 10th February 2026 Tuesday 10am to 12noon Enquire
Brighouse Library CC00136 11th February 2026 Wednesday 10am to 12noon Enquire

Additional information

Learning delivery method

We have the skills, resources and dedication to help you access the learning you need to enrich your life.

Your course will be delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tutor via:

  • The classroom, face-to-face teaching at Heath Campus or other venues in Calderdale.
  • Also, Google Classroom will be used to access:
    • electronic learning resources;
    • coursework set by your tutor;
    • collaborative work;
    • and online sessions, if needed.

What we expect from you

You must do various learning activities so we can make sure you are making the expected progress. This is because:

  • your course is funded in full or part by the Government via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority;
  • and all Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL) learning is subject to Ofsted inspection.

You may need to do extra work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension, where needed. Also, you are expected to be:

  • punctual;
  • attend regularly;
  • and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course.

Important: You may lose your place, if:

  • your attendance drops below 88%;
  • or you do not attend three classes in a row and have not informed CAL.

How you will know if you are making progress

An Initial Assessment activity at the start of the course will enable your tutor to assess your starting point.

  • For non-accredited learning this will be completed using a set tutor assessment relevant to the subject area.
  • For accredited courses this requires learners to complete an assessment on the BKSB learning platform.

In every class we acknowledge and accommodate for different levels of skill and experience. This is so learners will be encouraged to identify and work on their own areas for improvement.

You will have a 'Learner Journey' with your tutor. Here, you will set the learning targets that you want to meet.

During the course, you will have the chance to:

  • discuss your progress with your tutor;
  • complete regular assessments;
  • and be given feedback, both verbal and written, on work that you produce.

Support for your progression and next steps

Please refer to:

  • the advice given to you by your course tutor towards the end of your course;
  • or speak to CAL's IAG Officer for information on how you can progress.

For our latest courses, see: Adult Learning.

If you need support in literacy, numeracy, IT or employability skills, please speak to your tutor in the first instance.

Information, advice and guidance

CAL Service has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering IAG on learning and work.

We aim to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Tutors, learning support staff and our IAG Officer can help you decide if a course is right for you. If it is not, we will aim to put you in touch with another provider.

For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust.

You can also contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Their website is also an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning: National Careers Service.

Contact us

Calderdale Adult Learning:

Address:

  • Heath Campus, Unit 4, Free School Lane, Halifax. HX1 2PS.

Phone:

Email:

Office hours:

  • Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm.
  • Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

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