| ESL Course Information |
Learn English, Discover your Future!
September 5, 2019 - June 19, 2020
Core ESL Courses Benchmark Level 1 to 8
|
Preparation Course for Citizenship Test
|
|
Learn everything you need to know to be successful on the Canadian Citizenship Test--and much more about Canada. Topics include: history, geography, government, the judicial system, and your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.
Pre-registration is necessary. Course will not run without sufficient enrollment. To reserve a seat, call Diana at 519-452-2000 ext. 69715 or REGISTER ONLINE.
If you have been out of school for more than one year, you will require an English language assessment. Call the CLARS Centre at 519-432-1133.
If you require information in an alternative accessible format, please call the school office.
|
| Language for Everyday Living, Language for Living and Working in Canada, Language for Further Education |
|
In many locations, classes are structured to address each learner's level of competency in Reading/Writing and Listening/Speaking and are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks*. This course organization allows the learner to concentrate on his or her strengths and improve on the weaknesses. It is common for learners to have different competency levels in the various skills.
*Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) refer to a descriptive scale of communicative proficiency in ESL. The CLBs provide a framework of reference for learning, teaching, programming and assessing adult ESL in Canada. They are a national standard. For more information, see www.language.ca/
Students wishing to enroll in credit level courses, offered through the Adult Secondary School program in our Adult Education Centres, must have completed Benchmark level 7 in all skill areas. It has been our experience that learners achieve the best success with a language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher.
Opportunities within the Credit Program include workplace training in Co-op and pre-apprenticeship courses, computer courses and academic courses in Math, Accounting, Science, English, Business and Contemporary studies. ESL learners with a previous academic background often wish to enrol in some of these courses to orient themselves to Canadian learning styles, continue to improve their English language acquisition and meet the entrance requirements for college and/or university.
|
| Literacy ESL |
| Literacy classes are available for ESL learners not literate in their first language. The focus is on acquiring the tools to learn, in addition to the skills of Reading, Writing and Listening/Speaking. In these classes, the skills are integrated. |
| Computer Literacy and Digital Skills Development |
| Technology is having a great impact on the workplace - as well as on all aspects of life. Research and reports are indicating that the workforce of the future needs digital skills. Digital skills are defined as: the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, create and share using digital technology. During your language classes you will be assigned computer lab time to develop your computer literacy (keyboarding and word processing) and digital skills. These new skills will be useful as you continue to integrate into the community and search for work. As well, you will be able to improve your grammar, writing, reading, pronunciation and listening skills by using language learning software programs in the computer lab. |
| ESL for the Workplace: Basic Computers |
| An introductory course designed to assist immigrant learners acquire the skills for today's job market, Learners will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and language ability to use a computer and related technology. This course will take an interactive and hands-on approach and is intended for those who have no or minimal previous experience on a computer. |
| ESL for the Workplace: Basics for Microsoft Office Suite |
| Designed for students who want to learn how to use Microsoft Office 2010. It involves developing skills in WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT. The course may also cover appropriate skills and language for Internet and Email. The course is for people who want to learn for their own interest, for e-learning or who want to continue on to a Credit Computer course - where you will be expected to know most of these skills already, or for those who want to increase their computer skills for the working world. Participants should be familiar with the computer and be at CLB Level 5 or higher. |
| Preparation for University/Professional Testing (CLB 6 or higher required) |
|
This course is designed for students at the advanced level who need to prepare for university admission tests or for professional accreditation examinations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
|
| Let's Talk |
| The main goal of this ESL course is that students will learn to speak English with clarity and accuracy over a wide range of everyday topics. In this course various course activities and assignments such as Directed Conversation, Topics, Vocabulary Development, Pronunciation, Conversation Groups, Idioms and Expressions, Impromptu Speeches, Expressing Opinions, Situational Speaking Topics will help you improve your communication skills in a relaxed and interactive environment. |
|
Academic Writing
|
| Designed for individuals who intend to take courses at the high school credit level, enroll in college or university classes, or return to the workforce in a professional capacity where advanced writing skills are required. You will review writing formats for academic contexts and develop vocabulary appropriate for college and university. Minimum required: an achieved Writing CLB 7 or higher. |
| The Intangibles of Speaking |
| Intended to provide students with the skills and techniques needed to engage in successful conversation. Learn the appropriate non-verbal cues and signals that govern conversations. Become a better communicative speaker. Exercises will include: Reactive tokens, Linking, Pausing, Turn openers, Back Channeling and more. |
| Citizenship Preparation Certificate Course |
| Learners will concentrate on developing their Listening/Speaking skills in readiness for applying for Canadian Citizenship. Topics include Canada's history, geography and government system. At the end of the course, participants will receive an ESL Certificate which is acceptable proof for the citizenship language requirement. |
| LINC |
| Language training classes funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada. Only Permanent residents and convention refugees qualify to attend these classes. The curriculum focuses on Canadian social and cultural issues and provides practical information for newcomers. Transportation assistance and child-minding are available at SOME LINC locations. |
| Language for the Workplace (CLB 4+) |
| Learners will develop their English communication skills in an employment preparation class. Vocabulary, discussion topics, reading material, and writing tasks will focus on English used in the workplace. |
| Pronunciation/Communication |
| Learners focus on improving their oral communication skills for the workplace, social situations and academic settings. |
| FESPA (Family Education and Support Project) |
| In partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee in Aylmer and the St. Thomas-Elgin YWCA, language training for women only is available supporting Mennonite families and their needs. Topics covered include the Canadian health system, nutrition, settlement services, parenting and healthy relationships. Childcare and transportation assistance is available. |
|
| ESL Eligibility |
|
An eligible learner is an adult immigrant currently residing in Ontario:
- Whose first language is not English; and
- Who is 18 years old or has completed his/her high school diploma and is not a day school pupil enrolled in any publicly supported day school in Ontario; and
- Who is a naturalized Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention refugee or a refugee claimant; or
- Who is a provincial nominee, or their dependent, who has been approved through the Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program but has not yet been processed to receive permanent resident status; or
- Who is a temporary foreign worker, or their dependent, who has been approved through the Canadian Experience Class but has not yet been processed to receive permanent resident status; or
- Who is approved as a foreign domestic worker under the Live-In Caregiver program.
|
| ESL Locations |
| City of London |
| LOCATION | LEVEL | DAY | CLASS TIME | REGISTER |
|---|
Banting Annex 127 Sherwood Forest Square, London
519-452-8770
LINC Care for Newcomer Children available |
ESL 1 to 6
Literacy
LINC 1 to 6 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
12:15 to 2:45 p.m. |
You will be
placed on
the waitlist
and called
when a
seat in a
class
becomes
available.
You will be
placed on
the waitlist
and called
when a
seat in a
class
becomes
available.
You will be
placed on
the waitlist
and called
when a
seat in a
class
becomes
available.
|
Banting Annex, After School, 127 Sherwood Forest Square, London
519-452-8770 |
ESL 1 to 6
Literacy
LINC 1 to 6 |
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
B. Davison Secondary School,
785 Trafalgar Street, London
519-452-2000 ext. 63727
LINC Care for Newcomer Children available |
LINC Literacy
LINC 1 to 4 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
Montcalm Secondary School,
1350 Highbury Avenue, London
519-452-2000 ext. 61411 |
ESL 1 to 6
Literacy
LINC 1 to 6 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
6:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. |
South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, next to the Jalna Library, 1119 Jalna Boulevard, London,
519-452-2000 ext. 63727 |
ESL Literacy, 1-4 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, next to the Jalna Library, 1119 Jalna Boulevard, London,
519-452-2000 ext. 63727 |
Senior's Afternoon Class |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
12:30 to 3:00 p.m. |
Village Green Community Church,
505 Village Green Avenue, London
LINC Care for Newcomer Children available
519-657-7994 |
LINC Literacy
LINC 1 to 6 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
Westminster Secondary School,
230 Baseline Road West, London
519-657-7994 |
ESL 1-6
Foundations |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 to 12 p.m.
12:30 to 2:45 p.m. |
South London Community Pool, next to White Oaks Public School,
565 Bradley Street, London
519-452-2000 ext. 63727 |
LINC
Foundations/Literacy |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
G. A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education,
70 Jacqueline Street, London
519-452-2000 ext. 69725
LINC Care for Newcomer Children available: Payable licensed childcare for day students, see: Chelsea Green Childcare 432-4225 (6 months-5 years) |
ESL 2 to 7
Academic Preparation
Advanced Listening/Speaking
LINC 2-7
IELTS / TOEFL Preparation |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Evening Classes - G. A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education, 70 Jacqueline Street, London 519-452-2000 ext. 69685 |
ESL Level 1 to 7 |
Tuesday and Thursday evenings |
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
|
| Strathroy |
| LOCATION |
LEVEL |
DAY |
CLASS TIME |
REGISTER |
Strathroy Adult Education Centre
361 Second Street, Strathroy
519-245-8163 |
ESL 1 to 7 |
Monday
and
Thursday
|
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
Anytime
with the
instructor
|
|
| St. Thomas |
| LOCATION |
LEVEL |
DAY |
CLASS TIME |
REGISTER |
Balaclava Street Adult Education Centre
20 Balaclava Street, St Thomas
Contact: 519-631-0231 |
ESL 1 to 8
Literacy |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Anytime
with the
instructor
|
|
| Woodstock |
| LOCATION |
LEVEL |
DAY |
CLASS TIME |
REGISTER |
Blossom Park Adult Education Centre
391 Blossom Park Road, Woodstock
519-537-0109 |
ESL 1 to 8
Literacy
LINC 1 to 8 |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Anytime
with the
instructor
|
|
| English for Employment |
|
G. A. Wheable Centre for Adult Education
70 Jacqueline Street, London
519-452-2000 ext. 69732 (Controlled intake - Call for more information)
| COURSES | DAY | CLASS TIME | REGISTER |
|---|
| Retail |
September 4, 2019 to January 31, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
Complete the
online form
or
email the
application
or
drop off the
form at
Wheable
Office M252
|
| Food and Hospitality |
September 4, 2019 to January 31, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Childcare |
September 4, 2019 to January 31, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Language for Employment |
September 4, 2019 to January 31, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Health Care |
February 4 to June 19, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Hairstyling |
February 4 to June 19, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Business |
February 4 to June 19, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| Language for Employment |
February 4 to June 19, 2020 |
9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
|
| Part-Time Programs at Public Library Branches |
| LOCATION | COURSES | DAY | CLASS TIME | REGISTER |
|---|
Cherryhill Library
301 Oxford Street West, London 519-439-6456 |
Citizenship Prep |
Tuesday |
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
Register
with the
Instructor
at the
library prior
to class.
If the class
is full, you
will be
placed on
the waitlist
and called
when a
seat
becomes
available.
|
Cherryhill Library
301 Oxford Street West, London 519-439-6456 |
Seniors ESL 1 to 7 |
Tuesday, Thursday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
|
Jalna Library 1119 Jalna Blvd., London 519-685-6465
|
Seniors ESL |
Wednesday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
Masonville Library
Sam Neill Room, 30 North Centre Road, London 519-660-4646 |
ESL Multi-level |
Wednesday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
Sherwood Library
#32 - 1225 Wonderland Road North, Sherwood Forest Mall, London 519-473-9965 |
Citizenship Prep |
Tuesday |
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
Sherwood Library
#32 - 1225 Wonderland Road North, Sherwood Forest Mall, London 519-473-9965 |
IELTS / TOEFL Preparation |
Wednesday |
6 p.m to 8:30 p.m. |
Stoney Creek Library
920 Sunningdale Road East, London 519-930-2065 |
ESL Multi-level |
Tuesday |
9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. |
|
|
| ESL Assessment |
For Placement
Prior to joining a Language Training Program, you are required to undergo an Initial Language Assessment.
Language Assessments are conducted by the Language Assessment & Referral Service Center located at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre. Appointments can be made by calling 519-432-1133 ext. 362 or 519-452-2660 ext. 69715.
The Assessor tests your language skills and recommends a program that suits your abilities, interests and needs:
- in an ESL or LINC program
- in a workplace training program
- in an adult credit class
- other training program
In Class
The ESL and LINC programs have adopted the Portfolio Based Language Assessment Approach (PBLA) to evaluate your English proficiency. You are an active participant in the PBLA process, responsible for collecting evidence of learning. You will receive a Language Companion binder to collect assessment tasks completed in class. This portfolio is reviewed by your instructor and PBLA Lead to evaluate your progress. The length of time it takes to progress to the next CLB level is different for every learner. Progress reports are issued and an instructor-learner conference is scheduled at the end of January and end of June.
|
| ESL Registration |
Controlled intake at all sites throughout the year - Learners can join throughout the year
- At most full time sites learners are placed on a waitlist and contacted when a seat becomes available.
(also see Eligibility)
Online Request for Records
 Submit your Request for Records
Documents Needed at Registration
- Permanent Residents - Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Landed Immigrant document
- Temporary Residents - Convention Refugee Letter, Refugee Claimant document
- CLB Assessment or recent progress report form previous ESL training
- YEARLY Student Activity Fee: $25 Full Time, $20 Part Time
|
| ESL Record Request |
| Please fill out the Education Record Request form. |
| ESL Child Care |
|
Licensed child care is accessible at or near some ESL sites. Space is limited and it is suggested that anyone interested should contact the provider. For a brochure listing child care providers in London, go to http://info.london.on.ca/child_care.asp. An interactive website is available which allows parents to search for available childcare seats http://www.familyinfo.ca
Fees
A fee is charged for this service. However, the City of London may be able to assist parents with child care costs. Ask at the child care site or go to www.london.ca and click on Residents and select Children.
For the 2017-18 school year, fees may be covered for learners in LINC Classes at Wheable.
Locations
Next door to the Wheable Center, the Chelsea Green Children's Centre operates a licensed child care for children 3 months to 5 years of age. Call for more information 519-433-4225.
Near Banting Annex, the Wilfred Jury Early Childhood Education Centre operates a licensed child care for children 30 months to 5 years of age. Call 519-471-1640.
Near the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, London Children's Connection operates a licensed child care at Rick Hansen Public School for children 30 months to 5 years of age. Call for more information 519-668-7093.
Near the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, London Children's Connection operates a licensed child care at Ashley Oaks Public School for children 30 months to 5 years of age. Call for more information 519-680-2727.
Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)
CNC is available at B. Davison, Banting Annex and Village Green for learners enrolled in the LINC program. CNC differs from childcare in that parents must remain on site at all times. There is no cost for this service. To be eligible for LINC, the adult learner must be a convention refugee or landed immigrant/permanent resident.
Call the LINC Assessment Centre at 519-432-1133 for more information.
|
| ESL English for Employment |
Put Your English to Work!
Fill out an English for Employment Language Training Application Form
Courses starting Sept 4, 2019
- English for Employment in Food & Hospitality (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment in the Retail Industry (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment as a Childcare Worker (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment - Pathway to Work (Achieved CLB 4 required)
Courses starting Feb 3, 2020:
- English for Employment in the Hairstyling & Barbering Industry (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment in the Healthcare Sector (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment in the Small Business Sector (Achieved CLB 5 required)
- English for Employment - Pathway to Work (Achieved CLB 4 required)
For more information call 519-452-2660 extension 69715
|
| ESL Questions and Answers |
| My cousin is planning to visit me for 2 months. Can he take ESL classes? |
| Visitors, temporary residents or international students on a study permit are not eligible for ESL or LINC classes provided by Adult & Continuing Education. Private ESL schools, Community Colleges and Universities accept learners applying from outside the country. The Public Library also offers language learning courses and learning materials. Refugee claimants with a study permit are eligible for classes. |
| I am a graduate student at UWO. My spouse and children are accompanying me to Canada. Can she take ESL classes? |
| Possibly. Their status will determine if eligible. See answer above. We recommend you visit the CLARS Centre located in the Cross Cultural Learner Centre, 505 Dundas Street to have them determine eligibility. |
| I am a refugee claimant. Can I take ESL classes? |
| Yes. You should apply for a study permit, as it may be a condition of your stay in Canada. Be sure to include a Letter of Acceptance from the educational institution with your application. You can take language training classes while waiting for the Study Permit. |
| I would like to come to Canada to study English at your Centre. What do I need to do? |
| We do not send a Letter of Acceptance to persons applying from outside the country. Private ESL schools, Community Colleges and Universities accept learners applying from outside the country. |
| What is the difference between ESL and LINC? |
| ESL is language training funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCIIT). LINC is language training sponsored by the Federal government - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Both LINC and ESL classes use topics that help newcomers settle and integrate in Canada. The Canadian content offers practical information about life in Canada, focuses on social and cultural issues and through a variety of field trips, links learners to their community.
Some ESL classes are specifically designed to help learners improve their language proficiency or prepare for further academic education.
|
| I am interested in becoming an Adult ESL instructor. What qualifications do I need? |
|
Thames Valley District School Board requires instructors in the ESL Program to have TESL Ontario accreditation. It is not required that an instructor of adult ESL be a qualified teacher - licensed by the Ontario College of Teachers. In order to meet the requirement of TESL Ontario accreditation, one must have a post-secondary degree (not college diploma) and have completed a TESL training program of 250 hours of course work + 50 practicum hours - offered by a TESL Ontario recognized institution. For more information see www.teslontario.org/accreditation
|
| I am currently teaching in the elementary/secondary system. How do I get into Adult ESL? |
|
TVDSB hiring is handled through the Human Resources Division and applications are solicited when there is a vacancy or opening. We also advertise for supply positions. All postings are advertised on the Board's website www.tvdsb.ca/jobs Click on the Support Staff icon.
Thames Valley District School Board requires instructors in the ESL Program to have TESL Ontario accreditation. Through a PLAR process, additional qualification courses in ESL offered by the Ontario Ministry of Education may be recognized.
|
| There are many different training programs for persons interested in teaching Adult ESL. How do I decide which program to take? |
|
There are a variety of training programs each having a different focus and serving a different clientele. Selecting the appropriate training program depends on where you wish to obtain employment. Most providers of ESL/LINC programming require instructors be certified by TESL Ontario. The professional association also certifies the training institutions. These recognized training institutions are listed on the TESL Ontario website www.teslontario.org/acreditation
|
|
What other employment opportunities are available?
|
| Thames Valley District School Board hires staff to work in the LINC Care for Newcomer Centes. Applicants should have a minimum of one year of early childhood training. A diploma in Early Childhood Education is required for some positions of responsibility and is an asset for any position.
TVDSB hiring is handled through the Human Resources Division and applications are solicited when there is a vacancy or opening. We also advertise for supply positions. All postings are advertised on the Board's website www.tvdsb.ca/jobs Click on the Support Staff icon.
|
| Volunteer Opportunities in the ESL Classroom |
| For several years, the Thames Valley Adult and Continuing Education has trained volunteers to provide additional classroom support in ESL classes. Under the supervision of a staff member, volunteers may help learners on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, as a portion of a class or the entire class. Experiences might include informally assessing a learner's speaking ability, manage a discussion group, model a conversation with a learner, edit a writing sample, listen to a learner read and correct pronunciation. Please contact Jennifer Jones at jennifer.jones@tvdsb.ca for more information. |
|
