courses - Future Learning Athlone Campus

This innovative English language course from Future Learning Athlone focuses on the development of English language skills through communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and digital skills. This English language course is an opportunity for participants to experience Future Learning’s high-quality teaching which promises to foster development and progression. This course runs in the mornings!!!

We believe that all learners choose to study English for a purpose and our courses are designed with a sense of that purpose; personal, social, professional and academic. We also emphasise the importance of learner autonomy, and our courses invite the learner to take responsibility for their progress, help them to develop their learning skills and the ability to develop themselves.Our adult course is divided into three stages according to English language level. At each stage the exit criteria are those specified in the relevant Integrated Skills Exam (ISE) for ILEP purposes by Trinity College London.All of our courses are project-based which means the students will learn English while working together and making use of technology as a basic tool of communication and a support for language learning. Our course has 15 hours of project-based tuition per week (morning or afternoon).STAGE 1: LIFE SKILLS THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS A2 TO B1The initial stage of our course is designed to help people to make a life in Dublin through English and deal successfully with all the situations that will arise at work, at home and socially. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful communication in English.STAGE 2: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION – LEVELS B1 TO B2The second stage is designed for professionals who are interested in developing their spoken and written communication skills in an international and technology enhanced environment. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress professionally. Dublin is a hub for international technology companies who employ multinational teams to service European markets in the first language. The language of coordination and management in these companies is always English. however, and in order to progress in your career you need to be able to present yourself well and communicate effectively in that language. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engagement with the culture of the company in an appropriate way.STAGE 3: FOUNDATION FOR STUDY THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS B2 TO C1The third stage is designed to equip people to make a success of studying in an English speaking country. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress academically. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engaging with the educational culture in an appropriate way. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful studying in an English-speaking institution.

Making Technology Work in the Classroom is designed with hands-on workshops which give the teacher lots of practical techniques that they can bring back to their classroom. The course is delivered through the medium of English, which gives participants an opportunity to refresh and improve their communication skills in an authentic workplace environment.Learner Profile Primary and Secondary School Teachers (of English) who are interested in how technology-enhanced learning can be put into practice in their classroom.Learner OutcomesBy the end of the course, participants will have:​Experienced the techniques for the use of technology in the classroom and exposure to EU colleagues leading to an increased capacity to trigger modernisation and international opening within their organisations.Devised and prepared to run better quality activities and more attractive programmes for their students in line with their needs and expectations through the use of technology-mediated collaboration and publication as demonstrated in this course.Increased potential opportunities for professional and career development through becoming comfortable with technology are better equipped to develop as leaders of implementation projects without their school, or in the educational sector generally.Increased the potential for motivation and satisfaction in their daily work through becoming more comfortable in the English language as a medium for teaching and learning, and through being able to contribute constructively to technology enhancement programmes in their school and have an input into the direction of these programmes.

Course IntroductionParticipants take an active part in the delivery of our courses and collaborate with our experienced teaching staff in the planning and delivery of a technology-enhanced, project-based language programme for our second-level students. This includes being part of our teacher briefings before the classes start. Aim: To shadow Future Learning teachers to see how they use project-based learning for English language teaching. This involves techniques for getting students to work together in teams of 3 to 4 on a series of tasks leading up to the production of a digital product, such as a video, which they present at the end.Learner ProfileLearner Profile: Primary and Secondary Teachers seeking to learn new techniques that they can adapt in their own classroom at home. This shadowing opportunity is available to participants who:are coming as part of a closed school grouphave full police clearance and are shadowing another FL mini-stay groupare willing to shadow our project-based teaching methodology in our adult courseLearner OutcomesBy the end of the course, participants will have had practical experience ofplanning for project-based learning (PBL) and adapting to resources and student needsincorporating language outcomes into the projectsetting a meaningful question or problemselection of the end product for teamsclassroom layout and team sizesfeedback and assessment for learning in PBLdrawbacks and challenges in implementing PBLmanaging activities and deadlinesmanaging teamwork and fostering collaboration skillscreating a sense of project ownership and assigning roles

Certificate for Practicing Teachers in Technology-enhanced, Project-based Learning - This course is a fully accredited Trinity College London Level 6 qualification that supports the professional development of English language teachers. It draws upon qualified TESOL teachers’ existing knowledge to explore what it takes to put project-based learning into practice and gain an understanding of the concepts behind it. It promotes the skills and techniques needed to develop and use technology effectively as a resource in teaching and learning. The course is based on the same approach which Future Learning has pioneered across courses and the training is informed by our experience of making it work in practice.Learner ProfilePrimary and Secondary Teachers seeking to update, improve and enrich their professional teaching practice specialising in technology-enhanced, project-based learning methodology.Learner OutcomesBy the end of the course, participants will have:​Planned, organised and managed effective project-based activities.Used technology with confidence and purpose in the classroom.Written meaningful lesson objectives and outcomes and plan towards them.Made good use of technological tools to incorporate assessment for learning in project-based lessons.

Language and Culture - Irelandis a vibrant centre of culture in the English language, coloured by the unique heritage and history of Ireland. This course aims to combine language refresher sessions with an introduction to and exploration of the life and culture of this unique location. It will be a mix of classroom work and excursions to see the sights. It will provide an exposure to the language in context, tricks and tips to analyse, understand and remember, along with developing an appreciation of the context in which it is used.

Learner ProfileTeachers and Professionals seeking to refresh their English language skills while at the same time exploring the culture and heritage of Ireland through the Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this course participants will have:
Experienced the techniques for the use of technology in the classroom and exposure to EU colleagues leading to an increased capacity to trigger modernisation and international opening within their organisations.Devised and prepared to run better quality activities and more attractive programmes for their students in line with their needs and expectations through the use of technology-mediated collaboration and publication as demonstrated in this course.Increased potential opportunities for professional and career development through becoming comfortable with technology are better equipped to develop as leaders of implementation projects without their school, or in the educational sector generally.Increased the potential for motivation and satisfaction in their daily work through becoming more comfortable in the English language as a medium for teaching and learning, and through being able to contribute constructively to technology enhancement programmes in their school and have an input into the direction of these programmes.

IMPORTANTCourses start every Monday from 9th January up to and including Monday 11th December (including public holidays)Minimum of 3 participants requiredErasmus+ courses can run in the morning or the afternoon. This will be confirmed prior to arrival

Course IntroductionMaking Technology Work in the Classroom is designed with hands-on workshops which give the teacher lots of practical techniques that they can bring back to their classroom. The course is delivered through the medium of English, which gives participants an opportunity to refresh and improve their communication skills in an authentic workplace environment. The programme is divided into 10 course days and participants can choose any of the following optionsMaking Technology Work in the Classroom (1) (week 1, 5 course days)Making Technology Work in the Classroom (2) (week 2, 5 course days) orMaking Technology Work in the Classroom (1&2) (week 1&2, 10 course days)Learner ProfilePrimary and Secondary School Teachers (of English) who are interested in how technology-enhanced learning can be put into practice in their classroom.Learner OutcomesBy the end of the course, participants will haveexperienced the techniques for the use of technology in the classroom and exposure to EU colleagues leading to an increased capacity to trigger modernisation and international opening within their organisationsdevised and prepared to run better quality activities and more attractive programmes for their students in line with their needs and expectations through the use of technology-mediated collaboration and publication as demonstrated in this courseincreased potential opportunities for professional and career development through becoming comfortable with technology are better equipped to develop as leaders of implementation projects without their school, or in the educational sector generallyincreased the potential for motivation and satisfaction in their daily work through becoming more comfortable in the English language as a medium for teaching and learning, and through being able to contribute constructively to technology enhancement programmes in their school and have an input into the direction of these programmes.

We believe that all learners choose to study English for a purpose and our courses are designed with a sense of that purpose; personal, social, professional and academic. We also emphasise the importance of learner autonomy, and our courses invite the learner to take responsibility for their progress, help them to develop their learning skills and the ability to develop themselves.

Our adult course is divided into three stages according to English language level. At each stage the exit criteria are those specified in the relevant Integrated Skills Exam (ISE) for ILEP purposes by Trinity College London.
All of our courses are project-based which means the students will learn English while working together and making use of technology as a basic tool of communication and a support for language learning. Our course has 15 hours of project-based tuition per week (morning or afternoon).
STAGE 1: LIFE SKILLS THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS A2 TO B1
The initial stage of our course is designed to help people to make a life in Dublin through English and deal successfully with all the situations that will arise at work, at home and socially. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful communication in English.
STAGE 2: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION – LEVELS B1 TO B2
The second stage is designed for professionals who are interested in developing their spoken and written communication skills in an international and technology enhanced environment. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress professionally. Dublin is a hub for international technology companies who employ multinational teams to service European markets in the first language. The language of coordination and management in these companies is always English. however, and in order to progress in your career you need to be able to present yourself well and communicate effectively in that language. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engagement with the culture of the company in an appropriate way.
STAGE 3: FOUNDATION FOR STUDY THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS B2 TO C1
The third stage is designed to equip people to make a success of studying in an English speaking country. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress academically. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engaging with the educational culture in an appropriate way. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful studying in an English-speaking institution.

The following is an outline of the 21st Century Communication Skills courses that Future Learning runs at both the Dublin city campus and the Athlone campus available to Erasmus+ participants. We believe that all learners choose to study English for a purpose and our courses are designed with a sense of that purpose; personal, social, professional, and academic. We also emphasise the importance of learner autonomy, and our courses invite the learner to take responsibility for their progress, and help them to develop their learning skills and the ability to develop themselves. Our adult course is divided into three stages according to the English language level. At each stage, the exit criteria are those specified in the relevant Integrated Skills Exam (ISE) set by Trinity College London.
Stage F: Communication in EnglishThe first stage of FL’s 21st Century Communication Skills in English is designed to help learners to make a life in Ireland through
English and to deal successfully with all the situations that will arise at home, socially, and while working in a part-time job. It aims to help develop communication skills to deal with the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges of expressing ideas in English.
By the end of the course, participants will have:
Developed the essential communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to enable them to do the following in English and through technology:Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine mattersDescribe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.Express themselves about matters in areas of immediate need.
Stage 1: Life Skills Through EnglishThe initial stage of our course is designed to help people to make a life in Ireland through English and deal successfully with all the
situations that will arise at home, socially, and at work if taking a part-time job. It aims to help develop communication skills that
consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful communication in English.
By the end of the course, participants will have improved their communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical
thinking skills to enable them to do the following in English and through technology in a personal context:Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, and ​day to day lifeDeal with most situations likely to arise whilst living in an area where the language is spokenProduce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interestDescribe personal experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for
opinions and plans.

Stage 2: English for Professional CommunicationThe second stage of FL’s 21st Century Communication Skills in English is designed for professionals who are interested in developing their spoken and written communication skills in an international and technology-enhanced environment. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress professionally.
By the end of the course, participants will have improved their communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical
thinking skills to enable them to do the following in English and through technology in personal and professional contexts:Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her ​field of professional specialisationInteract with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular professional interaction with first-language speakers
quite possible without strain for either partyProduce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and
disadvantages of various options.

Stage 3: English for Career DevelopmentThis third stage of FL’s 21st Century Communication Skills in English is designed to help students access opportunities in
international companies who employ multinational teams to service global markets where the language of coordination and
management is English. It aims to help them present themselves and their ideas well and communicate effectively so they can
progress in their career by engaging with the culture of the company in an appropriate way.
By the end of the course, participants will have improved their communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical
thinking skills to enable them to do the following in English and through technology in personal, professional, and academic
contexts:

Understand a wide range of demanding, longer academic texts, and recognise implicit meaningExpress him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressionsProduce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex academic subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devicesUse language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
Stage 4: Pathway to Further Studies
The fourth stage of FL’s 21st Century Communication Skills in English is designed to equip people to make a success of studying
in an English-speaking country. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to
progress academically at a higher level, which is about engaging appropriately with the educational culture to overcome the
linguistic challenges to successfully studying in an English-speaking institution.

By the end of the course, participants will have improved their communication, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and critical
thinking skills to enable them to do the following in English and through technology in any context that they need to operate in;Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read​Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent
presentationExpress themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more
complex situation
On Stage 4, students will be offered IELTS exam band 8.5-9 preparation.
IMPORTANTCourses start every Monday from 9th January up to and including Monday 11th December (including public holidays)Minimum of 3 participants requiredErasmus+ courses can run in the morning or the afternoon. This will be confirmed prior to arrival

We believe that all learners choose to study English for a purpose and our courses are designed with a sense of that purpose; personal, social, professional and academic. We also emphasise the importance of learner autonomy, and our courses invite the learner to take responsibility for their progress, help them to develop their learning skills and the ability to develop themselves.

Our adult course is divided into three stages according to English language level. At each stage the exit criteria are those specified in the relevant Integrated Skills Exam (ISE) for ILEP purposes by Trinity College London.
All of our courses are project-based which means the students will learn English while working together and making use of technology as a basic tool of communication and a support for language learning. Our course has 15 hours of project-based tuition per week (morning or afternoon).
STAGE 1: LIFE SKILLS THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS A2 TO B1
The initial stage of our course is designed to help people to make a life in Dublin through English and deal successfully with all the situations that will arise at work, at home and socially. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful communication in English.
STAGE 2: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION – LEVELS B1 TO B2
The second stage is designed for professionals who are interested in developing their spoken and written communication skills in an international and technology enhanced environment. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress professionally. Dublin is a hub for international technology companies who employ multinational teams to service European markets in the first language. The language of coordination and management in these companies is always English. however, and in order to progress in your career you need to be able to present yourself well and communicate effectively in that language. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engagement with the culture of the company in an appropriate way.
STAGE 3: FOUNDATION FOR STUDY THROUGH ENGLISH – LEVELS B2 TO C1
The third stage is designed to equip people to make a success of studying in an English speaking country. The aim is to equip participants to communicate effectively in English in order to be able to progress academically. Effective communication is about more than just the language, it is about engaging with the educational culture in an appropriate way. It aims to help develop communication skills that consider the cultural as well as the linguistic challenges to successful studying in an English-speaking institution.