Courses

We call our skills-based language program Language for Life. Here are the courses we offer:
English as a Second Language (ESL) all levels view
Listening and speaking view
Reading and writing view
Computer for ESL learners view
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Preparation view
ESL Co-op for Accounting Basics, Business English and Customer Service view

All students must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable materials fee, per session, per period as follows:

ESL classes $30.00
TOEFL $35.00
Microsoft (Day) $55.00
(evenings and weekend) $40.00

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Foundation courses
Foundation courses promote the development of verbal, written and technical communication skills in relation to others in the family, the community and beyond. The learner will have opportunities to describe, compare and represent his or her view in a multicultural environment.
Communication courses
Intermediate communications courses promote the development of verbal, written and technical communication skills in relation to participation in Canadian society and preparation for on-going learning. The learner is encouraged to use the language while becoming actively involved in the various contexts of life in Canada.
Advanced courses
Advanced courses are designed for higher-level learners and promote the development of verbal, written and technical communication skills required for further education or employment training. The learner has the opportunity to use and apply the language to prepare for specific goals. These courses consolidate all previous instruction and provide review where necessary. Skill development includes conversation, grammar, reading, writing and test preparation.

Listening and speaking
Basic
Students will improve listening and speaking skills through the use of role play and dialogues, which will expand vocabulary knowledge and the ability to communicate more effectively. Learners will also have the opportunity to practice spoken English in both formal and informal situations.
Intermediate
The course will improve the learner’s ability to speak more confidently and enhance their listening comprehension. Some of the skills to be covered include: developing effective telephone techniques, conveying information, stating opinions and building conversation strategies. Attention is paid to the correct use of idiomatic language. Students practice how to express themselves through short presentations and group discussion.
Advanced
Advanced learners will gain accuracy in their formal and informal spoken English, in addition to developing active listening strategies. Appropriate language style, the use of advanced vocabulary, popular expression and body language, clarity and pronunciation are some of the skills that are emphasized. Students participate in group discussions and learn effective techniques for individual presentations.

Reading and writing
Basic
The course is designed for students who have intermediate speaking skills but require extra help with reading, writing and spelling. Emphasis will be on the development of word attack skills.
Intermediate
This is a remedial course for advanced speakers whose reading and writing skills do not meet the requirements for the advanced level courses. Students will learn parts of speech, sentence construction and paragraph organization, in addition to functional and practical uses of reading and writing.
Advanced
In this course students will refine oral and written skills for professional advancement or to access higher academic training, for example, at university or college. The class teaches verbal and written skills as tools, which work hand in hand for effective communication. Emphasis will be on essay writing for TOEFL. The overall aim of the course is to build the students’ languages confidence, develop techniques in summarizing, note-taking, grammar usage, editing and vocabulary expansion. Students are expected to have attained a satisfactory command of both oral and written English skills covered in previous ESL classes.

Computer for ESL learners
Comprised of two ten-work courses, the goal is to increase English language skills through basic computer skills taught on the widely used Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint). Students planning to enter college, university or the job force need very strong Microsoft skills. There will also be internet training on how to navigate the web, a general overview of workplace issues including ESL and job search websites.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Preparation
The TOEFL i-b-t course is designed to prepare students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, which is used by Canadian universities and professional licensing bodies to establish proficiency in English. The course will cover key areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing (essays and summaries) and vocabulary.

Business English
This is an advanced course designed to enhance proficiency in English and build confidence in business communication. Business vocabulary will be expanded through discussions and case studies. Other areas taught include telephone etiquette, the interview process, presentation techniques, business protocol, banking and financial terms and popular language. Learners will practice and refine writing of memos, letters, minutes and business reports.

Accounting basics
The course is designed for ESL students with accounting, bookkeeping or business experience and need to learn related English vocabulary, Canadian accounting rules and basic financial preparation. This is a two-part course in which students learn and practice manual and computerized accounting.