Education Programs
“ After learning how to make medical appointments in English, one student proudly explained that she had gone to a health centre and booked an appointment for vaccinations without needing an interpreter or family support.” Laura Chapman, ESL Teacher
Education Programs at Fitzroy Learning Network have continued to expand in 2012-2013, with the delivery of English language classes, computer classes and volunteer tutoring. Programs include:
• ESL classes delivering the nationally accredited Certificates of Spoken and Written English( CSWE), funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Adult Migrant English Program, and by the Victorian Government through the Higher Education and Skills Group.
• Specialised ESL skills development classes in the areas of literacy, pronunciation and phonics, funded through Adult Community and Further Education( ACFE)
• Pre-accredited beginner computer classes and breaking the barriers job club funded through ACFE.
In 2012 FLN received increasing numbers of referrals from asylum seekers for English Language tuition, so in 2013 a pilot language program was designed to meet the needs of these clients who are not eligible for accredited programs. Classes are now delivered three mornings a week by a team of dedicated volunteers, supported by resources on a wiki site.
ESL classes
We have generally had around 80 students on site each week, with clients coming from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and countries of origin including Vietnam, China, Korea, East Timor, Thailand, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Turkey, Macedonia, Iran, Syria and Afghanistan.
We have offered highly flexible learning programs with continuous enrolment and a range of tuition options tailored to meet student needs, including classroom delivery, in-class volunteer support, Distance Learning, volunteer tutoring and online learning. Students are able to study full time, part time and on different days to accommodate childcare needs, employment, work experience or other training. Assessment is designed to give
2 Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2012 / 13