Welcome to Gower College Swansea

This course offers entry at various competency levels and gives students the opportunity to expand their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Useful English is taught in realistic situations for students to learn and practice language in everyday life. The course is taught Monday to Friday for 16 hours a week.

Assessments are carried out when students have reached the required standards to achieve the City and Guilds modules in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are able to apply for A Level or higher level courses at Gower College Swansea once they have reached the appropriate competency level for their chosen study programme.

This course will develop a student’s performance across all key English Language skills to maximise their success in IELTS exams. Its engaging content provides ample practice in fundamental study techniques for the transition to A Level learning. Students have an opportunity to trial subjects of their interest and benefit from College buddies. Inclusive social and cultural activities complement lesson topics and give a real insight into student life in the UK.

The course has three, six or nine month duration options, depending on individual learning requirements. Regular classroom hours with additional extra-curricular activities. Students are guaranteed entry onto A Level programmes at Gower College Swansea once they have met the minimum required IELTS standard.

Academic English is an extra curriculum course available to Gower College Swansea A Level students who would benefit from language support. The course leader liaises closely with curriculum staff to identify students’ specific development areas. The classes incorporate one-to-one review sessions as well as generic language progression tasks. Comprehensive practice helps students to succeed in both their academic studies and IELTS preparation.

The course runs once a week for 2.5 hours throughout term time and students are expected to complete allocated self-learning activities and assignments. Extra support is offered through the College’s book a librarian system where one-to-one subject research and language organisation is available.

This one year programme is designed for 17-19 year olds who would like to progress to university in the UK. Students will follow the Level 3 Access Programme which is available in a range of subjects including business, applied computing, humanities, law and science. In addition to this, students will receive English tuition which is tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring students achieve the required level of English for successful progression to university.

Students attending this programme will not be tied to a particular university. Instead, every student will be given excellent individual careers guidance to enable them to choose the right university to suit their particular interests. Most universities in the UK accept our international foundation programme students, however acceptance will depend on the final result, English language level and UCAS application. Students have recently progressed to Cardiff University, Swansea University and Bangor University, to name but a few.

To be eligible, students should have a minimum of 5.5 IELTS.