Functional Skills Stepping Stones (Speaking & Listening)

Course Code

N/A

Course Duration

4 weeks (One session per week — Monday or Friday, 9:30am – 12:30pm)

Location

Cradley Heath Skills Campus

Start Date

11 January, 2026
Female adult students talking across table

Develop confidence in everyday conversations with this supportive four-week Speaking & Listening course.
You’ll practise expressing your ideas, asking questions, listening carefully, and understanding spoken information in a friendly classroom environment. This course is ideal for adults who want to strengthen their communication skills before progressing to formal Functional Skills English qualifications.
Delivered at Cradley Heath Skills Campus, part of the highest-performing college group in the West Midlands, this programme offers a calm, welcoming space to build your confidence.

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for adults aged 19+ who want to:

  • Improve everyday communication skills
  • Build confidence speaking in groups
  • Understand spoken information more clearly
  • Prepare for Functional Skills English courses
  • Strengthen confidence before returning to study
  • No previous qualifications are required.
  • You must be aged 19+
  • No previous qualifications are required.

What will I learn?

Across four weekly sessions, you’ll develop essential speaking and listening skills, including:

  • Taking part in discussions and sharing ideas
  • Understanding tone, detail and meaning in spoken English
  • Asking and answering questions clearly
  • Listening actively in everyday conversations
  • Building confidence communicating in familiar situations
  • Learning happens in small groups with supportive guidance.

Cradley Heath Skills Campus provides:

  • A modern, comfortable adult learning environment designed for confidence-building
  • Friendly tutors who understand the needs of adult learners
  • Part of The Sandwell Colleges — the number one group for learner achievement
  • A welcoming community where adults support and motivate each other

You’ll attend one half-day session per week. There are no exams — assessment is completed through practical speaking tasks, with your tutor offering helpful feedback each week.

You may progress to:

  • Functional Skills English Entry Level 1
  • English for Jobseekers
  • English for Health & Well-being
  • Other confidence-building English courses

This course is also a great foundation for returning to education after a break.

Course Details

Qualification

Taster Course

Exam Board

N/A

Study Mode

Part Time

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Apply for this course or find out more

Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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