Here at the Balham Community Centre, we run free pre-entry classes during School term time for speakers of other languages.

Motto: Together we aspire, together we achieve success!!!

Our classes comprise activities/ lessons involving the four English skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. We use activity worksheets with grammar, vocabulary/word building, spelling, phonics, comprehension, dictation, and health and safety at all levels. Computer skills, conversation, looking for work, Britishness and citizenship materials are also incorporated.

Educational games, dialogue scripts, CDs and tape recorders are also used to enhance learners' listening and speaking skills.

Classes are made up of learners of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds from countries such as Italy, Spain, Poland, Algeria, Somalia, Pakistan, Portugal, Thailand, Vietnam, Iraq, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, Columbia, Brazil, Peru, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania.

There are three levels presently running which are: Beginners Entry Level 1, Elementary Entry Level 2, Pre-intermediate Entry Level 3

 Age ranges are from 20 years upwards. The retention rate is excellent as 99% of learners complete their ESOL courses.

 Classes are well organised, lesson materials are adapted and differentiated to suit the needs of all learners of different levels and ages. Through individual,  pair and group learning, more confident learners are given the opportunity to assist less confident learners thus allowing cooperation and mixing with everyone. There is always a bit of fun and laughter to create a friendly and comfortable learning environment.  An in-house certificate is normally given at the end of July.