English Foundations

This course is a contact, part-time course and each module runs for 10 weeks (40 hours), excluding the examination session. 

Participants who meet all minimum requirements for the course are awarded a Certificate of Competence for each module. 

The English Foundations course is divided into two modules.

The first module, English Foundations, Part 1 aims to improve students’ English literacy skills and exposure to speaking, reading, writing and listening in English. Students are supported in their English language journey through scaffolded instructions and activities.  Furthermore, they are introduced to an academic environment and taught how to organise and plan their studies.

The second module, English Foundations, Part 2 aims to improve students’ English language skills. The course focuses on improving students’ grammar knowledge and application of it. The course also focuses on enhancing students’ reading and comprehension skills through the use of relevant and appropriate texts.

The following four aspects are covered during module 1: reading and listening to short texts, vocabulary building around themes, writing of short texts (paragraphs & emails) and grammatical structures such as prepositions of place, frequency adverbs, adjectives, articles (a/an) and simple present tense. The course is designed around the themes such as: holidays, making arrangements, food and drink, nationalities, countries, etc.

Module 2 places a great deal of emphasis of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Students are exposed to the following types of texts: magazine and newspaper articles, leaflets, website pages and texts. They are required to discuss advantages and disadvantages of ideas and provide reasons as well as express their opinions. The writing component of the course includes: informal emails, short biography, letters and short descriptive paragraphs.

Please ensure you meet the following requirements when applying for the course: 

• 18 years or older
• No specific school or tertiary qualification is required
• All students must be literate and numerate
• All students are required to complete a pre-assessment to determine the student¡¯s level of English proficiency (the pre-assessment is done on-site and takes 1 hour)
• Entry to this course is dependent on students demonstrating NQF level 1 language proficiency.

Step 1: Submit an enquiry form

Step 2: Complete the WLS Application Form .

Step 3: Certify a copy of your ID. 

Step 4: Pay your fees in full by EFT, credit card or debit card.

Step 5: Send us the completed registration form, a certified copy of your ID and proof of payment to Maria Sesing at wls@wits.ac.za

Step 6: Write the pre-assessment at Wits Language School during office hours (Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 16:00). Bring along a certified copy of your ID/passport and proof of payment. The pre-assessment will take about 1 hour to complete.

Step 7: You will be notified of the outcome of your pre-assessment within three working days after writing it.

For the individual:

• Acquire greater written and oral fluency in business situations
• Attain a higher level of confidence in your ability to conduct business in English
• Progress faster and further in your career

For the organisation:

• Improve productivity
• Increase employee engagement
• Improve customer service
• Enhance professional images for both employers and companies