Core skills

At Shetland College, you can study a range of core skills courses which can help give you the confidence and qualifications to progress in education or employment.

If English is your second language then there are ESOL courses at a range of levels to help you improve your English skills. You can work towards qualifications in English which will help you meet citizenship requirements.

Mathematics Intermediate 1 & 2 are ideal courses for those students who do not have a qualification in maths and wish to improve their basic numeracy skills.

If you left school without qualifications, or any of the qualifications that you do have are out of date, then the New Directions course might be for you. On New Directions you can improve your English, maths and computing skills and try out a range of taster courses. This course helps students achieve up to date qualifications, increase their self confidence and plan their next step.

If you didn’t achieve Higher English at school, then you could consider the Alternative to Higher English course which the college offers. This qualification, which is made up of Communication at Higher and Literature 1 units, is accepted by many employers, colleges and universities as an alternative to traditional higher English qualifications.

Core skills courses

• Mathematics intermediate 1 and 2
• Alternative to Higher English
• New Directions
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Facilities at a Glance:

• The college is well-equipped with computers, printers, software and other IT equipment
• Electronic whiteboards are available in many classrooms
• ESOL students can borrow digital recorders to help them practise spoken English

Good Reasons to Study in the Core Skills Section:

• Skilled and supportive tutors
• Excellent IT facilities
• Improve your written English skills
• Study part time and fit learning around your work and family commitments
• Good way to meet people
• Achieve qualifications to help develop your career
• Many courses are free