English lessons for parents

St Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, has been offering English lessons to parents who have English as their second language.

The aim of the course is to support parents in improving their English so they can participate more fully in their child’s education.

The courses are in blocks of six lessons and the school is now looking at a new course to start in January. Lessons are free and are a good chance for those attending to practise their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and meet other parents.

Nuala Conway, who is coordinating and teaching the lessons at St Paul’s, said: “Pupils with English as a second language often have better English than their parents as they have to use it every day in school.

“These classes are a good opportunity for parents to come and practise with other parents who want to improve their English. We ask that pupils do not attend as speaking English can be quite a daunting experience for some learners of English.”

Wiktor Daron, headmaster at St Paul’s, said: “The lessons have a focus on using everyday English so we’re teaching language for things such as giving directions and filling in forms. The lessons give the parents the confidence and skills you need to communicate effectively in English. There are three groups for different levels. They will learn grammar, vocabulary and have lots of speaking practice.”

This is a good chance to meet other parents, learn English and have fun. There is no exam at the end and those attending do not have to buy any textbooks.