Leeds City College Broadening Horizons for ESOL Campaign

What has happened? 

 

The 2022 Flamingo Land trip was free of charge and open to students from the 16-19 ESOL Study Programme. A total of 176 participants (160 students and 16 staff members) attended the trip and transport was provided from/to North Street Campus to Flamingo Land Resort.

 As well as providing scary funfair rides that gave all participants an opportunity to experience a "good fear" that could be therapeutic, Flamingo Land Resort offered an opportunity to admire Sea Lions live performance and enjoy the collection of exotic and African animals that made many of our students feel at home.

 The students enjoyed and appreciated the secure independence during the trip by having the freedom of exploring the park and choosing their own choices with their friends, which was enjoyable to them. It was a brilliant adventure and a great opportunity to bond with their friends and teachers in a different setting than a classroom, since many of them had never done any of these kinds of trips or been out of Leeds after being granted (UASC) status.

 It was such a pleasure for the students to have the trip, as they expressed, they would not be able to afford that trip on their own. In reflection on the best thing that happened to them in 2022, many of them mentioned the trip and asked if it would happen again this year. The trip definitely had an impact on students' well- being and was viewed by many participants (including teachers) as an award for all the hard work they put in during the year.

 These trips would provide learners with a sense of normalcy, allow them to practise English independently and also develop a greater sense of community, belonging and mental wellbeing. 

 

How does the campaign work?

 

Prior to the effects of the Cost of Living and cuts to funding, the department would part-fund and gain additional support from partners and other departments to hold multiple small educational trips to local sports halls, Temple Newsam, museums, libraries and ending with a whole department trip to a theme park (usually Flamingo Land).

The ESOL department based at North Street supports learners aged 16-19, while the ESOL department at Enfield supports learners aged 19+. These departments attract learners from some of the most deprived areas of Leeds. Young people in the area often struggle with identity development, safety, life chances and opportunities that are typical of a traditional upbringing. These issues are magnified further as the area invites many refugees, migrants and those with traumatic disruption or upheaval in their lives.  

Over the last few years, the English for Speakers of Other Languages department has facilitated learning and opportunities that allow a range of learners to develop their life chances and sense of belonging. This campaign is an attempt to try and create this opportunity in an ongoing and sustainable way.

 

Where does your money go?

 

All monies raised will be used to facilitate as much outside of the classroom learning as possible, where the opportunities and experiences are seen to enhance and broaden the horizons of the learners. 

 

In particular, your money will go towards the following: 

• Transport costs, such as coaches or minibuses to travel to locations

• Entry and ticket price for venues and special exhibits, 

• To either fully or part-fund an end of year trip that is open to all students, which takes them to a fun, socially varied and educational place most likely Flamingo Land.