This year approximately 100 learners completed the first semester through our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme. The pass rate was the highest in the area at 98% and, according to statistics provided by the Department for Education on national achievement rates, HSDC are in the top 10% in the country for 2018-19. Learner feedback has been incredibly positive, including:
“The course is the best, the teacher is amazing and the class is nice.”
The ESOL team of four teachers: Ania, Kathy, Trevor and Charlotte, run classes at Friendship House, Southsea, at our South Downs campus and at our Havant campus. Most learners are adults, taking a mixture of part time and full time classes and come from all over the world. In addition to the classes, the team organises a range of trips and activities, including an annual picnic to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, visits to Portsmouth City Museum involving activities around a variety of historical/cultural themes, and guest speakers on topics such as mental health. There are also lessons and drop-in sessions at South Downs campus for full time students for whom English is not their first language.
Sam Woodland, Learning Manager for Skills for Life, has only praise for their work:
“ESOL has a huge impact on the lives of learners in our community. Improving their English skills and achieving qualifications enables the ESOL learners to get better and more fulfilling jobs; to help their children with their school work; to integrate more fully into society and to go on to study further courses at HSDC and elsewhere.”