ESOL Through Art

ESOL through Art was designed to deliver fast-track ESOL training through a programme of creative crafts as its subject matter. The sessions were dual tutored with an ESOL specialist assisting, supporting and taking notes from which to generate further language work.

There were also sessions solely with the ESOL specialist where poetry, drama and graphic novels were utilised. Trips to art exhibitions also provided a basis for language work.

The course was intended to assist student’s focus and concentration and provided a context for language learning. The creative aspect allowed students to communicate through visual media more directly than their English allowed. Involvement in creative activities also helped to reduce symptoms of stress or trauma.

The course was intended to accelerate language learning by boosting student motivation and confidence through allowing them to express themselves in a variety of ways.

The project sought to empower individuals through the recording and recognition of ESOL qualifications and other personal development objectives.

One student explained how, when engaged in clay modelling, she began to relax for the first time since she fled her country. She also explained that her self esteem had been so low before the course that she could not imagine studying an academic or vocational course. She passed all her skills at L2 and got an interview for a health care course at Solihull College.

Case Study

A student who has been an asylum seeker for five years and who had become de-motivated produced wonderful creative work and passed ESOL exams in all skills for the first time.

He also maintained his attendance and positive attitude when his father died. He won a beacon award from MBC in July. He was overjoyed and said it was the first time he’d ever won anything.

A student explained, to tutors from other colleges at the exhibition, how when engaged in clay modelling she began to relax for the first time since she fled her country.

She also explained that her self esteem had been so low before the course that she could not imagine studying an academic or vocational course. She passed all her skills at L2 and got an interview for a health care course at Solihull College, result unknown.

“The first day that I came to the college was full of stress for me because I can’t speak English so good and I have to speak and learn everything in English. On the other hand I didn’t know anybody. I tried to be relax. When I received to the college I found the room but nobody was there.

I thought I made a mistake but after some minute John came and then other student came to class. It was so interesting for me because I really like to learn everything. I go to college every day now and some days that I can’t come it is really miserable for me.

Now I understand that I can learn and be a person and I wish I can improve and can help other people every way that I can. By coming to the college now I have self esteem and I don’t like to think about the past and bad happening.

Now I know that I have a future and I should think about it. I am not yet a good writer but I wish and try to be a good person. I am sure if someone decide to do something nobody can stop him/her.”

For more information please download the ESOL Through Art Evaluation document (PDF file)