The college’s ESOL provision has been developed through partnership working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, to include learning and development structured around Shakespeare’s works. This has been in place now for 7 years, and continues to grow in terms of opportunities, engagement and impact. Last academic year there were 235 learners engaged with the project at various levels, but the impact is wider-reaching. ESOL learners have learnt about plays, performance and language, and this has been the underpinning theme for their English language development. As well as language skills learners have learned about themselves, their new community and English heritage in a positive and engaging way that instils pride and a sense of kudos. They have developed confidence, improved their mental health, often after significant trauma, and become empowered by their new found skills. This positive impact has been spread widely across the college through tutorial engagement which positively raises awareness of the issues facing young immigrants and asylum seekers, as well as awareness of the power of Shakespeare and the theatre. The programme is progressive over their learning journey, but includes learning about performance and technical production, dance, costume, history and culture. The pinnacle of the project is the college’s ESOL Shakespeare production, which in 2023/4 was Romeo and Juliet. 37 learners performed in the final production.

To find out more about this year's awards and how to apply, please visit: https://www.aoc.co.uk/awards/beacon-awards/beacon-awards-2025-26

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