During the week of 9 – 13 March 2026, LEAH hosted an exciting online further learning festival, organised by our wonderful ESOL coordinator, Keri.
All LEAH students were invited to attend 20 minute Q&A’s with local/online providers. The six Q&As were well attended by all regular online group class students. Many students attended more than one event. We also welcomed students from 1-1 pairings and from our community class in Heston.
Language for learning:
Our pre-entry students were supported with vocabulary to help them navigate the difference between different learning providers.
Open to all students:
We had a visit from Sarah from Learning Unlimited: Online conversation clubs – Learning Unlimited
Students learnt about the importance of putting their learning into practice and contributing to discussion. Students were left keen to join LEAH’s conversation club and Learning Unlimited conversation club/telegram channel.
For students hoping to attend college:
LEAH tutors who have also taught at Kingston College and West Thames College helped students understand timetables, exams and support available at local colleges.
For students wanting career support:
We had a visit from Karam from Breaking Barriers, Breaking barriers support adults from forced migrant backgrounds find meaningful employment though tailored mentoring, re-accreditation and support: Helping refugees find meaningful employment – Breaking Barriers
Click here to see the Breaking Barriers presentation
We had a visit from Mariam from the Launchpad Collective. Students were particularly interested to hear about their work ready English programme. The Launchpad Collective
Click here to see the Launchpad Collective presentation
For students who would like to study at university:
The Open Learning Initiative (OLive) was set up to support refugees and asylum seekers with university applications. I was staggered by the number of our students who joined Corinne’s Q&A and dream of going to university one day. They were happy to hear how inclusive the university ready programme was of different levels/readiness for university:
OLIve | School for Policy Studies | University of Bristol
Click here to see the OLive presentation
Future plans:
In the second half of each workshop, learners were divided into small groups.
Our regular remote class tutors supported students to complete a form asking for their thoughts and feedback.
Keri says:
“I am so grateful for the tutors’ support. So far, I have had some very interesting responses. Students are quite vocal about their motivation for learning and the difficulties that they face. Many students like learning online and the flexibility that it offers for parents/carers. I am now working through the list and signposting to individuals as much as I can.”
