The Community Trust at Gillingham FC has recently started ESOL, which stands for English Second Other Language, provision in Maidstone, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells.
We currently have 72 UASC (Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children) students registered and the programme is run in partnership with Canterbury College and VSK (Virtual Schools Kent) and caters for youngsters who are new to the country having fled from many war torn countries around the world such as; Eritrea, Syria, Somalia. Our tutors deliver lessons in Maths, English, ESOL, Sports Leadership and other qualifications to help learners integrate into their local community.
The programme is led by our Independent School Principal, Lisa Scott and our UASC Coordinator, Claire Parish who have a wealth of experience in both ESOL and EAL. With their expertise we have designed a curriculum which is delivering the subjects mentioned above alongside improving the confidence and self-esteem of the young people.
We are also working closely with Simon Bounds from the Kent County Council who has been very pro-active in assisting us in the early stages of the provision.
Community Trust Manager, Adam Lawrence said “We are delighted to be involved with the integration and education of these young people and feel we are playing a very important part in their futures. With the increasing rate of UASC young people entering the United Kingdom given the situation throughout the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, we are aware that we are going to play a major role in helping the young people settle in and become valuable members of the Community.”
To find out more about the ESOL programme please contact Claire Parish, CParish@priestfield.com or 01634 350125 ext 251.