Forest School helps ESOL students flourish

Crawley College students have been developing their language skills in a unique way.

The ESOL students, from different corners of the world, have been taking part in a Forest School Programme – helping them to practise their spoken English while learning other new skills along the way. 

The five-week programme, run by Sussex Wildlife Trust and Gatwick Greenspace Partnership, saw the group come together in the great outdoors and take part in a wide range of activities.

From learning to make campfires and cooking to building dens and making wooden carvings, the students were kept very busy – giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experience.

Helen Jerromes, ESOL lecturer at Crawley College, said: “It has been wonderful to see the students growing in confidence as they worked together as a team.

“They have learnt a lot about themselves through this project, which has not only benefitted them in their English skills but also helped them develop those softer skills, like teamwork and leadership.

“They had a lot of fun, and it has been so worthwhile to see them grow.”