Not only ESOL but also ...Photography class exhibits
9 Dec 2009
The ESOL with Photography course enhances students' English skills by allowing them to work within interactive and creative contexts. In the Autumn term of 2009, led by tutor Milagros Leonicio, students developed a photography project which absorbed the influence of the local urban area surrounding Morley College. Venturing out into the streets of Lambeth, students sought to capture a feel of the area by picturing people, moods, and interesting sights in their photographs.
As part of the resulting exhibition, students tried to identify a defining characteristic of the picture in vocabulary that was new and useful to them. This might mean entitling the photo according to its physical details, or by discovering more expressive language to describe the feeling communicated by it.
It's also the social interaction elements which make this an essential course for students new to English. Going out into the community and introducing themselves to potential subjects in preparation for a shot meant that students had to quickly overcome any shyness about their communication skills in English. This was also something developed when the students worked on a project that involved approaching Morley staff during a typical working day, and incorporating their images within a final project. The students have also been busy fundraising over £300 around the College for Breast Cancer Awareness day Wear It Pink.
The result of these ventures is a huge increase in the students' confidence.
The class showcased their work on Friday 13 November in B24 and look forward to developing their skills next term on further advanced projects.
Here are a few words from Students of the ESOL Level 1: Not only but also ...Photography class:
Pauline Ndondo
I was told about Morley College and the courses here and started two months ago. I think this course is great, we're a small group of students in the class but there is always a good ambiance. I love the combination of Photography with English, it makes a difference to the way you learn the language because we describe the pictures we take and write stories based on them. We also improve our vocabulary because we have to chat with people when we approach them to take photos. I'm staying on at Morley for the following terms until July. My goal is to study Psychology at university.
Lina Jemal
I've been at Morley since September and really enjoy the ESOL not only but also Photography course. It has helped me to improve my English and my confidence! There is always a nice class atmosphere and our tutor, Milagros Leonicio helps us with English, photography and also computer skills. I chose this course as it includes photography which is what I hope to go on to study further at College.
Stephanie Kopp
I left Germany and came to London in September as I wanted to improve my English and also try living away from home to develop my independence. There is a nice class atmosphere every week and it's fun, not so serious all the time like school. I would describe my class as a family, I meet up with one of my classmates at the weekends and we go out together to get to know London better. After I've finished the course at Morley I will be returning to Germany as I hope to apply for a job there as a Customs Officer.
