Lewisham and Southwark ESOL students fall for the Tower of London

This Autumn, multiple classes of ESOL students took part in a scheme designed to get more local people into the Tower of London to enjoy this amazing attraction.

The Community Access Scheme (CAS) offers free entry and practical advice and support for exploring the Tower to adult community groups and education providers based locally to the Tower of London. So both Lewisham College and Southwark College teachers took part in training at the venue to become ‘Tour Leaders’. They were then able to take groups of students to the Tower, and teach them about the rich history and stories which make the Tower of London so attractive to visitors.

The students loved what they saw and experienced, and used their new English writing skills to pen some pieces to record their feelings and reactions to their visit.

Masooda wrote: “I know that this historical Tower is very important in British history. Our new generation must know about it.

“I am impressed by this building because it was built nearly one thousand years ago, and it hasn’t crumbled. The building skills of those people were incredible, so when I saw this building I was just amazed!”

Shaymaa wrote: “I learnt that the Beefeaters have their own houses and their own GP [at the Tower] and a lot of their needs met on the site. Our teacher told us the story of the Bloody Tower.

“I enjoyed a lot seeing the Crown Jewels and the video of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth which was very interesting to see.  

Now the teachers are trained it is hoped many more groups of students will be able to see the Tower in action.

Julie Hutton, Head of Adult ESOL, said “We just love this project, it gives our students access to an attraction they might not otherwise be able to go to. Their excitement about learning British history in a location like this is touching to see, I’m so proud of the great success of this project.