Students at Oswestry's North Shropshire College enjoyed some French influence recently when it hosted a teacher from Toulouse.

Sandra Devecchi, from Beaulieu-Lavacant College, came to NSC to understand how the college teaches English as a Foreign Language and to help assist with her own teaching practice.

Her programme for the week included working with tutors who teach functional English to Polish and Bulgarian migrant workers, as well as engaging with the more traditional English lessons taught by tutors at NSC.

The most memorable part of the experience for Sandra however was working with tutors who teach ESOL to Syrian refugees. The only exposure that she had had prior to this was through the often negative media reports on the refugee camps of Calais. Observing and engaging in the lessons with the families, she saw their eagerness to learn and how much they valued the English speaking education they were participating in.

Sandra said: “I had wonderful time learning more about NSC, the GCSE exam process, and the way they teach English. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and I would very much like to return to the college in the future.”

Rosemarie Sellers, programme leader for Community Education added: “Sandra was deeply moved by her visit to the college and it exceeded any expectations that she had.

"On her return Sandra told me that it has completely changed the view she has of refugees through her first-hand experience, and that she will now endeavour to engage with voluntary organisations to help others to learn English.”