Empowering English language learners through heritage and creativity

By Kori Winter, Community and Access Programmes Manager at Old Royal Naval College  

 As part of our commitment to making the Old Royal Naval College a welcoming and inclusive space for all, our Learning and Engagement Team has been running projects for students of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The Community programme creates opportunities for discovering a heritage site in their new surroundings.  

Through guided site tours and creative sessions, we provide a unique learning environment where participants can practice English, build confidence, and connect with others while exploring our iconic site, practicing their language skills in an engaging yet relaxed environment.  

The ESOL programme at the Old Royal Naval College started in 2013. It forms part of our charitable mission to enrich people’s lives by sharing our history, heritage and cultural significance, contributing to the enjoyment and wellbeing of everyone.  

Since its inception, our ESOL programme has delivered many impactful projects designed especially for young people and adults who have been displaced from their home countries and are now learning the English language and adapting to British culture.  These bespoke interactive sessions provide multiple benefits that go beyond traditional classroom learning.  

This summer we ran a special four-week project comprising eight art workshops in which young refugees and asylum seekers, aged 16-18, accessed both traditional art materials and digital tools to explore and interpret the history and architecture of this historic site. Guided by three specialist art educators, participants first used graphite, papier mâché and clay to express their ideas and dreams. They practiced their English by describing and documenting the objects they created. Heritage sites like ours are deeply connected to local and global culture and history. Learning English in such a context helps refugees and asylum seekers, gain understanding and connect with the culture of their new home. It fosters a sense of belonging by linking language learning to local heritage, bridging cultural gaps and making participants feel more integrated into the community. 

A total of 756 participants attended our ESOL activities from 2023-2024. We’re proud to welcome English language learners and provide an opportunity to practice English conversation, pronunciation, and new vocabulary in an informal, fun way at a memorable location.  

Furthermore, they discover aspects of British history and become inspired by the art and architecture associated with this UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Greenwich. 

Kori Winter, Community and Access Programmes Manager at the Old Royal Naval College explains: “I find my role genuinely rewarding, knowing that through art and history, ESOL learners of all levels, ages, and backgrounds – some having fled dangerous, traumatic situations – can enjoy our site as a safe and inspiring environment in which to relax, learn, and hopefully experience a time of happiness and well-being.”

It is encouraging to see a growing interest in our ESOL programme. However, we are often at full capacity. To expand the provision, further resources are needed to train and employ more facilitators to provide additional sessions. Your support and donations, big or small, help us continue this important work. 

Find out how you can support our work to conserve and share our historic site with all.