ESOL students publish novel in a week!
28 June 2022
A group of ESOL learners are celebrating publishing their first novel after taking part in an intensive week-long writing camp.
The writing camp formed part of an Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) collaborative project which investigated new digital approaches deployed in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), focusing on enhancing digital reading and writing development.
ESOL learner, Maryamu Sakolley said she enjoyed the writing camp and found that it gave her the freedom to write and express her thoughts. She commented: “Writing this book, I have found out one more thing that I didn’t used to like but I do now; writing!”
Richard Seymour, White Water Writers facilitator said: “Every idea, every word, character and plot twist from the title to the blurb is theirs. That they did so with English as a second language is even more remarkable.”
As well as the digital approaches to writing, the project also explored digital reading strategies, as well as the delivery of the new Essential Digital Skills programme, which was supported by LRC staff during Digital Wellness week.
Baljinder Bains, Librarian Team Leader commented: “It’s great to see learners feeling more confident and developing their skills in these important areas. The adoption of digital technologies offers a unique opportunity to extend the reading and writing skills of learners.”
Kirsty Powell, Education and Training Foundation OTLA project mentor added: “The project has been a great success and showcases the fantastic achievements of the learners at Burton and South Derbyshire College.”
The novel, 'Unwelcome Newcomers' is now available on Amazon http://amzn.to/39a1mWo.