Today it is Wednesday and a crazy day! We are unfortunately leaving Birmingham but going to London. I am going to miss Birmingham so much for it has been my home for the past two weeks. But I am so excited to go to London and learn more there as well. We had a long trip to get there but it was worth it. We finally got to London and had a yummy alumni dinner. 

Going To Our Last School

However, before we came, we woke up early once more. We took the taxis to South and City College. This was another school that we got to observe different classes and I am honestly going to miss these. I love how involved the students and the teachers are in the school and I think that it is very beneficial for the students to have success in their future endeavors. 

First, we sat down and we talked to a few of the people incharge of the school. They told us a lot about what their mission was as a school. I thought that it was really nice that they had resources for students with mental health issues including one on one appointments. They treat the students like adults but not in a bad and harsh way. The goal of the school is to help the students get jobs. They do this by doing vocational work as well as basic classes where they learn. The vocational classes that are offered are plumbing, fashion and design, technology, childcare and construction. The students come from several different countries and so English is worked on a lot as well. 75 percent of the students are at or below level three. The categories are entry 1-3 and levels 1-3 after that and vocational work is started at level one. 

Then, we split up into tiny groups and went to three different classrooms. It was very interesting to see how the students act in the class and how the teachers do as well. I noticed that each teacher taught differently but they all were very helpful. 

Going To The Classes

The first class that we went to was a level one and two math class. We went in and the students were making their own problems and testing each other. We talked to the teacher and she was very kind. She would walk around and help the students if needed. I thought that this activity was really good for the students because it allowed them to work on their own and test their knowledge. It also allowed them to test each other and help each other out. It was a level one and two math class, but what was really good about it was that the level two students helped the level one. It was a great math experience!

Next, my group went to an English class. This class was also very interesting as well and I really like the teacher. He was very funny and very clear with his words. I like how he repeated what he wanted the students to know over and over again. The students really understood him and were able to feel confident in what they were learning. In the English class, the students were learning rhyming and comparative language. They were learning about the city of Birmingham and how they should be happy about the place where they live. They all come from different countries and they all had to learn to say where they were born. The teacher used visual pictures which I also thought was very helpful. 

Next, we went to a plumbing class and the students were doing something different. They were doing an activity all by themselves and then were reading out the answers. The teacher was really pushing them to practice their English. Although it may seem like an easy task to me, I can not imagine how difficult the task would be if I did not know English. They had to practice writing and reading as well! 

Finishing Off The Day

After lunch, we went to one more classroom where we talked to a few students. They were telling us about why they came to this country and what they were doing for their assignments. Again, it was a very hands on classroom with everyone using a computer. Lastly, we went on a tour around the campus to see all of the different vocations they could work on. These rooms were really awesome and included several different opportunities. These opportunities included plumbing, several types of engineering, brick building and even working with cars! Overall, I think that this school allows students to have so many experiences and prepares them for the rest of their lives. 

We went back to the hotel and headed to London. I am so excited for the dinner tonight and to explore the city tomorrow. I am so sad that this trip is coming to an end. That is why we have to savor these last few days. Tomorrow is going to be one of my favorite days abroad I just know it! Until then!