Today was a genuinely inspiring and eye-opening day spent in Birmingham. We had the chance to visit Joseph Chamberlain College in the morning, and later, we explored the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and returned to BCU to share our presentations. It was a full day of learning, reflecting, and connecting with people and places in meaningful ways.
Our visit to JCC was a real highlight. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by both staff, which instantly made the environment feel open and friendly. We were given a tour of the college and got a good sense of how the space is set up to support learning. One thing that immediately stood out to me was the strong focus on safeguarding. There’s only one way in and out of the college, and we were accompanied by staff at all times. It was clear that student safety is taken very seriously, and the secure setup helped create a sense of order and care that you could feel throughout the visit.
While we were there, we got to observe an English class where students were preparing for their GCSE exams. It was interesting to see how the lesson was structured and what kinds of topics they were working through. Watching the teacher engage with the students really gave us a feel for how learning happens at JCC – and how much effort goes into supporting students both academically and emotionally. The class had a fun and focused energy, and it was great to witness that first-hand.
After that, we attended two short lectures from members of the college faculty. The first focused on their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses. I hadn’t realized just how strict the government’s eligibility rules are for these programs, and it was really eye-opening to learn about the challenges that can prevent students from accessing education. Despite these restrictions, it was clear that JCC does everything it can to support ESOL learners, whether through flexible course schedules or additional resources. Their commitment to making education as accessible as possible really came through.
The second talk was about the college’s approach to teaching adult learners. Many of these students are returning to education after long breaks – some haven’t been in a classroom in decades, and others may be attending school for the very first time. That presents some pretty big challenges, and yet the staff seem to meet them with a lot of care and creativity. They work hard to build a learning environment that is both inclusive and adaptable. There’s also a big focus on cultural sensitivity, as students often come from a wide range of backgrounds. It was impressive to hear how JCC tailors its approach to meet these needs.
Once our time at JCC wrapped up, we made our way back to BCU for a quick lunch before heading out to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The gardens were beautiful – full of beautiful flowers, peaceful walking paths, and a really calming atmosphere. It was a great way to take a breather in the middle of a packed day. Before heading on the path, we stopped by a bakery called Medicine. I had an OREO donut, and honestly, it might have been one of the best pastries I’ve had in a while.
Later in the afternoon, we returned to BCU to present our work to some of their faculty. I was a bit nervous at first, but it ended up being a really rewarding experience. Sharing our ideas and getting thoughtful feedback from people with different perspectives helped me see my work in a new light. The questions they asked sparked some really good discussions afterward.
Overall, the day left me feeling inspired and more aware of the different ways education can be delivered, especially in diverse and often challenging contexts. It was great to see how institutions like JCC are meeting students where they are – and doing it with such care and intention.
