We started off the day by visiting Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College. While we were there, I got the opportunity to talk with individuals who spoke a variety of languages and were learning English for the first time. It was very interesting to watch them learn English and communicate with us. Even though English was not their first language, everyone was very welcoming and eager to speak with us. It was inspiring to see how hard they were working to improve their communication skills and adapt to a new environment.
We then took a tour of the college, which was a very interesting experience. During the tour, we learned that around 2,500 students between the ages of 16 and 19 attend the college. We also learned that there are about 1,162 adult learners who attend part-time. One thing that stood out to me was that for many of the students, English is their second language. This made the environment feel very diverse and welcoming, with students from many different backgrounds and cultures coming together to learn.
Another interesting thing we learned about was the difference between A Levels and B Levels in the United Kingdom education system. We learned that A Levels are more academically focused and are designed for students planning to continue on to university and pursue a degree. B Levels, on the other hand, are more practical and career-focused, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and skills in specific fields. Both are pathways students can take before earning a degree, but they provide different approaches to education depending on the student’s goals and interests.
We then shared personal success stories from former students, which were very inspiring to hear. For example, we learned about Jawad, who arrived from Pakistan and began at Level 2 before eventually attending Aston University to earn a degree in law. We also heard about Ebtesam, who arrived from Somalia and started in ESOL Entry 1 before later attending Birmingham City University to earn a degree in nursing. Hearing these stories was very motivating because they showed how much determination and hard work can help people achieve their goals.
We also learned that life outside of college can sometimes be difficult for students, which is why the school places a strong focus on safety and safeguarding. The campus was very secure, and it was clear that the staff truly cared about creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. This was something that stood out to me because I feel that some schools I have attended in the past do not emphasize safety and student well-being as much. While visiting the campus, I felt very safe, comfortable, and welcomed, which showed how important student support is at the college.
After lunch and a bus ride, we went to Birmingham City University, where we learned about learning disabilities nursing, which is one of the smaller fields within nursing. During the session, we learned that learning disabilities involve a reduced ability to understand complex information or learn new skills, along with a reduced ability to cope independently, both practically and socially.
We also learned about some of the causes of learning disabilities, which can include a mother becoming ill during pregnancy, birth trauma, genetic conditions, and illnesses or injuries during childhood. During the presentation, we learned that around 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom have a learning disability, including approximately 2.16% of adults and 2.5% of children. Hearing these statistics helped me better understand how common learning disabilities are and why it is so important for healthcare professionals to provide inclusive, patient-centered care and support for individuals and their families.
We then visited the Botanical Gardens, which were so beautiful to explore. The gardens were filled with colorful flowers, plants, and nature that made the entire area feel peaceful and relaxing. Luckily, the rain held off for a little while, which allowed us to walk around outside and fully experience the gardens. As we walked through the different areas, we were able to see many different kinds of flowers and natural scenery. It was a very pretty environment and an experience that I truly enjoyed because it gave us a chance to slow down, appreciate nature, and take in the beauty around us. We also took many pictures throughout the gardens to capture the moment and remember such a beautiful experience.
Later in the evening, we got dinner and then went back to rest because I was very tired after such a long and busy day. Even though I was exhausted, I was still really excited about everything we had experienced so far. The day was filled with so many new experiences, and I’m excited to see what else is ahead for the rest of the trip!
