What is the City of Sanctuary?
City of Sanctuary is a network that helps make the UK more welcoming and inclusive. It aims to help people understand and appreciate the positive impact of those seeking sanctuary and to create safe places and build friendly, inclusive communities.
At Riverside College we support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all, offering sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work.
As part of our commitment to this vision at Riverside College we:
- Work to ensure our staff are effectively equipped and trained to understand and meet the needs of students from forced migration backgrounds and understand how we can foster a culture where everyone feels safe, a sense of belonging and that they can succeed.
- Seek to identify and overcome barriers to educational access and progression for students seeking sanctuary.
- Centre the voices of students with lived experience of (forced) migration to learn how we can improve our practice and provision and enable them to lead sanctuary related activities, where relevant.
- Raise awareness about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary with everyone in our college community, challenging misconceptions and recognising how new arrivals enrich our community and the UK more widely.
- Connect and collaborate with other organisations and institutions working to support people seeking sanctuary.
- We recognise we all have a role to play in building a culture of understanding, kindness and compassion both in college and beyond.
Below are some of the activities at Riverside College which display our commitment to the City of Sanctuary.
Education for ESOL Students at Riverside College.
Unlock your potential with ESOL courses at Riverside College. Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs are designed to help you improve your English skills for everyday life, work, and further education. With experienced teachers, supportive learning environments, and flexible class schedules. Click on the picture below to find out more about the subjects designed for ESOL students.
At Riverside College, our Adult Programme offers ESOL students additional courses to study alongside their English ESOL classes. This includes a Maths (Multiply) class taught by experienced tutors to help with English maths terms. We have also offered short vocational courses in subjects including Construction and Health and Care. Check out our full list of current Adult Courses by clicking here.
Specialist Support
We are proud to provide learning opportunities alongside access to other departments within the college to ensure all students get the support they need in order to reach their potential. We also support progression with access to our ACE Team (Careers) Advice, Careers and Employability (ACE) Team.
Alongside courses and qualifications, we also have opportunities for students to take part in enrichment activities including the Conversation and Study Club which enables ESOL students to practice their conversation skills with informal opportunities to access the college library and One Word Week Celebrations.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeking (prospective) student and have a question, please contact: guidance@riverside.ac.uk