Blended learning for Essential English students

Studying English at school can seem pointless but Essential English at NASSSA Community Learning Centre is teaching otherwise.

“For a compulsory subject. It’s good,” smiles Cecilia O., a NASSSA FLO student.

“In designing my tasks I try to use a lot of authentic learning,” says Adam Sherwood, NASSSA FLO Leader and Essential English teacher.

“So I’m choosing texts that either students may be familiar with or that they should be familiar with to be an active citizen.

“For example, in our current assessment we’re looking at infographics that are abundant in society at the moment, particularly in the context of COVID-19, so the way that I am delivering this learning is linked to an authentic situation to show relevance to the students.”

Chloe S., a Northern Adelaide Senior College student studying Essential English, appreciates Adam’s teaching style that integrates both print and online resources for teaching.

“I really like Adam as a teacher. I find that Adam is very thorough,” says Chloe.

“We always go step-by-step of what the assignment is and how we’ll be learning about it, so when we go through it we know what we’re doing and we’re not stuck.

“The classroom is always quiet and everyone is always helping each other.”

Cecilia says that coming to the NASSSA CLC and NASC has helped her immensely with her studies.

“It’s good. It’s better,” says Cecilia.

“My favourite part is learning everything, and learning new things, and actually getting help from the teachers.”

Chloe says that her friends influenced her to finish her senior years at NASC after their positive experience with our teachers and staff.

“I have a couple of friends who go here, or friends who have gone here previously, and they’ve said that NASC is free-flow,” says Chloe.

“It’s accustomed to what you want to do and to your speed and how you feel about things. Classes are suited to your liking.

“So far I really enjoy it here. I enjoy the teachers and the people. I enjoy the freedom of it as well.

“I don’t feel trapped and when I bring up things such as class schedule or things that I’m not enjoying, people are always there to help. I think everyone is just really, really nice.

By completing year 11 and 12 at NASC, Chloe hopes to earn a place at university studying social work.

“My goal when finishing here is to get a high enough score to do social work at uni. I really want to do social work.

“I come from a background where it’s helped a lot and I find that’s what I want to do in life. I want to help other people.”

If you would like to enter our NASSSA CLC FLO program, contact your home school case managers about enrolling at our school.

Or if you’d like to enrol as a year 11-13 student at Northern Adelaide Senior College contact us on (08) 7285 1600 to book an appointment.