DCG students empowered to develop language and confidence through theatre

Derby College Group (DCG) Lexis students have taken part in a pioneering workshop designed to develop their acting and their language skills and build their confidence. 

The students worked with the national theatre company, Phosphorous Theatre, focused on amplifying refugee voices and creating greater opportunities for refugees to access services and widen participation in the arts.

Lexis – a full-time programme for 16 to 19-year-old learners whose first language is not English has a main objective to help learners improve their English and gain qualifications to enable them to progress into further education or employment.The exciting and fun drama event was held at Upbeat Communities, who support asylum seekers and refugees with social activities and integration. 

The students worked with actors from their latest production called ‘Tender’ – actors for which all came to the UK as refugees. The interactive learning production draws on the personal narratives of its company of refugee actors. The play encapsulates the radical joy and skilful storytelling that sees the company resist dominant and reductive media headlines. ‘Tender’ shines a light on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Fozia Younis, Lexis Curriculum Manager commented on the event: “It really was a great opportunity for students to engage in theatre and take part in a supportive learning environment. 

“As many of our Lexis students have come from a similar background, they could really identify with the messages from the drama. And it was great to see that they were fully involved in the learning and enjoyed the unique experience.”