ESB NEWS MAY EDITION 2023

Showcasing the exceptional achievements of our neurodiverse learners ESB put the focus on success stories and shone the spotlight on learners who

complete its accredited oracy qualifications at its recent live-streamed event, hosted at Belfast Metropolitan College. The event saw many ESB centres with their learners joining the event remotely, including Aurora Foxes Academy, based in Somerset; Wirral Metropolitan College in the North-West of England; TCES Group in East London; University College of Isle of Man; The Link Secondary School in Croydon, and Condover College, based in Shrewsbury. Young people and key representatives from Belfast Met College, including Michelle Devlin, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Sharon Rivers, Head of Department of Health, Wellbeing & Inclusion, as well as representatives from Northern Regional College, also attended in person. Curriculum Area Manager at Belfast Met College, Michael Patterson, said: “Belfast Met has had the honour of working with ESB and has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that ESB qualifications have on individuals’ lives. Through our partnership with ESB, we have had the privilege of supporting nearly 2,000 students with learning difficulties and disabilities, helping them to overcome significant barriers. As a result, our students can now communicate independently, not just in the college setting, but also in their wider community.”

To honour ESB’s 70th Anniversary, Belfast Met College are planning to plant an ‘ESB tree’ on the College ground during Springtime.

Michael Patterson adds: "This tree will serve as a symbol to our commitment to working with ESB, to

support our individuals to achieve their full potential. Just as this tree will grow and flourish with care and attention, so too we can nurture and support those who face additional challenges in their everyday lives and gain meaningful qualifications in employment. Thank you for letting us be part of such a momentous occasion."

ESB learners at Belfast Met College

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