Adults/19+

I decided to take this course because it would help my confidence, to learn new skills and make new friends.

I loved Lewisham, as they did plays that were similar and the same standard as those at drama school, which made the transition to higher education much easier.

After a very successful year in Level 1 ESOL, Eka started her career path with a teaching assistant job in a primary school in Bromley. She is very happy and sees this as an opportunity to inspire and motivate children and to continue improving her own English skills, wherever possible.

One of the things the College has taught me is to set my goals much higher because you never know what you can achieve until you try. Once I have some experience, my plan is to set up my own theatre company and work with people from different cultures around the world.

Sometimes learners will get a ‘lightbulb moment’ which transforms their attitude to studying – and that was certainly the case for Drama student Fiona Oakley.

I had teaching experience and was confident in my professional abilities but felt I needed to improve my language skills, and my understanding of the English education system to be ‘work-ready’ in the UK, so I decided to start again from the bottom of the ladder.

If I were to give advice to others considering performing arts, I’d say be yourself, don’t worry about what others think. Being different makes you unique. Work hard and take every opportunity that comes your way and don’t stress out – enjoy your time learning and believe in yourself.

I always knew I wanted to perform, and Southwark College helped me further my dance training, I learned a variety of dance styles and was given extra singing lessons so I kept up those skills too.