The Welcome Programme took place at Babington Community Technology College between April 2004 and April 2006 and addressed issues around integration and diversity. Babington CTC had experienced a relatively sudden increase in the diversity of its student body. The project aimed to contribute towards fostering a welcoming, cohesive environment to encourage the engagement and achievement of all students.
Projects undertaken included a ‘Welcome magazine’; the ‘Multi Faith Babington’ DVD; ‘Take a Look Around’, a DVD about the different neighbourhoods where Babington students live; and animations about dual heritage identity.
The monitoring and tracking of participants showed that the programme contributed to a greater sense of integration within the college. Participation has also had a significant positive impact on engagement with learning and increased confidence. As a result Soft Touch has continued working on follow-up projects in the college.
The Welcome Programme was funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and Government Office East Midlands. Within Babington we worked in partnership with the college staff and MELAS (Minority Ethnic Language and Achievement Service).
