Free English Classes Newcastle & Wollongong | AMEP

70+ AMEP students and families in the Hunter and Illawarra learned English in community gardens these school holidays, including Waratah Hunter Community Garden. 

Learning English in the garden 

At the Waratah Hunter Community Garden in Newcastle, students joined a guided walk through the garden. They: 

• Discovered different plants and what grows in a NSW spring 

• Picked up practical gardening tips 

• Learned why community gardens matter so much to local neighbourhoods 

Every conversation along the way was a chance to hear and use new English words in a real setting. 

Back in the classroom 

The learning didn't stop at the garden gate. Back in class, students built on what they'd experienced. They: 

• Shared stories from their visits 

• Explored new vocabulary, from "lavender" and "vegetables" to "fresh air" and "new life" 

• Practised sentences like "There is…" and "There are…" to describe what they saw 

• Completed questionnaires and reflected on their time in the garden 

Connecting with a new home 

The visits did more than build language. They introduced students to welcoming local spaces they can return to, and to the people who care for them. For our migrant learners in Newcastle, Wollongong and surrounding areas, that sense of connection is a big part of feeling at home in Australia. 

A true Aussie tradition 

And of course, no community gathering would be complete without a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle! 

Learn English with Max Solutions in the Hunter and Illawarra 

The AMEP offers free English classes for eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants. At Max Solutions, learning goes beyond the textbook, with everyday English you can use at work, in the community and with your family. 

The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Max Solutions RTO 0667 is subcontracted by Navitas to deliver the program. 

Apply to join the AMEP: MAX | Training Webforms