ESOL students overcome refugee and asylum-seeker journeys to pass GCSE maths

Four students who arrived in the UK as refugees and asylum seekers and began learning English from scratch have passed their GCSE maths at Bedford College, part of The Bedford College Group.

Faisal Abdallah, who fled Sudan, achieved a grade 4, alongside fellow ESOL for Maths (16-18) students Ha Nhat Tran (grade 4), Khan-Ly Nguyen (grade 5) and Nam Nguyen (grade 5).

All four began their studies at entry level following initial assessment, then progressed through Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills to reach GCSE standard, learning a demanding new curriculum in an unfamiliar language while adjusting to life in a new country.

Kevin Norley, Lecturer in Functional Skills for Maths and English at Bedford College, said:

“Whilst every year brings successes for students studying Functional Skills and GCSE maths within the ESOL for Maths (16-18) classes, I’m pleased to say that this year was no exception and brought even more successes.

“Four of our 16-18 learners, Faisal Abdallah (from Sudan), Ha Nhat Tran, Khan-Ly Nguyen and Nam Nguyen achieved GCSE maths passes at grades 4, 4, 5 and 5 respectively. Each of them started at entry level following initial assessment and worked their way up through Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills before reaching that result. Alongside their studies, each one has had to deal with the challenge of studying in a new language while adjusting to life in a new country as a refugee or asylum seeker.

“To achieve any level of Functional Skills or GCSE maths, a good understanding of reading text is important. Each year, I can see how students’ level of English improves across the academic year thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the English teachers in the ELT department.”

Faisal Abdallah said:

“I’m very proud to be part of this wonderful college. I thank the teachers and students who have helped us all to achieve great things. When we came to this country, we didn’t know anything about England, or the language, and since being here for two years we have all gained a lot of experience and the qualifications, and we’re proud to be here.”

The Bedford College Group offers ESOL and Functional Skills provision across its colleges, supporting learners, including refugees and asylum seekers to build the English and maths skills they need to progress into further study, apprenticeships and employment.