Case Studies: Find out how our Migration Team can support people with access to learning
Gateway to Higher Education
The TSL Kirklees Migration This Way 4 English (TW4E) team started contacting Alyssia at the beginning of the first lockdown. On one of the weekly calls Alyssia said she was interested in pursuing more learning. She was provided with information on S2R courses and she participated in some of their wellbeing courses. Alyssia contacted TW4E about access to more online courses but she was struggling to access courses on her phone.
The team sourced and delivered a tablet and she started to study a translator course. Alyssia was interested in advancing her English skills. After much consultation, discussion and support from the team a plan was formulated; she would try and enrol onto a GCSE English course at Kirklees College. So she gave it a go! After a few bumps and lots of TW4E phone calls to Kirklees College and Mears, Alyssia started her GCSE course. She loves the course and finds it interesting. GCSE is a gateway qualification which will open-up Higher Education for her.
Career Dream
When Ali first arrived in the UK he had a lack of language skills and confidence. He had no understanding of English Language levels and so did not know how long each level would take.
He was unfamiliar with the education system and how to look for or apply for a course. He felt isolated and didn’t know where to start.
Since his initial assessment in June, Ali has been attending TW4E ESOL Zoom lessons and has been very dedicated to his studies. He was assessed at E2 in November 2019, and due to his hard work and commitment, has progressed by 3 levels.
Outcomes and impact:
As a result of the lessons, online support and careers advice he has gained enough confidence to enrol at Bradford College for English level 2, Maths and Biology GCSE courses. Hopefully, by next September he will have all his GCSE qualifications, so that he can progress onto a pet grooming or art and design course, working towards a BTech Higher National Certificate
University Beckons
S.T’s existing qualification is BSc in Technology. He started This Way 4 English Zoom sessions in July and has been attending regularly. He is very articulate and an enthusiastic learner, however, he lacks confidence and has no knowledge of the British education system. At first, he thought it would be impossible to fulfil his dreams, but with support from one of the team, he has drawn up an action plan.
Now, according to this plan, he has enrolled at Bradford College, where he is studying Entry 3 English and Level 1 Maths simultaneously. He has been given an ILT (International Language Tests) book to prepare from and has ongoing support whenever he needs it. Refuaid has been contacted and they will fund his ILT programme and have supplied a list of universities that offer free Masters courses to Asylum Seekers. A voluntary placement as an IT consultant has been found for him so that he can make sure that his knowledge is up-to-date when he goes for further study. He is still attending the Zoom classes regularly.
Once he passes ILT (with 5.6 points), which is the requirement for higher education, he will be able to join the Masters in Computer Programming at Liverpool University. What an amazing outcome!
A Young Mum with Ambition
Zahara is young woman with a PhD in Maths and was a teacher before she came to the UK. She has a small child; he goes to the local nursery 5 mornings a week, and so has childcare needs.
After assessment by the This Way 4 English team the plan was for her to start volunteer tutoring for asylum seekers’ (Primary and High School) children. Everything was ready, the room was booked in the library and the project was about to start when COVID struck!
Zahara is young woman with a PhD in Maths and was a teacher before she came to the UK. She has a small child; he goes to the local nursery 5 mornings a week, and so has childcare needs.
After assessment by the This Way 4 English team the plan was for her to start volunteer tutoring for asylum seekers’ (Primary and High School) children. Everything was ready, the room was booked in the library and the project was about to start when COVID struck!
Find out more about This Way for English Find out more about #KirkleesWelcomes