English, ESOL, Maths & Family Learning
'I wanted to learn because I’m not from this country and didn’t have any qualifications before I started the course. I initially joined the non-accredited English class. I started reading, and doing a bit more at home. Then I realised I was writing more. My tutors encouraged me a lot - it makes you want to do more, and you don’t want to miss a class.
Before, I never used to email because I kept feeling like I was doing it wrong. I’m much more confident now - knowing how to edit and finish emails. I can also write letters to anyone, formal and informal. I can do all of this now without asking someone to help me, or do it for me.
I liked the English course a lot because it has improved how I speak, when to use the past tense and the present tense, and pronunciation. I’m getting very good at my spelling too because I used to spell the way I talked. So, it really helped me a lot.
It’s also helped me to be more confident. I was so shy! I couldn’t really talk to people. It really helped boost my confidence, and be open.
When I went up to level 1, I started doing more work and kept saying to myself: how am I going to do this and juggle my job? But I didn’t want to give up. My tutor Jenny always encourages me a lot. That’s what makes you want to come back. I used to go home and enjoy doing homework, once I started doing it and put my mind to it, I thought I can do more. So, I continued doing it and sat the exam. I just kept saying to myself I was going to pass, that I could do it!
When I got the email from the Macbeth Centre to say I passed, I thought there had been a mistake but then it was confirmed and I was so happy! I passed all three units. It just makes me want to continue now. I know if I put my mind to it I can do whatever I want, or reach whatever level I want. I’m on to level 2 now and am going to do the exam. After that I want to do maths and childcare. Then when I finish those I think I want to go on to university'.
