GCSE success for Syrian student, Abdul
Abdul Hamzeh arrived at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe in Year 8 after fleeing Syria and gaining refugee status in the U.K. Abdul and his family had finally been granted the freedom of feeling safe again.
From the moment he joined, Abdul has been an exemplary young man. His humility epitomised by him when stating once he arrived in Year 8 what he was grateful for: he was just glad him and his family could eat more than once per day again.
He started to learn English as soon as he arrived, primarily to help translate for his family as they looked to settle in their new home. Whilst this was a pure lifeline for his family, it also gave him the foundation for gradually working his way through the new language. His effort and hard work combined perfectly when his mature and thoughtful insight in an English lesson was witnessed by the Head of Department and she promptly requested he was moved into top set. Abdul was equally valued and respected by his peers and teachers and was proud to work hard and contribute anything he could in all his lessons.
At the start of his Year 11 he addressed the full staff body on training day to share his experience of fleeing Syria. He did so with gravitas beyond his years, detailing traumatic events he and his family had survived. He spoke proudly of his heritage and spoke with strength regarding his struggles.
When filled with nerves before addressing the staff he spoke of knowing he would be anxious but also that what scared him challenged him, and he would never pass the chance to challenge himself when offered – and each and every time it’s with a permanent smile on his face.
The English teacher that recruited him to move up into her class comments:
“Abdul was an absolute pleasure to teach and to know. He is incredibly thoughtful, imaginative and compassionate. He is a true leader among his peers – his calm and considered approach sets the tone for the room. He will not let an opportunity pass. He will debate an issue forensically and passionately, while respecting other people’s views. He represents the best of our community and there is no greater privilege as a teacher than to think we might have had even a small role in shaping him. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he absolutely knows who he is and what he stands for; he has the strength of character of someone much older than 16.”
The perfect example of not mistaking his kindness for weakness as his resilience and inner strength cannot be questioned.
Abdul now leaves to pursue his dream of becoming a Doctor, studying for A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Notre Dame. He will continue to work hard, strive to challenge himself at every opportunity, in the hope that ‘one day he can payback all the help he and his family received when moving here’.