Arriving in Leeds from Libya in 2016, Hammam Taghdi spoke little English, but with the help of his school he’s now an aspiring Doctor, about to start his Biology, Chemistry and Maths A-Levels at College.

Hammam moved to England with his parents and 4 siblings at the end of primary school. Not being able to speak English fluently, the eldest of 5 struggled initially with the move: “It was a bit difficult at the start. Luckily I had a few people in primary who were from Libya and helped me communicate. I wasn’t fluent and had to get things translated. When it comes to big things like performances you’re expected to understand the culture, but I just didn’t. I’d never heard of Goldilocks!”

On starting Year 7 at Co-op Academy Leeds, Hammam was initially intimidated by the move, having to adapt to a bigger environment with a lot more people. The Academy put systems in place to support Hammam and other students’ adjusting to life in secondary school, while simultaneously learning a new culture and language: 

“The biggest support for me was our English as an Additional Language Department (EAL). I was put into the EAL class with other students who were also learning English. We were able to relate and had similar experiences which meant the environment was easier to learn in. When I first came to Co-op Academy Leeds, we had a system called coaching. I was given a ‘coach’ who was also my EAL teacher. They were a huge support and helped me settle into school life.”

On his GCSEs, Hammam commented on the irony of English turning from his least favourite subject to best, “Of course English was my biggest challenge and up until Year 9 Maths was my favourite. It’s the language of numbers and universally the same. But now I’m fluent, it’s English which is very ironic being that I couldn’t speak the language a few years ago. I put it down to my fantastic teacher, Miss Lister. She’s an incredible teacher, honestly. She’s the head of English and she helped turn it around to be my favourite in about half a year. That’s all it took!”

Hammam received 10 GCSE’s graded between 5 and 9. He’s now going on to study Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Elliott Hudson College (EHC) with hopes to one day become a Doctor or Surgeon. 

On Hammam’s success, Miss Lister said, “Hammam is truly inspirational – his dedication and thirst for learning is what has propelled him to being potentially the most successful student in the class. He is never reticent about asking questions and strives for more knowledge and skill always. I only wish he was doing English Literature at A level!”