I feel saddened by the news about BSix college in Hackney, east London, losing its A-levels (Staff and students fight loss of A-levels at London college helping disadvantaged learners, 10 June). I am for ever grateful to have been a student at BSix. I came in the UK as an unaccompanied minor aged 16 and English isn’t my first language. I didn’t understand a word of it. A friend of mine helped me get into BSix to learn English in January 2007 – the course was called English as a second language (Esol) then.
The staff really supported me until I was confident enough to read, write, listen to and speak English. After a year, I was given the opportunity to do my BTec first diploma in sciences, equivalent to GCSEs, and GCSE English and maths.
Afterwards, I did my BTec national diploma in sciences for two years, equivalent to AS and A2, which enabled me to go to university to study biomedical sciences and then further my studies in adult nursing. I am currently working as a theatre nurse in Eastbourne district general hospital.
I would say that BSix gives great opportunities to young people from different backgrounds to get basic requirements to further their studies in the UK. It hugely contributes to our integration into British society and we later contribute positively towards the development of the country.
Fatim Nikoulare
Eastbourne, East Sussex
