Stefania has lived in the UK for almost 9 years having moved here from Romania with her family. Proactive and keen to learn, Stefania has excelled during her studies with us and how has a passion for further study at NSCG. Here Stefania chats to us about her time at NSCG, how the GCSE English course has helped her with her confidence levels and creative writing skills and given her the motivation to study GCSE Maths in September.
When I took my very first assessment, I only got a grade 2 but in my mock exams, I achieved Grade 6s which has been amazing and I am looking forward to getting my results in August.
Stefania Nistor, GCSE English
When I signed up, I was going through one of the most difficult periods of my life. I had lost a lot of confidence in myself and I was struggling to see a positive future. At that time, I thought I was simply enrolling on an English course, but it became so much more than that.
Newcastle College is close to my home so it was easy to get to. My children also study here so I knew it was a good place for me to learn.
I felt nervous on my first day as the college is quite big, but I was made to feel very welcome by my teacher.
I started the GCSE course a little later than September when everyone else started but I was very enthusiastic to meet everyone.
When I was living in Romania, I worked in a printing press for a number of years, so I had a love of literature then. The course has given me a passion to write poetry and create stories which is something I can put my heart into. English in everyday life is very important, so that is helping me too in everything I do.
My teacher has given me encouragement, patience and belief when I needed it most. He treated me as someone capable of learning and progressing, even when I doubted myself. Little by little, I have grown in confidence, not only in my English, but also in myself. Sometimes a teacher does much more than teach a subject, sometimes they help a person find their way back to themselves.
What he has done for me cannot be measured by grades or certificates alone. The difference they have made is real and I will always be grateful for the support.
I love history and as part of my speaking and listening assessment, I shared my passion for the Brampton Museum with the other learners on the course. I achieved a Distinction grade for this which I am very proud of.
When I took my very first assessment, I only got a grade 2 but in my mock exams, I achieved Grade 6s which has been amazing and I am looking forward to getting my results in August.
For me, confidence has been a challenge. Being an older learner with children at college made me ask myself if I was too old, but I am so happy I did join the course.
Because of this course and being able to sit my GCSE English exam, I have already enrolled on the Creative Writing course and GCSE Maths for this September. Studying at NSCG has given me self-belief, not only in my English, but also in myself.
I then would like to further my studies in English through A Level routes or even a university degree. I am also considering working in education, but for now I want to study a little more at NSCG.
I would really recommend the adult courses at NSCG. I know that many people think that only money can change lives, but the support, encouragement and opportunities that I have received through studying GCSE English have been life-changing and are priceless to me.
"Stefania is one of the most studious individuals I have come across in my career. Stefania recognised from the beginning that there was a significant gap in confidence between her and some of her other pers. What I admire about her, is that she is very proactive and asked if there was a workbook she could have to do extended studies beyond the three-hour lesson a week. I thought this would be a book that Stefania would use for a year, however, she managed to complete a lot of the tasks in a very short time frame and she has been keen to be challenged to improve her language skills. Stefania has been an absolute pleasure to teach."
