English Classes

Gokhan’s Story

Gokhan joined the English Classes at Upper Norwood Library Hub in 2019 after hearing about the classes from a member of staff at the hub.

Gokhan commented, “I like to go to the theatre and social networking is difficult when you don't speak English, now its getting better.”

Gokhan has been a actor and director for the last fifteen years, his wife is a film maker and his family moved to London from Istanbul three years ago for her work. When he first arrived in the UK his English Language skills were limited, and found it difficult to find opportunities to develop his skills socially.

Gokhan attended the classes once a week, which gave him an opportunity to increase his confidence speaking English by meeting other people going through similar experience. His English has improved during this time which has made a positive impact on everyday activities in his life.

Gokhan commented, “I can speak to my son's teachers now which makes me feel happy.”

Gokhan has stayed in London during the Covid-19 lockdown, unable to travel to Turkey for work this was a chance for him to focus on his English. The classes continued over Zoom and he attended both one-to-one and group sessions which he found a useful way to practice while staying safe at home.

Each week the group choose a different topic to cover which has included Thanksgiving and Halloween. Each learner is given text to read as a way to learn new grammar and pronunciation, receive feedback and discuss mistakes as a group.

Gokhan commented, “Thanks to Robert, Wendy and UNLH I feel more comfortable speaking English.”

Gokhan has a Life in the UK exam coming up and will continue to receive support in developing his English language skills through the classes.

Simon’s Story

Simon is one of the volunteer tutors that delivers the English Classes at Upper Norwood Library Hub and reflects on his experience.

“The thing that has come through most strongly for the two learners I currently work for is the increase of confidence and willingness to engage in a everyday discussions with work colleagues and other agencies that they may need to that hitherto they may have felt reluctant to undertake.

We spend some time on idioms most weeks which can sometimes baffle people. It seems popular as understanding them has helped make then seem less strange.

I have recently written a small piece for an American publication, I realised that terms we may take for granted like fly tipping mean nothing to Americans. This in itself illustrated the importance of using clear and unambiguous language to me. It just goes to show we none of us stop learning.”