Nelida’s Journey of Learning and Growth

Nelida moved to England in November 2012 with limited English proficiency, knowing only about 20% of the language. Initially, she found communication difficult, often telling people, “I don’t speak English.” However, her determination to learn and grow led her on an inspiring journey with City College Peterborough.

The Beginning:
Nelida’s journey with City College Peterborough began in late 2018 when she discovered a leaflet advertising free courses. Instantly drawn to the opportunity, she applied for a Level 1 Health and Social Care course. At the time, she had been working for six years as a domestic assistant at Peterborough City Hospital. The college’s support system, including childcare and travel assistance, made it easy for her to enrol and start her studies in January 2019.

With the encouragement of her partner and a welcoming learning environment, Nelida successfully completed Level 1 and progressed to Level 2, where she was taught by Liz Munton. She thoroughly enjoyed the courses and met amazing people along the way.

Adapting to Challenges:
After finishing Level 2 in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her plans to continue with Level 3. With lockdown restrictions in place, Nelida decided to take a break from work to care for her children. However, her passion for learning remained strong. Once the college reopened, she realized it was time to improve her English skills and pursue a new career path.

City College Peterborough assessed her English proficiency at Level 1, and in September 2020, she embarked on an English Level 1 course with Paul Jennes, completing it by July 2021. Determined to keep progressing, she moved on to English Level 2 with Liz Harper from September 2021 to July 2022. Studying online presented new challenges, especially in writing, but she persevered and found the teaching experience rewarding.

Expanding Horizons:
Nelida’s confidence in English grew, and she joined the college’s book club to further improve her reading and writing skills. Shortly after, she took her English Level 2 exam and passed. This milestone encouraged her to pursue new opportunities, leading her to secure a job as a lunchtime supervisor at The Peterborough School in November 2021, where she continues to work.

Not stopping there, Nelida enrolled in Maths Level 1 and Level 2 with Andy, followed by GCSE Maths with Karen in September 2022. Through hard work and dedication, she achieved a Grade 5 pass in August 2023. Motivated by her success, she enrolled in GCSE English with Maria Prior in September 2023. With the invaluable support and resources provided by her teacher, she confidently took the exam and, in August 2024, was thrilled to receive a Grade 4 pass.

Looking to the Future:
In August 2024, Nelida took the next step in her career by booking a careers advice session with Rob. That same day, she enrolled in the Teaching Assistant and Support in Schools course, setting her sights on a future in education. Reflecting on her incredible journey, she expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from City College Peterborough and its dedicated teachers.

Conclusion:
From arriving in England with limited English to successfully passing GCSE Maths and English, Nelida’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. With the right support and a strong will to succeed, she has not only improved her language skills but also changed her career path and built a brighter future for herself and her family. Her journey is a testament to the power of education and lifelong learning.

“I went from speaking only 20% of English to passing my English GCSE. City College Peterborough changed my life.” – Nelida