Polish Pupil Voice: An Article by a Secondary Pupil in Gloucestershire
Lots of Polish people decide to move to England for a while and settle down here. They care about
their children's future in this country as well. As "Evening Standard" magazine says: about 27
thousand children started education in England and Wales schools since the EU expanded to
include Poland.
First few days ... Remember forever
"3rd October 2006- I got out of school, after first day. I was shocked, I didn't know where to go. I went wrong way. In a few minutes I was in a park near my house. I sat down under a tree and started to cry. I promised to myself that it was the first and the last day in that place." - said one student. Another one, Enya from the same school said: "From the very first day, teachers and students took care and interest in me."
Our feelings mostly depend on atmosphere and influence of other people around. Lots of us are facing bad treatment, just because of our nationality. Sometimes we are humiliated and ridiculed by others, with no real reason. "There were times, that even every person in a classroom was against me. They used to laugh at every word I said, that's why I didn't want to continue trying to improve my English."- said a 14 year old student, who started school last year.
Despite many barriers not only language, many of us can make friends. Teachers are also very helpful and other members of school staff help us to mix with students. Just like Enya said before, similarity Paulina could make friends of her own age.
"From the beginning Stacie took care of me, she met me with her friends who were all very nice. We are friends even now, after I left school."
Facing other world of school
Sometime ago, we were all sitting down properly, in Poland, listening to everything the teacher had to say, and quietly copying from the board. Then, coming back home with a heavy bag on our back. In the evening we were doing homework, until ten o'clock. A month later we are sitting in a different classroom, in England, with different pupils and teachers. Scared and afraid of everything, not understanding anything, noise all around ..... We are usually lost, without any support.
"Only after one month at school, I started to find the classrooms and meet other pupils. Before I didn't have any support from anyone"- said Bartek.
No matter what our personality is, every student can say that, setting things straight just takes time. For people with more knowledge of the English language and more confidence it might be easier. We shouldn't get discouraged by anyone or anything, even if we can't communicate in a foreign language.
"My friend tried to do everything, so that I could understand her. I remember when we used to sit quietly under a tree, and draw things we wanted to say." - continues Paulina.
In learning English it is helpful being with people who speak the language. To improve our language skills we also have extra lessons taught by qualified teachers from Race Equality and Diversity Service to meet the needs of the individual level of every student. ....... "At school I could improve my skills
in Art. I would like to follow a career in Art in the Future"
- said Kate year 11 student.
Despite the problems some Polish students have here in the UK, English schools can still help us to achieve a good future for ourselves.
(Some names have been changed)
Anika Krukow
