Syrian Boy Struggles to Adjust to School in Manchester | Educating | Our Stories

Summary

The video script follows the journey of Ronni, a Syrian refugee who recently moved to Salford, as he navigates his new life in a British school. Initially enrolled in a special education needs class called COGS to improve his English, Ronni faces challenges in making friends and adjusting to his new environment. The script highlights his struggles, growth in confidence, and eventual transition into mainstream classes. It also touches on the experiences of other refugee students and the importance of support networks in helping them adapt and thrive in their new lives.

Takeaways

• 🔹 Ronni recently joined Herot after moving with his family to Salford and is still adjusting to his new surroundings.
• 🔹 He faces language barriers and struggles to make friends, as he is still learning English.
• 🔹 To support his language development, Ronni is temporarily placed in a special educational needs class called 'COGS'.
• 🔹 Ronni is described as shy and nervous due to the many changes in his life, including moving to a new country and school.
• 🔹 Ronni shares his experience of living in Syria, mentioning the trauma of witnessing bombings and violence when he was very young.
• 🔹 Another student, Murat, who also fled from Syria, helps Ronni by sharing his own experiences of war and fleeing Syria.
• 🔹 Ronni begins to form a friendship with Jack, another student who helps him feel more included and supported.
• 🔹 After some time, the school decides that Ronni is ready to transition from the special class to mainstream lessons.
• 🔹 Jack's family extends kindness by inviting Ronni to their house, helping him feel more integrated and supported outside of school.
• 🔹 Ronni and Jack’s growing friendship symbolizes hope for Ronni’s successful adaptation and social inclusion in his new life.

Q & A

Who is Ronnie and why is he struggling at school?

Ronnie is a student who recently joined Herot School after moving to Salford. He struggles at school due to language barriers and difficulty adjusting to a new environment after moving from Syria.

Why was Ronnie placed in the special educational needs class called COGS?

Ronnie was placed in the COGS class to help him develop his English language skills and build confidence while he adjusts to life in a new country and school.

What was Ronnie's experience growing up in Syria?

Ronnie mentioned that he experienced bombings and fighting in Syria starting from when he was four years old. His early life in Syria was marked by conflict and danger, which led to his family fleeing the country.

Who is Murat and what is his connection to Ronnie?

Murat is a Year 10 student at Herot who, like Ronnie, fled the war in Syria. He helps Ronnie by sharing similar experiences of fleeing Syria and adjusting to life in the UK.

What challenges does Ronnie face in making friends at his new school?

Ronnie struggles to bond with his peers due to language barriers and the difficulty of adjusting to a new culture. He also feels shy and nervous in social situations.

What role does Jack play in Ronnie’s life?

Jack is a new friend Ronnie made at school. Jack is kind and helpful, explaining things Ronnie doesn't understand. Their friendship is important in helping Ronnie transition into mainstream lessons and feel more comfortable at school.

What decision did the school make about Ronnie's future in the COGS class?

The school decided that Ronnie had made enough progress in his language skills and confidence, and they transitioned him from the COGS class to mainstream lessons.

How does Ronnie feel about moving to mainstream lessons?

Ronnie feels nervous and uncertain about moving to mainstream lessons, as it is a significant step for him. However, he is determined to try his best and embrace the change.

What role do teachers like Miss Pierce and Mr. Povey play in Ronnie’s development?

Teachers like Miss Pierce and Mr. Povey are supportive of Ronnie's development, encouraging him to embrace challenges, make friends, and grow both academically and socially.

How does Ronnie’s family background affect his life at school?

Ronnie's experience of fleeing war in Syria and his cultural background (e.g., speaking Kurdish at home and following Islamic customs) contribute to his sense of being an outsider, but also influence his interactions with others and how he adjusts to life in the UK.