College News

Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers

Karolina Checinska arrived in Darlington from Cracow, Poland 5 years ago at the age of 14 and didn’t speak a word of English. However, she is celebrating gaining exceptional A Level results and will progress to Northumbria University in the autumn to study a degree in Business.

Karolina started her studies at QE three years ago, spending her first year at College gaining some basic GCSEs and improving her English. She did so well that she was able to progress on to Advanced Level study and now has gained very creditable A Levels in Business, Maths, Economics and Polish and AS Levels in Citizenship and Performing Arts.

Joy Colthup, Director of Enrichment at QE says:
‘Karolina is a remarkable student who has persevered to overcome language and cultural barriers to attain high academic standards – her A grade in Business and A* in Polish are outstanding. Not only has she mastered her spoken and written command of the English Language but has also coped with dyslexia and really does deserve her success. She is an ambitious individual who loves her life in England and who will undoubtedly do well at university and in her future career.’

Karolina adds:
‘Coming to England and studying at QE have opened up so many opportunities and I now have the chance to get a good career. The teachers at QE have been fantastic, giving me their time, motivating me, supporting me and helping me with my English. I really appreciate all the help I have been given and am determined to continue to work hard to make all my teachers and my family proud of me.’