Abdul Hamzeh arrived at Co-op Academy Priesthorpe in Year 8 after fleeing Syria and gaining refugee status in the U.K. Abdul and his family had finally been granted the freedom of feeling safe again.

From the moment he joined, Abdul has been an exemplary young man. His humility epitomised by him when stating once he arrived in Year 8 what he was grateful for: he was just glad him and his family could eat more than once per day again. 

He started to learn English as soon as he arrived, primarily to help translate for his family as they looked to settle in their new home. Whilst this was a pure lifeline for his family, it also gave him the foundation for gradually working his way through the new language. His effort and hard work combined perfectly when his mature and thoughtful insight in an English lesson was witnessed by the Head of Department and she promptly requested he was moved into top set. Abdul was equally valued and respected by his peers and teachers and was proud to work hard and contribute anything he could in all his lessons. 

At the start of his Year 11 he addressed the full staff body on training day to share his experience of fleeing Syria. He did so with gravitas beyond his years, detailing traumatic events he and his family had survived. He spoke proudly of his heritage and spoke with strength regarding his struggles.

When filled with nerves before addressing the staff he spoke of knowing he would be anxious but also that what scared him challenged him, and he would never pass the chance to challenge himself when offered – and each and every time it’s with a permanent smile on his face.

The English teacher that recruited him to move up into her class comments: