Forging international links with our Sixth Form

Davide and Enzo joined us in September as Year 12 members for their first taste of sixth form education in this country - and have left behind new friends and happy memories.

Both young men, one from Italy, the other Brazil, were hosted by a family in the area and were soon part of the Hellesdon Sixth Form community where they made a lasting impression on everyone who met them.

“They impressed everyone with their enthusiasm, determination and kindness. Whether in the classroom or around the wider sixth form, they were respectful, hardworking and engaged, becoming valued members of our sixth form,” said Director of Sixth Form Richard Taylor.

His sentiment was echoed by Sabrina Woodhouse, Sixth Form Coordinator, who said the boys had ‘wanted to learn everything and just soaked things up like a sponge.’

Both had arrived in September with good skills in English and their language improved during their stay. They took the chance to visit London and Cambridge while living in Norwich.

“They were so enthusiastic and it was perfect timing as they were able to join at the same time as that year’s intake. They had never met before and it’s a huge thing to come to a new country, stay with a host family and join a strange school,” said Mrs Woodhouse.

“It also showed our students that there is a world to be explored and there are opportunities out there."

“This exchange programme has always been a dream for me, and being able to have this incredible experience at 16-years-old is very important, as I will take with me for the rest of my life, from all the knowledge I learned here. I am very grateful and it was a pleasure to study at Hellesdon, where I made many friends,” said Enzo, from Brazil.

Davide, who travelled from Italy said: “I am honestly going back with a lot more than I was expecting to find. I’m going home with such good friends. From the very first day I had a very good impression about all the people I met and I want to leave you all by saying a massive thank-you for having changed my life so positively.”

There was a special presentation to both students before they returned to their home countries last month.