English Conversation Classes – Summer Term 2013
Led By Angelica Rusu and supported by Mrs Sehmi and Mrs Ubha
A pilot scheme to start English Conversation Classes was initiated by Mr Ahmed,
Inclusion Manager, Farnham Green Primary, with support from Angelica Rusu of
Children’s Centre, Thackeray Drive, Chadwell Heath. Some parents were
identified and selected by Mrs Sehmi and Mrs Ubha, members of EMA Team
which then resulted in further requests made by parents in the playground and
by word of mouth. The aim of these classes was to speak competently and
confidently for different purposes and audiences.
Mr Ahmad, oversaw the whole project from start to end. We were given the
opportunity to watch a demo lesson at All Saints Children’s Centre followed by
then supporting Ms Rusu for the 10 week programme of English Conversation
Classes held at Farnham Green. On three occasions, Ms Rusu was unable to
attend due to other commitments and Mrs Sehmi and Mrs Ubha both stepped in
to cover the classes.
The aim of this project was to improve the parent’s conversation skills and
hence boost their confidence in speaking with staff and/or applying these skills
on a day to day basis when out and about in the community and more importantly
supporting their children with their daily learning. This would enhance both the
working relationship with the school community and build a good relationship
with their children.
The project started on 8 May 2013 and ended on 17 July 2013. We had places
for 17 parents with a crèche being run by Mrs K Sagoo. However, we found
there were a lot more parents interested which resulted in their names being
placed on a waiting list should the pilot scheme became a more regular session.
One parent dropped out for family reasons. The 10 week programme included
topics such as Routines, making appointments, Health and Safety, filling
application forms etc.
It was a positive outcome for these parents as some of these parents went and
arranged appointments without assistance from members of their families or
friends. A couple of the parents were able to attend meetings in school without
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interpreters. Most parents felt a bit more positive about helping their children
with their learning.
Some of the parents felt they did not get an opportunity
to practise English at home as there was more emphasis on the home language
but they felt at ease in speaking English within the group; hence extending their
friendship circles. The classes also gave some of them confidence enabling
them to talk to their children’s teachers without support. Having the crèche
was a bonus because it gave some parents with little children an opportunity to
take advantage of this programme.
The group bonded right from the start and worked well together throughout
the 10 week programme. One of the highlights was when they talked about
instructions on how to cook a traditional dish they brought to the class to share
with everyone. The parents also dressed up in and talked about their traditional
clothes.
These classes were a success and the outcome was a very positive one with the
following success stories: 
One parent enrolling for ESOL classes.

3 parents successfully enrolling for Community English Entry 1 classes at
Christchurch Children’s Centre.

1 parent started a Business Management course

2 parents enrolled for Computer classes starting in January 2014.

1 parent expressed an interest in enrolling for a Cake decorating course.

1 parent has become a volunteer helper in our school library and hoping to
support in class too.
In addition, some of these parents were very resourceful and responsible and
offered to manage a stall at the Cake Sale and help with the Balloon Race in
July.
The parents were awarded with Certificates of Achievement and Attendance by
Mrs Quirk and Mr Ahmed on 17 July 2013 for their commitment and dedication.
They were extremely honoured in getting this acknowledgement. The parents
also completed an evaluation and below are some of their comments:
“Now I am more confident than before.”

“After the lesson, I would like to continue other course. I felt I am
confident after the lesson.”
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
“My kids are more confident and now I speak with them.”

“It’s a useful course. I really appreciate this and want more levels in
Farnham Green.”

“I help my child with homework.”

“I am very enjoying the class. I am very happy. My class student is
very friendly.”

“Friendly Group”

“I learn this session, improved my confidence. I talk to my child.”

“I can help my child with homework.”

“I feel more comfortable confidence. I’m happy to do other courses.”

“This session is very good for me. Now I am going outside without
any help. Now I am full confidence.”

“I like this course because I start speak more English.”
Some of these parents did say they would have preferred more role playing
activities which would give them more practise in their acquisition of the English
Language and we hope to incorporate this in future sessions. They also
requested if follow up courses could be held at Farnham Green (which some of
them are attending at Christchurch Primary School).
We are very grateful to Ms Rusu for showing us the ropes and now feel
confident to run similar classes in the future. There is already a very avid
interest shown by new parents for these classes. Our Autumn Term Group is full
(16 parents) with more names on the waiting list for the Spring Term 2014
group.
Report by Mrs Sehmi and Mrs Ubha
11 October 2013
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