Meet Gastón Duca
A former BMet student who is now a trilingual teaching assistant!…

 

• Which college did you attend at BMet?

I attended courses at Matthew Boulton Campus, where I achieved all my English ESOL certificates – from Entry 2 to Level 2 (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing).

 

• When did you start at BMet and when did you finish?

I started in April 2017 and finished in June 2019.

 

• Tell us a bit more about your progression route?

From start to finish, here is my course journey:

Entry 2: Reading                                                

Entry 3: Speaking and Listening

Entry 3: Reading

Entry 3: Writing

Level 2: Speaking and Listening

Level 2: Reading

Level 2: Writing

 

• Why did you choose to study those courses?… and tell me a bit about “your journey” prior to coming to studying at BMet…

I chose to study these courses because I really needed them. My English knowledge and use at the time was very low when I came to the UK. So, my main goal was to improve my English skills, whilst seeking new and more job opportunities.

My actual journey started in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I was born. I later moved to Italy, where I worked as a hotel receptionist. After this time, I felt that I really wanted a big change in my life.

 

• How have you found your time at BMet and did it cater to your needs?

I found my time at BMet very useful. I will always remember Matthew Boulton College with a lot of love, because it was my first learning experience in the UK.

All teachers were amazing, friendly and very professional. All of them gave the best of themselves, in order to increase and improve my English skills.

Personally, I took my learning seriously. It wasn’t a joke or a waste of time for me and in fact my attendance was pretty much 100% during my 3 years at BMet. Nothing is easy, but success depends on each person and the goals people want to reach in their lives.

 

• What do you think of the support that you’ve received at BMet?

The support that I have received at Matthew Boulton College was outstanding!

All teachers were very good, patient and they spoke clearly so we could understand, whilst constantly giving positive and useful feedback. The lessons were very engaging and had clear objectives, making my learning much easier and effective. As a Teaching Assistant now, I know that these are essential tools in the learning environment.

I also received financial help from the Learner Support Fund to pay my travel from home to the college too, which was much needed at the time.

 

• What have you particularly enjoyed during your time at BMet and what are your best experiences?

I really enjoyed seeing my teachers and classmates. Not only was it good to discuss work, but it was also nice to talk to my friends about their lives and play games during the break.

 

• What are you doing now and what are your hopes for the future?

I can now confidentially describe myself as trilingual: a Spanish native speaker, who is fluent in Italian and in English.

After completing my English classes and gaining my language certificates, I am now a happy PPA Spanish Instructor and Teaching Assistant. I teach Spanish in primary school from Year 1 to Year 6 in Wolverhampton.

As I love learning about foreign languages and different cultures, I have also created my online language learning school called: “Gramacri.com”.

My future goal is to get a degree in languages and get a QTS to become a fully qualified teacher.

 

• What would you say have been your favourite achievements/memories to date?

I was terrified about the idea of speaking English with other people, but now it’s a part of my everyday life.

During the time spent at the college, I increased my self-confidence and self-esteem, which really helped me to develop my English and life skills. Improving my English has been very important for me, as this allowed me to reach all my goals. I will always be forever thankful to BMet College.

 

• What advice would you give to other students wanting to attend BMet?
  Or that are currently here?

What I could say to them is that there are no magic recipes to learning that’s “quick and easy”. I have my own USP and a tried and tested secret to learning, which I have called: “the power of the 3 B’s”        

                            Be persistent

                                                   Be motivated

                                                                            Be focused!