Rameh O’Sullivan
Cardiff Metropolitan University

Rameh O’Sullivan teaches in the community across Cardiff. Originally teaching IT, she stepped in to deliver the Preparation for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and over the last five years she has improved and developed the course, which has now become so popular two extra classes have been established. She says,

Linking with the University’s English Language and Widening Access departments to develop the course, Rameh inspires her students to bring their language skills up to an IELTS level 6 for them to progress to higher education.

Many of her students are refugees and asylum seekers and have often fled from difficult circumstances, some suffering from trauma and with limited trust in people. Rameh is expert at making them feel welcome with her calm and positive attitude. She often has students from several countries,

with different languages and levels of English language skills, within one class, but they all thrive in a supportive environment. Many students are highly qualified in their home countries but are not able to continue with their education or jobs due to their lack of language skills, Rameh gives them hope and her skilled approach ensures that each learner is able to move forward to achieve their goals.

One of her learners says, “Rameh has a gift of awesomeness, she is the most inspiring and motivational teacher I have ever had. She believed in me when I could not even trust myself to be good at anything. I passed all my exams despite my fears and panics – I will never forget Rameh’s convincing voice.”

In the last five years, five of Rameh’s students were accepted on undergraduate degree programmes and they describe her classes as life changing. She says, “I hope to give learners the confidence not to give up. In an uncertain world faced with many challenges, everyone wants to make their lives better. Education is the most effective way to help achieve this and enjoy a rewarding life.”