SIX STUDENTS FROM BEIJING GRADUATE

Six students, without English as their first language, graduated from bridge lessons today. 

L to R:  Annie Rui An, John Zhang, Jane Stearns (tutor), Celina Chen, Alex Wang, Bin Bin Yang

These are the first students to emerge from a collaboration between the Bridge Club and English Language Partners.  ELP rural manager Ellena Butcher was present at the graduation ceremony, “It’s an incredible achievement for them.  I am amazed at how well they have all done”.  

L to R:  Jane, Celina, John, Annie, Alex, Bin Bin and Ellena Butcher (English Language Partners rural co-ordinator)

Tutor Jane Stearns said, “Bridge is a challenging game to learn when you speak English as your first language.  To learn bridge with English as a second language is amazing.  I am incredibly proud of my students and hope they are very proud of their achievement”.  Their entry to the club has come after 14 weeks of study, only two weeks longer than a native English speaker’s course.  Graduate Alex Wang said, “We call it “edu-tainment” because we are learning but it is also so much fun”.  Alex spoke of the group’s gratitude to the club members who have made them so welcome at their Friday morning session.  All six are originally from Beijing but have made their home here in Cambridge.  Angela Lin was not present, and she has moved with Frank You and her family to Auckland.  Frank was instrumental in bringing the group to the club and his help at lessons invaluable.  Four more students from English Language Partners are now seeking to learn the game.  Two from Hong Kong and two from South Korea.