When did you study at RNC?
2018 to 2021
What courses did you study?
Braille, Business, English Language, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Health & Social Care, IT, Mathematics and Sociology
Eye condition(s): Retinopathy of Prematurity
We spoke to Abdul on Results Day 2021 after finding out he had achieved:
- Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business – Distinction*
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care – Distinction*
A Level Sociology – A*
EPQ – A*
Abdul came to RNC with one GCSE and admits he found it hard to settle in and study but he said:
RNC is transformational, I got massive support from the staff who helped me realise I needed to set a goal for myself. By the second year I started to grow. It was great to be able to work independently without the help of teaching assistants and all the support and equipment was just there. The independence you learn at RNC is just massive. Within two weeks of being there I was taught the skills to go on the train from Hereford to Manchester on my own. I was the Chair of the Student Representative Group and had a brilliant social life. It really is a unique community.
A day later Abdul reflected further, saying on Twitter:
Now that the events from yesterday have slightly sunk in, I have to process the fact that my time at RNC has come to an end. Three years ago, after not having the greatest experience with mainstream education, I left school with one GCSE and decided to pursue a journey that everyone around me discouraged me from taking. On my first weekend at RNC, I was given my first long cane and shown around the campus. Two weeks later, I challenged myself to complete my first independent travel journey on the train from Hereford to Manchester alone. I genuinely believe that I would not have been able to do that without support and encouragement from a brilliant independent living skills team at the College. I may not have always taken advantage of all this place has to offer but as cheesy as it sounds, I honestly would not be where I am today without the support and the expertise of all the staff there.
I’ve also been lucky enough to have taken advantage of some fantastic extra curricular opportunities whilst at RNC, both in support of my studies and in support of my continued independence and future after A Levels. Amongst other things taking part in fundraising events including the new student wildlife garden, playing and improving at Goalball in such a supportive and well-equipped sporting environment and organising virtual social activities during lockdown to help students maintain a work life balance.
I chaired the Student Representative Group to ensure the power of the student voice was maintained and built upon and lobbied at the House of Lords to push for access to specialist education for all students who would benefit from it. Generally meeting some class people and making some class memories that will last a lifetime! So basically, my point is – if you’re considering RNC, don’t second doubt, the RNC experience is definitely what you make it, and definitely has the facilities for you to flourish.
We are thrilled that Abdul had such a positive experience at RNC. He is now heading to the University of Strathclyde to read Law.