Meet The Team!

Rachel Knight - Fundraising and Research Assistant

It’s been a while since we introduced you to one of our team members! Today we want to tell you a bit more about Rachel, who has been volunteering with us for nearly 18 months now. Rachel’s hard work has brought thousands of pounds our way and for that we are extremely grateful! So, read on to find out a little bit more about Rachel…

How did you first get involved in Hope English School (HES)?

I was looking for a volunteer role to do alongside my master's degree and I saw that HES had put an advert for a Fundraising and Research Assistant on the University of Sheffield's website. I thought “I think I might be able to do that,” took a chance and applied.

What specifically does your role involve?

In a nutshell, I research potential funding sources, mainly grants, for HES and then write and develop applications.

What do you like most about working for HES?

The nicest, most constant, thing is working with such a friendly bunch of people who are working towards the same goal.

It's also really rewarding to receive successful applications after putting in lots of hard work and to see and hear about the difference the grants make to our students.

What do you do with the rest of your week when you are not working for HES?

When I started working for HES, I spent all my free time finishing off my master's degree. Currently, I am working as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School and when I'm not working there, I keep myself busy by running, going to the beach, reading a lot, cooking, and seeing friends and family.

Have you always lived in Sheffield, if not what brought you here?

I am originally from Suffolk (down South) but moved up North to York for university and then onto Sheffield to do my masters. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I have moved back to Suffolk and, like the rest of the HES team, I am currently working remotely.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My family owns 2 cats (called Merry and Pippin from Lord of the Rings), but I am actually allergic to cats!

Christmas 2020 Newsletter

Hello! Welcome to our latest newsletter!
We hope this finds you well and looking forward to a new year!

What has been happening in our classes...

 

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions some of what we had planned, sadly was unable to happen. We are thankful that due to a combination of face to face and online teaching, as well as paper resource packs being sent out many of our students were able to continue with their learning in some format.

We were delighted to receive positive feedback from both students and organisations. Although there were some students who struggled to access our classes, we have seen many make great progress! Very well done to all our students, and our teachers, for adapting and continuing in spite of the challenges which have faced them.

In the new year, as well as continuing with our current classes, in whatever format we are able to deliver them, we plan to launch an IT/ESOL pilot course in Sheffield City Centre. We will develop a 12-week course and plan to trial this after February half term with a select group of learners from Snowdrop.

Fantastic Fundraising!

Our fabulous fundraising volunteer Rachel has been busy writing grant applications and we have been delighted to receive £8000 in grant funding this year! Many thanks to Rachel for all her hard work!

We also were gifted £100 by local Temple Spa businesswoman Jenny, who raffled off a gorgeous advent calendar in aid of our work! Thank you Jenny!

Welcome Lisa!

Lisa is the newest member of the Hope English School team, and will work as a volunteer funding and research assistant. She will work alongside Rachel with fundraising, as well as undertaking a research project into digital inclusion and the barriers faced by many, in the communities we work with.

We want to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. May you have the opportunity to rest and reflect on the last year and remember with thankfulness all the goodness of life.

Christmas Gift Guide

Give a gift that makes a real difference this year by purchasing one of the gifts from our Christmas Gift Guide.

Every donation goes directly to our work with asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants in South Yorkshire. Helping them to access high quality English classes which help provide them with valuable skills they need to become part of their new society and feel hopeful about their future. Head over to our giving page, where you can give one of the suggested amounts, or any amount you can.

Many thanks and happy Christmas xxx

Meet The Team!

Jane Middleton - Class Co-ordinator

In this episode of “Meet the Team” we chatted to our Class-Co-ordinator Jane!

Jane is an experienced ESOL teacher and has taught in France and Portugal as well as the UK. She oversees all of our classes, as well as supervising our teachers. A great addition to the team, Jane’s role frees up directors Katy and Anna so they can work on developing other areas of Hope English School.

How did you first get involved in HES?

I had been teaching ESOL for a number of years and noticed the opportunity on the HES website to get involved.

What specifically does your role involve?

I am the ESOL Class Coordinator which involves overseeing the classes in Sheffield and Worksop, liaising with clients and meeting teachers. I also teach a class in Doncaster.

What do you like most about working for HES?

It is a small but very friendly team. I enjoy feeling like I am helping people to gain access to classes and become more confident in speaking English

What else do you do with the rest of your week when you are not working for HES?

I have recently starting working as a teaching assistant in a primary school. I like walking in the Peak District with my family and Sundays are usually spent watching my sons play football. I (sometimes) enjoy running and hope to complete at least one half marathon this year!

Have you always lived in Sheffield, if not what brought you here?

I was born in Sheffield and have always considered it to be my home, despite going to university in Leeds and travelling abroad.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My favourite sport is football and I am a lifelong supporter of Sheffield Wednesday!