Goan friends work hard to get their A-levels 7:13pm Thursday 14th August 2008
MOST A-level students would admit juggling three exam subjects can be stressful. So imagine having to not only master a whole new language but the social and economic history of Britain as well. That's exactly what best friends Janice de Souza and Sue Rodrigues had to do when they moved from their school in Goa, India, to St Joseph's Catholic College four years ago. The 18-year-olds didn't let their disadvantages stop them achieving and they both picked up outstanding results yesterday. "I got two Bs and a C and got into my first choice of university," said Janice, from Newcastle Street in the town centre. "I never could have hoped to have all the options I have now if we'd stayed in Goa. I feel very lucky to have so many choices." Sue from Bilborough Drive, Walcot, was awarded a B, C and D and also won a place at the university of her choice. The two friends came over from Goa when they were just 14 after their parents were offered jobs at a British pharmaceutical company. Not only did they have to perfect their English skills but they also had to get used to a whole new education system. "It was difficult at first," said Sue. "We could speak English but we didn't know the accent so had to get used to that. "There were things about the culture here we had to know as well to help us in our lessons. "Although the education system in Goa is tough, the choices available to students are very limited. "There's also less encouragement given to students to make their own choices – it's more like, 'you should train to be a doctor'. The girls' friendship will now face its first real test as Janice heads to Plymouth to study speech therapy and Sue to Staffordshire to train as a forensic scientist and criminologist. Janice said: "We will text each other and email each other, we have been together since childhood so we really want to stay in touch, even if we are at opposite ends of the country." Deputy head Maureen Harries said: "We are immensely proud of Janice and Sue and all they have achieved. "They have had the mammoth task of not only getting to grips with the culture and language but they have had to understand the social history of Britain to aid their studies. "They were always keen to do extra work to catch-up with other students and I suppose they are the perfect students. We wish them all the luck for the future." The teenagers joined friends in Swindon town centre last night for a celebration party to mark their success. http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/3595704.Goan_friends_work_hard_to_get_their_A_levels/ -- DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London.
