Feel Good Story

Brothers astonish in Wales A levels
20/8/2007

Two Afghan brothers who could not even speak English two and a half years ago have had astonishing successes in Wales A level exams.

17-year-old Obaid and 14 year-old Zubaidullah Kousha arrived in Swansea from Afghanistan 2 and a half years ago, without even being able to speak English.

Now Obaid has 6 Grade As at A-Level, even though he still has one year to go before going on to fulfil his dream of studying Medicine, while his younger brother Zubaidullah has achieved 3 grade As at AS Level, even though he is only 15.

Both attended Pentrehafod School before Obaid went on to Swansea College last year. Although there is no Sixth Form at Pentrehafod, it wasn't long before teachers spotted their abilities and capacity for hard graft and arranged extra tuition along with lessons at Swansea College.

Zubaidullah, who has As in Physics, Chemistry and Maths at AS level said, "It wasn't easy, it was hard work, but our teachers motivated us to do our exams early because we work hard and there was no point waiting around. I had one hour a week with Mr Jones, Mr Toogood in Physics and Chemistry and the Maths I did myself."

Obaid swept the board with straight As in Biology, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Persian. He achieved over 90% in most subjects with 99% Physics.

"When we got to Swansea my English was really bad so I decided to do the sciences first to give me a chance to concentrate on my English later. I want to apply for Uni to do Medicine but I'm going to do a couple more A-Levels next year. Not Science though, that's done."

The brothers' achievement is astonishing, but for now they are taking a well-earned chance to relax.

Zubaidullah said, "Yeah, we're really happy. Especially Mum and Dad."