Nick's Story

Bristol teacher Nic Dartnell’s thirst for cultural knowledge and passion for racial equality have seen him invest three decades in working with children and adults from ethnic minorities.

Before teaching English to adults from ethnic minorities in Bristol Nic spent 25-years teaching language skills to primary school children from ethnic minorities in Hackney, London. Nic’s teaching work with ethnic minorities has been strongly influenced by the Chairman of Notting Hill Carnival, Chris Mullard, who was one of Nic’s tutors at Newcastle University, and his travels in America during the 1970s where he experienced The Civil Rights Movement first hand.

 
Nic’s move to Bristol saw him come out of the classroom and into the community teaching English (ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages) to adults from ethnic minorities, based at The Old Co-op education centre in Easton and The Beacon Centre for education in St. Georges. Nic supports asylum seeks, migrant workers and the long term migrant population in learning the language skills needed to improve their education and employment prospects, and become part of city life. In July Nic will achieve his Level 4 Skills for Life ESOL qualification from the City of Bristol College, supported by funding from the Crystal Chandelier project.

“The times I grew up in, and my background growing up in Malaysia, influenced my work,” said Nick.  “My university tutor Chris Mullard really made me consider racial issues and travelling in America during the 70’s meant I was very aware of the Civil Rights movement.

“Bristol has a considerable migrant population and without English they don’t have many work prospects and find it difficult to progress in education. Just coming to class makes a huge difference for some as they might have fairly isolated lives otherwise. Teaching in the community is less intimidating for learners as going to college can be daunting and it means they are closer to their homes and children.”

Nic is a shining example of the group of dedicated people helping adults in the South West to improve their English, maths and language skills. The Crystal Chandelier project is helping more people to shine in this way by providing guidance and funding to enable them to achieve professional teaching qualifications.

Nic completed his Level 4 Skills for Life ESOL qualification at City of Bristol College