Cousins, 11, celebrate GCSE achievements

Anis Bakir with Adam Tahir and Eesa Tayyab

Two children from Rochdale are amongst the youngest students in the UK to achieve an A grade in GCSE level Arabic.

Cousins Adam Tahir and Eesa Tayyab, both 11-years-old, took the examination earlier this year, through the Rochdale Girl’s School, and secured the top grade.

The pair, who live on Henry Street, were still at primary school when they took their examinations. Adam attended the Britannia School in Bacup and Eesa attended the Manchester Muslim Primary School.

Their Arabic teacher, Anis Bakir, said: “My philosophy in teaching is ‘aim high and achieve high.’

“I have the habit in telling students that they can be excellent in whatever they do until they believe it, once they believe that, they will settle for nothing less. The teacher’s job is, then, to guide them in order to achieve their highest potential."

Mr Bakir, who was the winner of the Northwest Adult Learner Award in 2009, implemented the same philosophy two years ago when some of his students were the oldest, in the country to achieve GCSE in Arabic.

“I live off celebrating achievements any shape or form,” said Mr Bakir, “The success of my students is, in fact and in many ways, my success too.”