A Syrian refugee who could hardly speak a word English two years ago has just passed his high school exams Australia flying colours. Saad Al-Kaab, 19, has just graduated the top marks one of Australia's biggest high schools. His outstanding overall grades put him the top 4 per cent all graduates in Melbourne. Saad fled the civil war Syria to start a new life in Australia. He said: "Coming to a place where you don't know how to speak, where you don't understand people - it was really hard…because it just felt unreal." He added: "It really makes me sad to think that I have friends my school back Syria who were as good as me, but who didn't have the opportunity that I've had."
Saad said that he tried to learn English his cousins his first two months Australia. Then he started to watch a popular political programme television. It is a live broadcast Australia's politicians questioning their prime minister about the issues the day. He explained how the show helped his English. He said: "They use the best, persuasive language parliament. They speak slowly and you can find the words." He said it was very different Syrian politicians and parliament, where, "all they do is clap". Saad is very appreciative his new beginning. He said: "I just want to say thank you so much to Australia giving me the opportunity. It's revived me and given me a new life."
