Learning English is about more than grammar and vocabulary. It is about finding the confidence to speak, write, connect with others and take the next step towards work, study and everyday life in Australia.
That was at the heart of the Macquarie Community College Writing Competition 2026.
All our students were invited to use their English skills to write about their experiences, achievements and future goals. Our team revieced many entries and it was not an easy task for MCC jury to choose the winners.
After reviewing the entries, our judging team selected three winners:
🥇 First Place – Sarabjeet Kaur
SEE Program student
🥈 Second Place – Bisomenika Vijekumar Aluth Gedara
SEE Program student
🥉 Third Place – Takako Nishide
Everyday English Advanced Student
Our team visited the winners in their classrooms to present their prizes and celebrate with their teachers and classmates.
Building English Confidence for Work and Everyday Life
First-place winner Sarabjeet Kaur came to Australia and began working as a kitchenhand before deciding she wanted to change careers.
She started an Pathway to CHC33021 Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at Macquarie Community College, but during her studies she recognised another challenge: while she felt comfortable reading and writing, speaking English made her nervous.
Sarabjeet saw this as a barrier to her career development and returned to Macquarie Community College to join the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program.
Sarabjeet wrote about how quickly her nerves began to disappear when her teacher and classmates welcomed her.
That supportive environment helped her speak more confidently and changed the way she thought about learning as an adult.
Her message was powerful: it is never too late to learn new skills.
Learning Through Writing, Reflection and Connection
Second-place winner Bisomenika also wrote about confidence.
At first, Bisomenika worried about making mistakes. Over time, those mistakes became opportunities to learn, ask questions and keep trying.
One reflection captured that journey beautifully:
“Progress does not always happen quickly, but every small step is important.”
Third-place winner Takako Nishide returned to learning after many years raising her children.
Her English class became an important part of her week. She made new friends, enjoyed conversations with classmates and tutors, and regularly took new knowledge home to share with her family.
Takako now wants to continue strengthening her reading, writing, listening and speaking so she can communicate more confidently in English.
What Skills Can Adult English Students Build at MCC?
Macquarie Community College English courses support adults from non-English-speaking backgrounds, migrants and people who want to build confidence using English in Australia.
Students can develop:
- Speaking and pronunciation for everyday conversations and work
- Listening skills to better understand other people
- Reading and writing for study, work and daily life
- Vocabulary and grammar for clearer communication
- Confidence communicating with teachers, classmates, employers and the wider community
- Skills for employment and further study
Programs range from beginner to advanced levels, with options designed around everyday English, work, study and future career pathways.
English Learning Is Also About Finding Your Voice
The Writing Competition gave students a reason to take the language they practise in class and make it personal.
Their stories showed us that progress can mean speaking when you once felt nervous, returning to study after many years, asking for help, meeting new people or simply discovering that you are capable of more than you thought.
Congratulations to Sarabjeet, Bisomenika and Takako, and to every student who shared their words with us.
Ready to build your English confidence? Explore English courses at Macquarie Community College and find a class that matches your level and goals.