Ayman al-Hussein shares refugee experience with students

Students in Y9 were given a moving and unforgettable experience this week when Syrian documentary maker Ayman al-Hussein visited the school to share his experience of being a refugee. Ayman, who fled Syria after the outbreak of the civil war, spoke about the challenges he faced, the decision to leave his home, and the resilience required to rebuild a life in a new country.

During his talk, Ayman described what it was like growing up in Syria and how the escalating conflict forced him to make the difficult choice to escape. He shared personal accounts of the journey to safety and reflected on the emotional impact of displacement—loss, uncertainty, and, ultimately, hope. His message to students centred on empathy, courage, and the importance of listening to the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by conflict.

In the afternoon, Ayman met with Y12 and Y13 Film students for a more specialised session exploring his work as a self-taught documentary filmmaker. He discussed how his passion for storytelling developed and his emphasis on authenticity and human connection resonated strongly with the aspiring filmmakers.

The visit offered students across the school valuable insights—not only into a global issue that continues to affect millions of people, but also into the power of film as a tool for storytelling and social change. Ayman’s openness, creativity, and determination left a lasting impression on all who attended.