A debate has raged over the past few days about whether some A-levels are harder than others. But whether or not an A-level in "traditional subjects", such as maths or history, is a lot harder than an A-level in increasingly popular subjects like media studies or psychology, no-one can deny that getting all A grades is still an achievement in itself. And for 22-year-old Ellahe Hosseinioun, gaining three As in maths, chemistry and physics is even more impressive because she was learning to speak English at the same time. For Ellahe, who had already studied food industry engineering at university in Tehran for two years when her family moved back to England, said she needed to improve her command of English before continuing in higher education. "I always want to do my best but, even though I could have applied to universities in England without A-levels, I wanted to improve my English first," said Ellahe who lived in London until she was seven when her parents moved back to their native Iran. "I had never studied science or maths in English and felt this would be a major disadvantage at university in England, so I decided to take A-levels at Newcastle College to give myself a better chance." It has been a tough two years for Ellahe, of Longbenton, North Tyneside. "It was very hard work but I love studying and learning and I have now got a place at the university of my choice," she said. Ellahe will read maths and physics for a Masters Degree at Durham University. She plans to become a maths teacher. "I really enjoy maths and applying what I have learned to work out problems," she said. "I enjoy helping others to learn and I have always wanted to become a teacher. "I liked the atmosphere at Newcastle College. It was friendly and informal but also a good place to learn. "It has influenced me in that I know sixth form is the age I would like to teach." | 
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