Adult GCSE students from South Devon College are celebrating today
Adult GCSE students from South Devon College are celebrating today as they collect their results.
High numbers of students achieved strong grades in some key subject areas with a pass rate of 4 and above of 73% for English, 70% for biology and 75% for sociology. For many it’s the first step in the next chapter of their career journey.
Each year GCSEs continue to open up new and exciting opportunities for adults returning to education with aspirations to progress into higher education or onto an access to higher education course.
Georgie Harvey admits she didn’t do well at school and when she took her GCSE’s the first time around, she had no ambition. Fast forward 16 years and it’s a very different story.
Georgie who aspires to go to university has passed her GCSE English (7) and maths (4).
“I’m very happy and very proud of myself,” she said. “It’s important to know that if you don’t get things the first time you can come back and do it again.”
Also following his dreams is Courtney Ali who today is a step closer to achieving his goal of going to university.
The 31-year-old, dad of three from Torquay says he moved schools a lot as a child, suffered from hurt and trauma and was homeless at one point.
He didn’t take his GCSE exams the first time around because his laptop with his coursework on was stolen.
“I threw in the towel, moved to Spain for six months and then came back to the UK and had a variety of jobs including setting up my own business.”
Two years ago, Courtney became a certified life coach. “I am advising people it’s never too late, so I decided to take my own advice.”
With the support of his partner, Cherai, he enrolled at South Devon College to do GCSE Maths and English and today he’s celebrating his results in English (6) and maths (3).
“It’s been unfinished business in my mind,” he explained. “I’ve had moments in my life where I’ve been depressed but I won’t be beaten, and I won’t be stopped in what I can achieve.”
Courtney says he found studying his GCSEs at South Devon College a joyful experience with wonderful and helpful teachers. He’s now enrolled on an electrical installation level 2 course. His final goal is to go to university to study psychology.
His advice to others considering going back into education is not to wait for tomorrow.
“Push yourself, go in with an open mind and take control.”
Jasmine Smyth is celebrating today as she’s one step closer to becoming a primary school teacher. She achieved a grade 4 in her maths GCSE and is now going on to University Centre South Devon to study a foundation degree in education and childhood.
“It’s been brilliant. I’ve had extra help with my maths and that one-on-one attention was fantastic.”
It was fourth time lucky for adult GCSE student Sharon Purnell. She achieved a 4 in her maths exam after failing three times before.
“I really tried this year, and I had extra maths coaching to help,” she said.
Another student who is delighted with his results is Tapiwanashe Zikali. He achieved GCSE maths (6) and English (6).
“I felt very welcomed at the college and everyone helped me get these grades,” he said. Tapiwanashe, who is originally from Zimbabwe is now going to study a Level 3 BTEC in computing and maths A level.
There are many courses available at South Devon College across a variety of sectors including education, engineering, catering, and counselling, as well as professional courses such as accounting and bookkeeping.
"We congratulate all of our adult students for their great achievements today,” said Matt Burrows, Assistant Principal at South Devon College.
“With the qualifications they have successfully achieved through hard work and determination, they can now progress onto the next important steps in their educational journey or career and everyone at South Devon College wishes them well.
“We hope these results inspire others to consider a return to education, whether you want to take the next step in your career, want to change direction, or you just want to learn a new skill or subject.”
There are many routes back into education and under the Government’s Free Courses for Jobs there’s a selection of fully-funded Level 3 (A level equivalent) courses to adults aged over 19 who do not yet have a qualification at this level.
You can get a free qualification if you’re:
- aged 19 or over
- earn below £25,750 or are unemployed
In some areas, there may be slightly different rules about the maximum amount you can earn and the qualifications you already have. Check with your local training provider to find out what the rules are in your area.
There’s also lots of financial help available for adults earning less than £35,000 a year, including bursary entitlement for childcare, travel, kit, equipment, IT, and materials.
For more information on adult courses at South Devon College visit the adult learning area of the College’s website or register today for South Devon College’s Open Evening on 7th October, 4-6.30pm at their Paignton campus.
