5 minute read
GCSEs learning in lockdown
by acl-essex
Success Stories
Learning in lockdown: GCSE
We’re incredibly proud of our GCSE learners who achieved outstanding results this year. Even though this has not been the year everyone thought it would be, our students continued to work hard up until when their exam would have taken place. A few of our learners kindly shared some of their experiences with us!
“30 years on from originally taking my maths GCSE (achieving an E,) which was my lowest grade, I decided to give it another go. The tutor was great, offering lots of support and encouragement. I went on to achieve a level 5! Something I believed was not possible. Can’t thank them enough.”
Carla
“In doing the course I am now much more confident when helping my children and as a result of it, their maths has also improved. My tutor was very helpful and gave me the opportunity to ask for help during lessons. He was also only an email away if I needed help at home. I would encourage others to do this course because it’s an amazing feeling when you get the results you have always wanted.”
Julie
“I enrolled with ACL in 2018/2019 because work asked that I brush up on my English to enhance my communications skills. At first, I felt daunted at the prospect. I had not participated in any formal English qualification for over 36 years. However, after speaking to my friend, we decided to enrol together. My friend also wanted to enrol so she could start her new career path which she had yearned to do for many years. “We both really enjoyed our English course, finding our tutor and fellow students supportive and friendly. Upon completing our English GCSE, which we both passed, my friend then required Mathematics. Being the supportive friend that I am I enrolled for 2019/2020 with her. Mathematics is a major part of my day to day job role, it made sense to brush up on the subject, knowing we would stick together and finish this part of our journey together and pass. I am delighted to say yet again, we both did.
Congratulations to all students!
“After two consecutive years studying at ACL I will be having a break for the next term, but I know that I will study again with ACL, this is because I find the tutors friendly, encouraging, and supportive which makes for a lovely adult learning environment. “Gaining additional qualifications will only improve your work and life skills. Should anyone be unsure if they want to study at ACL, my advice would be study with a friend. Studying together is great you can encourage and support each other when needed along with the support and encouragement from your fellow students and tutors you will succeed.”
Carol
“All us students in the class on that first day were a little nervous as it had been a while since most of us had studied, our tutor was friendly and welcoming from the beginning putting us at ease. The support, encouragement and advice we received from each other, and our tutor during the course was amazing. Pleased to say that both Carol and I passed with a good grade. “Based on my experience with ACL and my results I am now about to start college to do an Access to Higher Education diploma for Health Professions then I will be off to university to become a midwife. My dream is finally coming true thanks to ACL.”
Sam
English & Maths GCSE Highest pass rate in Essex
Adult education funded providers (academic year 18/19)
ACL offers the following courses online and at locations across Essex:
• Introduction to Science (personal development course) • GCSE Biology & GCSE Chemistry • GCSE Computer Science • GCSE English (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive) • GCSE Maths (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive)
These courses will enable you to achieve a GCSE in your chosen subject. They will support you to improve your career prospects and also allow you to build up your own personal skills. They will give you the opportunity to progress onto further study, such as Access to Higher Education courses. The national league tables for GCSEs were released in April 2020 and ACL Essex celebrated another year of outstanding results. The data is published on gov.uk at the beginning of April every year for the previous academic year.
ACL Essex
ranked 3rd for grade 9 – 4 English GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.
ACL Essex
had the highest number of Grade 9 – 4 Maths GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.
ACL Essex
are the only Essex adult education public funded provider to teach and offer the Higher Maths GCSE.
ACL Essex
had the highest GCSE grade 9 – 4 pass rate in Essex (Maths: 70%, English: 83%) out of all adult education public funded providers.
ACL Essex
had the highest overall GCSE pass rate in Essex (Maths: 98.6%, English: 97.2%) out of all adult education public funded providers.
Learning that fits into your life
Vicky & Sonia, English & Maths Team, ACL Essex
“There are so many reasons why someone would enrol on an English and maths course. Whether you’re looking to help your children with homework, strengthen your ability to put forward a well written argument, or gain the confidence to write and present a speech at your daughter’s wedding (yes, this is a real example from one of our past learners) our courses and tutors are here to support you.”
Stephanie’s Story
One of our very own tutors, Stephanie, began her journey at ACL by passing her maths GCSE. She then went on to complete her teacher training before coming back to ACL to help others who were in a similar situation to her.
