GCSEs

catz1ct

Its looking likely that I will loose my job in a few weeks. I have already been job hunting as I wanted to leave anyway. I keep finding jobs that require a higher level of GCSEs in Maths than I have.

I had quite a bad time at school with people picking on me so I found it difficult to concentrate on studies which left me with a bad grade. Does anyone know where I would be able to retake my Maths GCSE possibly with some help in regards to fees as I probably wont have a job soon!

Many thanks.

blue_ashleigh

My local library does maths courses for free which may help somewhat.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039031 - Skills for life stuff including numeracy which leads to recognised qualifications (or so I'm led to believe)
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/Adultlearninggrant/DG_068343 - this looks like you could get some money towards taking your GCSE
Or your local college will probably do adult learning GCSE things which from the looks of the ones near me range from £150-£180 inc. exam fee which you may get some help towards if you're claiming some sort of benefit like JSA/ housing etc (which you could apply for when you leave your job I'm guessing).

ferien_uk

ICS Learn do Maths GCSE, although it will cost you about £250.

Oldernotwiser

Contact the local Learndirect Centre and ask about the C&G Adult Numeracy Certificate (Literacy as well if you don't have English). The Level 2 courses is equivalent to a GCSE grade A-C and courses are free. There are normally flexible starting dates for this and you can often do it at your own pace.

mountainofdebt

If time isn't a factor (and I'm assuming here you would want to sit the exam in June rather than November or January) then what about your local further education college?

You're also more likely to get the course for free if you qualify for certain benefits.

flea72

how long ago did you leave school? tbh once you are in your twenties, qualifications like GCSEs dont really matter, as alot of employers will look at experience instead.

To get around this requirement, i never put my actual grades on application forms, just that i 'passed', because tbh i cant really remember what grades i got now, as it was sooo long ago

Ive applied for jobs that require min C grades in maths/english, i have neither, and it hasnt stopped me being offered the job. Sometimes experience outweighs a piece of paper

Flea

Oldernotwiser

flea72 wrote: »

how long ago did you leave school? tbh once you are in your twenties, qualifications like GCSEs dont really matter, as alot of employers will look at experience instead.

To get around this requirement, i never put my actual grades on application forms, just that i 'passed', because tbh i cant really remember what grades i got now, as it was sooo long ago

Ive applied for jobs that require min C grades in maths/english, i have neither, and it hasnt stopped me being offered the job. Sometimes experience outweighs a piece of paper

Flea

And sometimes lying about your qualifications can get you sacked months or even years down the line!

flea72

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

And sometimes lying about your qualifications can get you sacked months or even years down the line!

i doubt a lack of a GCSE in maths would be grounds for dismissal. When referred to in employment terms, its just a way of saying that the job requires an understanding of basic maths

As ive said, when you are well past school leaving age, your secondary education doesnt really have any bearing on your suitability for a job - how many employers nowadays would even know the difference between an O level and a CSE, so does this mean anyone over the age of 38 cant apply for a job that details GCSE qualifications?

Omitting qualifications on an application is not lying, im telling the truth, i passed the exams, i just dont think what grade i got 20yrs ago got is relevant anymore, due to my life/work experience

Flea

Oldernotwiser

flea72 wrote: »

i doubt a lack of a GCSE in maths would be grounds for dismissal. When referred to in employment terms, its just a way of saying that the job requires an understanding of basic maths

A lack of GCSE Maths wouldn't be the grounds for dismissal though; it would be the lying about it that could have this consequence.

As far as older qualifications go, GCSE A-C or equivalent is the normal expression which equates to a pass at O level, a CSE grade 1, C&G level2 and keyskills. All this is generally well known by those working in recruitment, although you may be able to pull the wool over the eyes of small employers.

catz1ct

I left school in 2000 so quite a while now really. It has got me thinking as recently I went to an interview and the women asked if I had done any further education in regards to my maths as she saw it was a low score. I was a bit stumped by the question and said no not really. But I should have said I use maths every day in my current job.

I think its quite poor to judge people on exams they took nearly 10 years ago. I'm a completely different person now.

Oldernotwiser

catz1ct wrote: »

I think its quite poor to judge people on exams they took nearly 10 years ago. I'm a completely different person now.

That's why people need to carry on training and updating their qualifications; education shouldn't end with school!