GCSE Course Query

Aryndeneth

Hi, hoping someone can point me in the right direction with this query. I've been doing some searching myself but seem to be bogging myself down rather than finding answers.

I am working with someone who has decided they would like to take their GCSE english and maths qualifications. They have no other qualifications at present. Most of the information I've found for adult learners seems to be about people re-sitting to improve on the grade they have rather than starting from scratch.

Can anyone suggest some useful places I could look at or contact to find out more information? I'd also be interested in finding out options for possible support with funding (I don't know if this person is in receipt of any kind of benefit or other support) Also, if it makes a difference, we're looking in the Greater Manchester area.

Any advice or insight greatly appreciated.

anamenottaken

Aryndeneth wrote: »

Hi, hoping someone can point me in the right direction with this query. I've been doing some searching myself but seem to be bogging myself down rather than finding answers.

I am working with someone who has decided they would like to take their GCSE english and maths qualifications. They have no other qualifications at present. Most of the information I've found for adult learners seems to be about people re-sitting to improve on the grade they have rather than starting from scratch.

Can anyone suggest some useful places I could look at or contact to find out more information? I'd also be interested in finding out options for possible support with funding (I don't know if this person is in receipt of any kind of benefit or other support) Also, if it makes a difference, we're looking in the Greater Manchester area.

Any advice or insight greatly appreciated.

Find your local Learn Direct centre.

Aryndeneth

anamenottaken wrote: »

Find your local Learn Direct centre.

We've looked at Learn Direct already and they're an option for qualifications of similar level to GCSE but it is specifically GCSEs we're looking into at the moment.

saintjammyswine

Contact your local FE College who may be able to help. Do you know why they only want GCSEs as opposed to Adult Literacy or Numeracy qualifications (which will be free)?

Aryndeneth

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Contact your local FE College who may be able to help. Do you know why they only want GCSEs as opposed to Adult Literacy or Numeracy qualifications (which will be free)?

They've looked into a lot of options around different qualifications. One of their concerns is that where employers ask for GCSEs they might not accept other qualifications even when the qualification might be comparable to GCSEs. That's why I'm trying to help them look into all possible options so they're confident in making their final decision, whatever that might be.

saintjammyswine

Can I suggest they seek impartial, professional advice from someone like National Careers Service or their local FE College. Not to put your work (Which is admirable for a friend) down, rather they will have access to all of the latest information and will be able to guide your friend a little better.

Twisted_Cherry

I used my local college for adult only classes and I started from scratch. English was pretty easy for me, despite the fact I had no prior GCSE's in English and I gained a B in 2011. I also started Maths at the same time which is something I struggle with, but I had to drop out a couple of months in as the day clashed with my therapy, and I couldn't handle the class after a morning of therapy!

My local college did classes evenings and during the day for adults. Our English class was a mix of adult of all ages, from late teens, 20's, 30's and 40's... We even had a man aged 65! It was a good class and we had an excellent teacher. We did the class over a period of 9 months with a mock in the January!

I loved it, and I am keen now to give the Maths class another go.

When I signed up to the course, I had to take a short English Test (online) and a short Maths paper... this is so the tutors can assess how you might be in the class.

If you struggle with either subjects, then I would suggest trying get your Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy first, which you local college will do, or even Learn Direct. Usually these courses are free for people wanting to improve in the subjects.

I did Level 1 & Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy back in 2010 at a college where I did my Access Course. Literacy was easy, but I struggled with the Maths at Level 2, took two attempts to pass!

Saying this Maths has never been a strong point for me!