Should I resit my GCSE's?

Medihv

Hello all,

In short, I am considering distance learning in order to best prepare myself when I eventually leave the armed forces.
I currently serve in the Army with a salary of around 36.5k. By no stretch of the imagination do I believe that I can continue to serve forever, thus I would like to best position myself for a “smooth” exit in years to come.

My concern is that I hold fairly poor GCSE grades, no A Levels and no degree. I have decided that I will study for an open university degree, but I would like a bit of a consensus, is it worth resitting my GCSE’s first?

Would poor GCSE grades hold me back during the initially stages of a job application (getting in the door, so to speak).
My grades are a mix of D’s and C’s.

Thank you kindly in advance

[Deleted User]

Unless you need the GCSEs for specific training or jobs ie teacher training or social work where it's compulsory I wouldn't bother.

Comms69

The armed forces, and a number of charities, offer courses as well; as far as I know - have you looked at internal or 3rd sector opportunities?

vacheron

I think it depends on the size of the company you work for.

In a company our size (<100-200 people) I would say if you have more than 10-15 years of experience since your GCSE's then they are pretty much irrelevant and you could omit them from your CV, especially if you have acquired more relevant and applicable skills since then.

If you are applying for a "robot" jobs at a huge multinational corporation which have corporate specific minimum entry "sifting" requirements before you even get through the door, it could be worthwhile.

xapprenticex

i think there are other options than GCSE, imo, in your position i'd learn a trade. Electricians, Gas people, even Locksmiths etc. You get to move about too which is something im sure an army person would like

mark55man

I think anyone looking beyond your miltary experience to your GCSE's is missing the point.

You shuold explore whether jobs in the field you are thinking of requires them (as above robot selection tools).

My brother and I both did OU courses (separately!!) and really enjoyed and benefitted from them, but they are a slog and a long term payback

If your military work was practical than a trade is a good suggestion, if it was more back office, then I would suggest that experience / those skills would trump a GCSE

lulu650

I met a lot of people serving in the armed forces whilst studying with the Open University. At the time it was free for them, hopefully that's still the case?

I resat one GCSE as I needed it for teacher training but I wouldn't have considered it otherwise. I would suggest contacting the OU and getting some literature about the Foundation courses that are offered. These are set at about 'A' level standard, but you get a lot of support. There are also other introductory courses that are less intense.

Can't recommend them highly enough. I also had mediocre grades from school with no 'A' levels and managed to finish with a degree. Even if you don't finish, studying helps you decide what you find interesting and what you don't.

CakeCrusader

I wouldn't bother if you're going to do an OU degree, the degree trumps A'Levels, A'Levels trump GCSEs. There's certain jobs, like teaching, which require Maths and English GCSEs, but as others have said, it depends on what sort of job you'll be looking for.

Andy_L

What is the degree in? If its a STEM subject & you're not confident with maths then its probably worth doing some maths prep, although that doesn't necessarily have to be a GCSE, ISTR the OU themselves do some free short courses in maths to get people up to speed.

PS isn't it now a requirement for promotion to have GCSEs or equivalent in maths & English or did that plan fall by the wayside?

pmduk

What is your trade in the army? Would you want to continue in that line?

xapprenticex

pmduk wrote: »

What is your trade in the army?

Taking out bad guys :money: