Should I retake GCSE English?

invuk

I am in my 40's and will possibly be made redundant soon. I have been looking at a change in career (currently retail) but noticed a lot of trainee positions require English GCSE at grade C or above, I got a D. Also if I wanted to go to College or University it is also required there too. Is it worthwhile at my age or would you look for another job with no requirement for skills or qualifications?

Brynsam

invuk said:

I am in my 40's and will possibly be made redundant soon. I have been looking at a change in career (currently retail) but noticed a lot of trainee positions require English GCSE at grade C or above, I got a D. Also if I wanted to go to College or University it is also required there too. Is it worthwhile at my age or would you look for another job with no requirement for skills or qualifications?

It certainly is worthwhile 'at your age' (you probably have another 20+ years of working life in you yet!) and would be a good boost to your morale if you pass - but could you cope with failing? Sorry to strike a negative note, but you do need to consider that, especially if you are having to cope with redundancy and the impact that will have on you.

Remember that many mature applicants may be given special consideration if they don't have the exam requirements dictated for school leavers planning to go on to tertiary education.

oh_really

What do you want to do? Many courses and job roles will take into account work and life experience? 

invuk

I am interested in science degrees but my education and finances will most probably not allow. I saw a job as a paramedic assistant which again is of interest but requires a GCSE in English and some kind of related experience which I don't have.

oh_really

If you have an interest in ambulance roles have a look here at some of the entry level roles which may be a start in terms of training and development; service driver/ ambulance practitioner.
https://www.nhsemployers.org/-/media/Employers/Documents/Pay-and-reward/Combined_National-profiles-for-ambulance-service_November-2016.pdf

invuk

Thanks for the above info, I will have a look although I have to admit without a GCSE in English I still don't think it's possible.

suki1964

Its always worth furthering your education no matter at what age or for what reason. I had a very dear friend who in her 60's joined the OU and got a degree in Ancient Greek for no other reason then it was something she had always wanted to do 

You can do your English as evening classes or even online. 

improve-english-maths-it-skills

Good luck 

zagubov

I'm in the college sector and I've taught GCSE evening classes as part of my job (and taught OU degree units as an extra) so I'd unequivocally say yes.
Throw yourself into it, get to know your fellow students, ask questions, show an interest.
As for preparing for failure: yes the average improvement in a resit is on average about half a grade but in English you can do resits at intervals throughout the year and most definitely if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. 
Did you pass your driving test first time?
I'm in London and most people don't. So you go back to it. And repeat.
I'm saying go for it, and I wish you good luck.

invuk

Thanks for the above advice. I will reconsider it only I have to admit I am a little concerned about failure having previously attempted to complete it only to be working alongside teenagers and quitting shortly after starting due to mental heath issues. Maybe online is the way to go.

wilfred30

invuk said:

Thanks for the above info, I will have a look although I have to admit without a GCSE in English I still don't think it's possible.

You do have a GCSE in English, just not a C grade or above.

bouicca21

How hard did you work for that D?  Are you prepared to work harder now?