STUDENTS at Activate Learning’s Bracknell and Wokingham College have been congratulated on their grades as they collect their GCSE results today, Thursday, August 24.
More than 95% of students taking Maths and English achieved pass rates, and every student in Biology, Citizenship Studies, Media Studies, Physics, and Sociology all secured 100% pass rates.
Cheri Ashby, deputy chief executive of Activate Learning, said: “I would like to wish a massive congratulations to the thousands of students who are collecting their successful GCSE results from across our Activate Learning colleges and online provision today.
“For many of our students receiving their GCSE results today, this isn’t their first attempt at them. Which is why, for me, it makes it all the more satisfying, as we get to see people succeeding where they previously haven’t and overcoming the challenge of previous failure, where they’ve pushed themselves to achieve.”
She explained: “This is testament to our Learning Philosophy and the work we do with students to make them realise that previous failure doesn’t determine future success.
“We have seen some remarkable results today across our both our colleges and our online provision, which continues to go from strength to strength.
“For many of our learners, today’s results will open a door to further education and training opportunities or allow them to take up work opportunities they wouldn’t have been able to previously.”
She continued: “For those students who are due to join us next year, I hope everyone has done as well as they had hoped.
“Please remember that if you have not, we are always here to help you work out what you can do next and talk through your career options with you.
“Our colleges are part of our local communities and we here to support anyone who needs help.”
Inga Menezes is a 47-year-old student from Bracknell. Inga, a part-time English and maths GCSE pathway student, was delighted to get a grade 5 for both.
Inga said: “I’m very happy with my results. I didn’t think that I would pass English at all, as it is my second language, but I did and I’m very happy.
“I first came to college because I wanted to become a nurse. I did my assessment for an Access to HE course, but found out that I needed to study English and maths GCSE first.
“English is my second language, and the college didn’t accept my original grades from Lithuania. I didn’t do well at school in Lithuania, so I had to work hard here.
“I moved over here 14 years ago but I never studied here before, as I was raising my children and working in roles that didn’t require GCSE English and maths.
“I enjoyed the teaching. Everything was clearly explained. My English teacher, David, helped me by explaining everything, so I could understand. He knew that English was my second language.”
“It was hard studying as an adult, fitting it around work, family and home life. Studying had to take priority.
“I originally wanted to do Nursing because I was working in a care home, looking after older people and I thought it would help.
“Then I got a job at a florist, where I’ve learnt a lot and really enjoyed it. I’ve been part of a flower arranging club for 10 years, I’ve really enjoyed it and learnt loads.
“I’ve changed my mind and decided that I would like to do it as a career and am looking into studying Floristry at Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) either in September or next September.”
This year, Bracknell and Wokingham College is providing information, advice and guidance via Clearing sessions at the college from GCSE Results Day, and throughout the end of August and September.
Tutors and career advisers will be on hand to help anyone who is unsure as to what to do next after GCSEs, and can also provide advice on funding and other student support services.
Clearing sessions can be booked on the Activate Learning website at: activatelearning.ac.uk/clearing
