Name: Jade
Age: 35
Lives in: Epping
Jade achieved a Grade 5 in her GCSE Maths with Harlow College
What made you decide to re-take your GCSE?
I've always wanted to be a midwife and I knew that I would have to resit my Maths GCSE so I thought, now is the time and I had to get it done!
What made you choose Harlow College to retake your GCSE?
I went to Harlow College when I was 17/18 so I knew the College already. My sister has also just graduated from Harlow College too. It's local to me and it seemed like the most sensible choice. After doing some research I found an Adult Maths course that was in the evenings which was perfect for me as I have children.
How did you find studying on the course?
I found it a lot better than I thought I would. I've always kind of struggled with Maths so I was anxious about going back into it and learning it all over again, especially being much older now. But I have to say that the second I walked in, my mind was put at ease because there was lots of other adults there too. Everyone was really nice and so was my teacher. My teacher was fantastic!
Did you get good support from your tutor?
Massively! You could tell my tutor loves Maths and loves teaching. He really cares about supporting his students and wants you to do well. The support was unlimited. Without him I wouldn't have been able to go to University and become a Midwife. As of today, I have confirmed my place at University!
So, you're off to University?
I'm off to Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford to study Midwifery.
What were your highlights and challenges?
The whole thing was a huge challenge. I know that sounds crazy but I felt like Maths wasn't my strong point and the first challenge was overcoming that mental block. I just had to open my mind and think "I could be good at Maths and I have the potential to pass my exam." My highlight has to be doing the past papers and realising that I could do it! This gave me such a confidence boost. Knowing we still had a few months at the time until the actual exam really encouraged me to keep going.
Do you have a message for any adults thinking about retaking their GCSEs, who may be nervous about it?
I know it sounds like a cliche, but just go for it because there's no point holding back when you want to achieve something. You just need to go and do it. It's never as terrifying as you first think it is. Don't stop until you get what you want.