12th August 2021
Students of all ages celebrate another year of exceptional GCSE results at South Devon College
Adult students from South Devon College are celebrating today as they collect their GCSE results. For many it’s the stepping stone to the next chapter in their career journey.
Mother and daughter Marina and Maisie Bench from Paignton, have both passed their chosen GCSEs.
43 year old Marina said,” We’re both really chuffed. I’ve passed my biology and Maisie has passed her maths.”
17 year old Maisie said it’s been challenging studying through the pandemic but she’s really enjoyed it.
They both plan to return to college and get their English qualifications and then Maisie wants to study catering and Marina is progressing on to an Access to Higher Education course in science, both at South Devon College.
Each year GCSEs continue to open up new and exciting opportunities for adults returning to education with aspirations to progress into higher education or onto an access to higher education course.
35 year old chef, Sandor Solya from Newton Abbott, can now progress onto the next chapter of his career change journey.
He got the grades he needs in his GCSEs to study an Access to Higher Education course in science at South Devon College and achieve his dream of becoming a dietician.
“I was working as a chef and still am around my studies but I want to become a dietician. I knew that if I wanted that to happen then I needed to commit to returning to education. I was nervous about it being difficult and there were some challenges but the teachers at South Devon College have been amazing and really supportive.”
Rachel Hammond, 32, from Buckfastleigh is delighted with her GCSE results. “I’m chuffed to bits. I’ve got the results that I hoped for. It just goes to show that at any age you can go back into education.”
Leading up to taking her exams, Rachel revised hard but says it was worth it.
“I’m starting my biology GCSE in September here at South Devon College as that was also something I didn’t do well in as a teenager. And I’m also continuing onto an Access to Higher Education Diploma in social sciences and sociology.”
Matthew Harbour, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO at South Devon College said, “A massive congratulations to all our students. Although this year has been very challenging on many levels, these great achievements are a real testament to hard work and dedication. Students can now progress onto the next important steps in their educational journey and we wish them well. Thanks too to our fantastic GCSE teaching team and support staff who despite the trials presented by the pandemic have worked devotedly with their students to support their learning and progression.”
Students have the opportunity to progress to a wide range of courses at South Devon College, including continuing their journey through to higher education at University Centre South Devon. With a strong focus on employability and digital skills, students will be able to learn and develop the skills that employers need now, more than ever, to find new and innovative ways of working on the road to economic recovery.
Adults considering developing new skills and gaining qualifications can find out more at the College’s Adult Advice Evening on 9th September, 4-7pm when there will still be time to apply for courses starting this year. For more information and to register, visit southdevon.ac.uk/events.
