The Maths Department were in a celebratory mood today at Coulsdon College, having achieved a whole load of passes at GCSE level. 36 students who came to the college with no qualification in the subject last September, have re-taken their Maths GCSE and have passed, some with high grades
Principal, Brett Freeman awarded them with certificates at a celebratory lunch and congratulated them on their achievement “Your achievement in Maths has just opened up a whole variety of doors, which previously would have been closed to you. Jobs, Apprenticeships, University places are all hard to find without basic Maths and English qualifications. You’ve got those under your belt now, so the world is your oyster. Well done.”
Lynda Nnamchi, Lower Sixth pupil put her Grade B down to great teaching. “They explain everything really clearly and really well and make us do loads of exercises so it becomes like second nature. I can now concentrate on my Sociology, Psychology and Government and Politics A Levels now.”
Jordan Williams, who came from Shirley High, having just missed passing in the summer of 2015 was delighted with his pass. “I knew I had to do it, so that it didn’t stop me from doing other things. I was so determined; I don’t like Maths, but I knew I had to do it. It’s a great weight off my shoulders. My parents, who thought I should have done it before, were really pleased too.”
Many of the students re-took and passed their English GCSE too. Upper sixth student, Davis, who passed this qualification on the fourth attempt, explains the significance of this achievement. “I am super, super happy about passing. English is my second language, I got an A in my Maths A Level last year as well as a Distinction star in my BTEC IT and this year I am taking Physics and Business, but the English could have been a sticking point to achieving my ambition which is to get into Kings College, London to study Computer Science later this year.”
Ashoka Nanayakkara, Head of Maths, is pleased with the results. “Many of our students come to us having experienced real difficulties with this subject and having failed this really crucial qualification at school. We really focus on the basics of their understanding and give them intense tuition and exam practice during the Autumn Term, and their hard work has paid off. You can see how relieved they are to have passed.”