A Solihull College pilot programme with Oxford Brookes University helping adult learners to fast-track their way through GCSE English has proved a success. A total of fifteen adults who are looking to enter further or higher education were contacted by the College about the iGSCE, funded by Oxford Brookes University, and run by Solihull College.
One of the students was 47-year-old Romilly Joyce from Chelmsley Wood; from enrolling in February 2014 to taking her exam in June, Romilly worked hard and last week achieved an A grade.
The Oxford Brookes University iGCSE, which is open for applications from September 2014, is funded by the university to provide adult learners with a head-start with returning to study.
Single mum-of-four Romilly said this has proved a fantastic opportunity, she comments: “After being made redundant I knew it was now or never; so many people have dreams and put them away but it feels amazing that I am now pursuing my ambition to become a midwife. Now that I have achieved a grade A, the skies the limit and I can’t wait to get started”?.
Alongside studying Access to Health at Solihull College, Romilly is retaking her GCSE Maths with a view to move onto university in Birmingham next year; Romilly comments: “??My partner, mum, children and grandchildren are so proud and happy for me. When I told my friends what I was doing they all said “??finally -? as ever since I was a child I wanted to do this”.
Sue McGregor, Head of Curriculum at Solihull College comments: “Romilly is an inspiration to adult learners who feel they are not able to re-enter education; she has proved with hard work and a positive attitude that anything is possible. We look forward to welcoming more adult learners on this programme in September”.
The Oxford Brookes iGCSE English Language at Solihull College is accepted by local universities as an equivalent to GCSE English and runs for 12 weeks as a part-time course, with homework being given on a weekly basis.
To find out more about the iGSCE English Language being run from September at the College please call 0121 678 7000 or email enquiries@solihull.ac.uk
