A one-of-a-kind Full Time GCSE Programme that allows students to retake courses or study qualifications for the first time in this country is proving as popular as it is successful at Stockport College.
This academic year saw a record number of students study for GCSE qualifications on the one-year fast track programme run by Stockport College, with even more subjects on offer from this September.
All of the Full Time students passed on Results Day, with two thirds gaining grades 9 to 4, equivalent to A* to C under the old system.
One of this year’s highest achievers was 17-year-old Summaiya Umar (pictured) from Shaw Heath in Stockport scoring with 9 in maths, 8s in chemistry and psychology and 5 in English.
Summaiya, who won a coveted award for impressive GCSE performance at this year’s prestigious Student of the Year Awards, credited her tutors at Stockport College for her successes and for helping her adapt to a new country, language and culture after she moved to the UK from Italy. She now plans to study Science A Levels at the Sixth Form Centre at Trafford College, which is part of Stockport College’s Group. Summaiya said:
The staff at Stockport College are very professional, encouraging and motivating, and they recognise the potential within students. I lacked confidence due to the language barriers but they involved me in all activities, which helped my confidence grow, and inspired me so much.
“I was also overwhelmed by the outstanding efforts of the college’s administration; they are providing and promoting a healthy culture where students from different backgrounds can integrate easily.
“Throughout lockdown, online learning materials helped me fill any gaps in work I was missing and I’m so thankful to my teachers for their regular communication. Their support enabled me to achieve my study goals. I can’t wait to start my A Levels and to hopefully progress to employment in something Chemistry related. I want to give back to the community by becoming a professional in my field.”
Assistant Principal Helen Wood added:
Summaiya is a dedicated student who approached her studies with maturity, commitment and intelligence. Summaiya arrived in the UK early last year, speaking English as her third language. She took the challenge of completing her GCSEs in one year on the College’s Full Time GCSE Programme, where she has been an outstanding student and we are confident she will be an excellent addition to the A Level cohort.
“Students have adapted incredibly well to remote learning during lockdown this year, which makes their achievements even more impressive. I am grateful to the hard work of all of our teaching staff who go above and beyond to help our students succeed.”
Stockport College’s Full Time GCSE Programme is now offering business, maths and English as well as chemistry and psychology this year.
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