gcse's

[nannon]

This may not be the right topic but thought I'd have a go!!

I need to improve my maths and science GCSE's before I can do my PGC teaching course - any ideas how I do this?? Will I have to go sit with bunch of kids to do the exam? I'm 22 and have a degree and would be mortified if I had to do that! Also when do GCSE's take place?? I was thinking bout getting a tutor, but then I had a thought - would i actually need to attend classes? Its maths and science so there is not any coursework or anything that I need to hand in!

Any advice/help would be appreiciated!! :o)

[Jules001]

I am 44 this year and since leaving school I have never felt confident about my maths and I wanted to be able to help my kids with their school work etc, so 8 years ago I went on a mathsGCSE evening class (only I went during the day). The course was held in a local college and although there were mainly adults on the course there were a few teenagers who were doing re-sits. Yes we did have to sit with a bunch of kids to do the exam in a hall and yes we did get a few funny looks. the exams were held in May/June but I think that some can be sat around November. I passed mine with a B which was the highest grade possible at intermediate level (the college didn't offer any other option) which I was over the moon with!

[nannon]

oh that doesnt sound to bad - how long did it take you to do? I'm sure I could handle Funny looks for an hour or so!!

And well done by the way - B grade is great!!

[aquadee]

Most F.E colleges will offer courses for mature students - thats how i got mine at 31. Its also a great opportunity to meet other people who have the same concerns as yourself. I went back to be able to get a new job that i 'thought' i wanted - but while i was on my course I learnt about other subjects that i enjoyed and ended up going to uni for 3 years to study one of them :0) You'll have no regrets

[Daxiedi]

I was 37 when I went to uni, passed a Ba hons, tham undertook a MSC. I then decided to pursue the PGCE (post 16) I had GCSE english but my grade in maths was crap.

I went to FE college, night class to sit GCSE maths and had to put up with my sons friends 16-22 yr olds. They all understood the classes easily. I was embarressed at first to keep putting up my hand and asking "can you explain it further". By the end of the year, I was one of the gang, if not older. It was a struggle but I manged to pass C grade. IN may 06 I complete my PGCE, so it was worth it. You are a youngster, go on add the string to your bow and go for it!!