Students have been celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results, marking the culmination of months of hard work and determination.
The atmosphere on campus was full of excitement as learners collected their grades, many achieving results that will propel them to the next step in their education or career.
For some, this means progressing to higher-level courses here at EKC Dover College, while others are preparing to begin Apprenticeships or move into employment.
We caught up with some of our successful students to hear their thoughts and what they’re off to do next.
Tristan Graham | L2 Electrical Installation
“I am very relieved, because I’ve been trying to achieve my Maths GCSE for nearly four years now. Now I’ve got both my GCSE English and Maths I can progress onto my Level 3 course.
“I’ve found the support we get at College fantastic. I’m dyslexic, so I found it quite hard to begin with, but with the support and feedback from my teachers I’ve now got my Maths, English, and Level 2 qualification!”
Grades achieved: GCSE Maths – 4
Next step: Level 3 Electrical Installation
Freya Tyler | L2 Hairdressing
“I’m so happy to get a 7! I was expecting a 4 or 5, so it’s a big achievement to have done even better than I thought I would.
“My advice for others resitting a GCSE is to always try hard and don’t leave anything to the last minute! Think about your priorities, sometimes your homework and revision will need to come first, your social life can and will wait.”
Grades achieved: GCSE English – 7
Next step: Level 3 Hairdressing
Ethan Wilson | L2 Motor Vehicle
“I’m really happy but surprised at my result, because I didn’t get my extra time in the exam, so that proves I don’t always need it. I thought I’d do worse than what I have previously. I’ve taken the exam multiple times now, but this time round I did some one-to-one private sessions with my lecturer. And clearly, they’ve paid off! If you’re offered additional lessons, or one-to-one support, I’d tell everyone to take them. If I hadn’t, I don’t think I’d be celebrating today.”
Grades achieved: GCSE English – 4
Next step: Level 3 Electrical Installation
Jacob Spinner | L2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology
“I’m really happy I’ve passed! If I had to give new students any advice it would be to make sure you pay attention. If you really focus and try your best, it’s not as hard as it seems at first. Things are always easier if you think positively.
“I’d really like to work on a British car team as a mechanic, that’s what I’m hoping to progress into one day. Hopefully now I have my GCSEs I can focus on getting more work experience and getting my foot in the door.”
Grades achieved: GCSE English – 5
James Clark | GCSE Maths (Evening)
“I’m over the moon! It feels good to know I now have it under my belt. I think this is the fourth time I’ve tried passing my Maths, so it’s a big achievement. But I wanted to persevere as I know having it will help to open more doors!”
Grades achieved: GCSE Maths – 4
Next step: Pursue new career opportunities
Luke Reeve and May Merriman | Level 2 Electrical Installation
Next step: Both progressing to Level 3
Luke told us: “I’ve really enjoyed my year at College, and I’m looking forward to returning in September. I find the course really fun; I enjoy the hands-on aspect – it’s never a dull day!
Whilst May commented:”I’m looking forward to starting the Level 3 course next. Everyone at College is really friendly, so I always look forward to coming in.
“Eventually I’d like to do an Apprenticeship, so that I can become fully qualified. In an ideal world I’d love to work in the entertainment industry, or maybe within a theatre electrics or TV studios. I can imagine it would be very rewarding, and you’d meet some interesting people.”
Principal of EKC Dover College, Eleanor Sherratt, commented: “Today’s Level 2 results are a culmination of a lot of hard work from both the students and staff, it has been great to see so many students coming in and collecting their certificates for various subjects, for these students this has opened up more opportunities for their next steps either furthering their education or stepping into the world of work.
“We wish all our students who have collected their results today the best of luck with their next steps and look forward to seeing them progress even further.”
Still deciding your next steps?
If your results have made you rethink your plans, or you haven’t decided yet – it’s not too late to start a course with us this September.
We offer a wide range of programmes to help you gain skills, qualifications and confidence for your future.
Explore our subject areas and apply today.
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