Redoing my GCSE's

[paulrussell]

I'm thinking about studying Marine Engerneering, and it'll mean I'll have to redo 4 of my GCSE's. I'd like to study for them in my own time. I've looked at ICS and they charge £379, is that a good price? Also what GCSE's should I do, I know Maths is a must but I don't what other GCSE's that would be usefull.

[paulrussell]

I've had a good look at the site, and it seems they do accept equivalent qualifications. What's the differance between GCSE's and equivalent qualifications?

[paulrussell]

I'm 25. I've had another look and it appears that the other GCSE's I need to redo is Science and English. I'm abit lost as to why a C grade in English is a requirement. I have no other qualifications. The Science GCSE required is the pratical one, so I presume I'd need to attend a course to relearn it.

[paulrussell]

johnfm said:

By marine engineering do you mean working on boats?

Or are you aiming to do real engineering, i.e., GSCE's, then A-level in physics, chem & maths and then a four year degree?

Yes I do mean working on a boat. I'd do a HND as it seems to teach you more than a degree. I wouldn't say that to become an engineer you have to have a degree.

EDIT: This is the course I'm thinking of doing http://www.warsashacademy.co.uk/courses/profession...

Edited by paulrussell on Sunday 15th January 00:54

[paulrussell]

over_the_hill said:

paulrussell said:

I'm 25. I've had another look and it appears that the other GCSE's I need to redo is Science and English. I'm abit lost as to why a C grade in English is a requirement. I have no other qualifications. The Science GCSE required is the pratical one, so I presume I'd need to attend a course to relearn it.

A pass in English and Maths is a basic requirement for almost every course going as it proves you have a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy. Obviously depending on the course a higher pass level than a C may be required and other subjects will also be required to suit the course.

As you are 25 as I pointed out above along with a couple of others, you may well find many establishments are more flexible on their entry requirements. They are used to taking 16 or 18 year olds so need some basic criteria to whittle down the applicants to a manageable level. You may be a accepted as a mature student, and even if you are not, the fact that you have been out in the big wide world for several years will count heavily in your favour.

The fact that you have decided to go back and study at 25 shows that you are very keen to learn and really want to be there and have a genuine interest in the subject. Unlike the typical 18 year old who is just moving down the conveyor belt of what is expected of them.

You are just the type of person they want.

Thanks for the infomation. I need to tell my parents about it first before I make up my mind, as I want to know what they think of it.

[paulrussell]

Well I've told my parents and they're ok with it. I want to relearn my maths and science otherwise I'll struggle, as it'll 9 years since I've had to learn, if I were to start this year. I'll redo my 4 of GCSEs so I won't struggle as much and have a better chance of being accepted. Is there any way I can start to redo them now and have the exams next year?

[paulrussell]

Stu R said:

Have you spoken to any companies yet?

I'd do that first honestly - at 25 you're at the top end of the age range they'll take on for a cadetship, and while a year might not make a difference to some I'd hate for you to go and redo them only to find yourself unable to go in. Of course, it's still probably worth doing them, but I'd have a backup plan.

Give Maersk, Clyde Marine and a few other of the more popular cadetship companies a quick bell, ask to speak to their cadet training officer and explain your circumstances etc.

No I haven't. I'll email a few companies, as I don't have access to a landline.

[paulrussell]

I've got the email address of Carnival and Princess Cruises, so I'll email them later. They haven't put up there phone numbers, so I presume they prefer to be contacted via email or post.

[paulrussell]

I need some help with drafting the emails to Carnival and Princess Cruises. At the moment all I've got typed down is

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am enquiring wether you would sponsor a 26 year old doing a HND in Marine Engineering? At the moment I'm 25 years old with quite poor GCSEs, so I would need to redo some of them to even get a chance to do a cadetship.

[paulrussell]

Can anyone help with drafting the emails? I've since found out that Princess Cruises is owneed by Carnival, so should just send the one email to Carnival, or should I also send one to Princess Cruises aswell?

[paulrussell]

I've just sent Carnival this email


Dear Sir/Madam,

I am enquiring weather you would sponsor a 25 year old as a mature student, looking to do a HND in Marine Engineering with quite poor GCSEs?





Sincerely my name

[paulrussell]

I've had an email back from them, and they've said they won't accept me due to the fact that, I could stuggle and they wouldn't want to put me through it or them.