Adult Learning

[Nardies]

I'm working in IT at the minute, and have started applying for a few jobs with larger companies recently, part of the process is them asking for the GCSE grades in the core subjects (Maths, English and the Sciences).

I got D in maths all those years ago and considered it a blight on my CV when I first started applying for jobs after I left school. Is it worth making amends and retaking the GCSE with one of those courses that can be worked on at home? Does anyone have any experience of these courses, if so, would you recommend them? I don't really need to have an A* for my job, but just think it would be nice to get rid of the D, and hopefully replace it with something better!

[Pabl0]

I think it is worth having a higher grade, not sure about doing it at home. Is there a local college that offers it as a evening course?

[Spree]

I'm currently doing Maths and English at home after getting D grades 8 years ago. I'd originally enquired at my local college but they were oversubscribed so I thought I'd have a go at doing it myself.

For Maths, I didn't feel it was really necessary to pay for a course. There is no coursework, so it's really just a case of revising the syllabus and finding somewhere to take the exams as a private candidate.
I've just been using a course book, the "MathsWatch" CD and AQA's past papers to practice.
The AQA exam board seem quite good - their website has lots of information, past papers etc.

I signed up to a home learning company for the English GCSE, mainly so as the coursework could be checked and authorised. It was under special offer when I signed up but it would've been quite expensive at full price.

The biggest problem with home learning is probably motivation and distractions. In my case though, I feel much more determined than I was at school and am actually beginning to enjoy the Maths.

[Nardies]

Spree said:

I'm currently doing Maths and English at home after getting D grades 8 years ago. I'd originally enquired at my local college but they were oversubscribed so I thought I'd have a go at doing it myself.

For Maths, I didn't feel it was really necessary to pay for a course. There is no coursework, so it's really just a case of revising the syllabus and finding somewhere to take the exams as a private candidate.
I've just been using a course book, the "MathsWatch" CD and AQA's past papers to practice.
The AQA exam board seem quite good - their website has lots of information, past papers etc.

I signed up to a home learning company for the English GCSE, mainly so as the coursework could be checked and authorised. It was under special offer when I signed up but it would've been quite expensive at full price.

The biggest problem with home learning is probably motivation and distractions. In my case though, I feel much more determined than I was at school and am actually beginning to enjoy the Maths.

Thanks for the advice mate. I'm in the same boat with regards to being more determined, I've just bought two CGP books, foundation and higher to have a read through, £6 for both which is pretty reasonable. I had a look at the AQA website, it is very useful.

When it comes to being a private entrant for the exam, how do you go about taking it? Are you sat with a room full of 16 year olds, or are you placed with other adults and an examiner?

[rog007]

I am genuinely surprised employers are asking about school grades unless of course you're applying for an apprenticeship? If it's straight employment, I would have thought it was your IT competencies that they'd be most interested in!

[Nardies]

rog007 said:

I am genuinely surprised employers are asking about school grades unless of course you're applying for an apprenticeship? If it's straight employment, I would have thought it was your IT competencies that they'd be most interested in!

They're not, it's for my own benefit. Essentially I was disappointed with my result, but want to fix it now and maybe look to study maths further beyond this level. If I wanted an avenue out of IT, maths is always going to come in handy!

[Piersman2]

Just 'revise' your CV to say you got a 'B'. No employer is ever going to check it unless you are going for your first job and have no other higher qualification level.

[Silver]

Piersman2 said:

Just 'revise' your CV to say you got a 'B'. No employer is ever going to check it unless you are going for your first job and have no other higher qualification level.

This is terrible advice. Employers can and do check GCSE grades in certain industries.

Do NOT do this, OP.

[Engineer1]

GCSE English and Maths tend to be a requirement in many jobs, Companies tend to accept that if you have a degree chances are you have exceeded grade C in Maths and English.

[Nardies]

Silver said:

This is terrible advice. Employers can and do check GCSE grades in certain industries.

Do NOT do this, OP.

I wouldn't do this, my CV currently states I have 10 GCSEs but doesn't detail further. The whole point was to actually achieve the grade I wanted, not just lie on my CV

[mph1977]

Piersman2 said:

Just 'revise' your CV to say you got a 'B'. No employer is ever going to check it unless you are going for your first job and have no other higher qualification level.

people in the NHS who have taken such advice got struck off , dismissed and prosecuted ...

[Munter]

mph1977 said:

Piersman2 said:

Just 'revise' your CV to say you got a 'B'. No employer is ever going to check it unless you are going for your first job and have no other higher qualification level.

people in the NHS who have taken such advice got struck off , dismissed and prosecuted ...

Yep it's just the dumbest piece of advise ever. If they are not interested in the grade, there's no need to lie about it. If they are interested in it you better be sure it's right.

Lying about it gains you nothing, and risks everything you're trying to gain.

As the OP is doing the course for his own satisfaction it doesn't really apply.

Best of luck OP!