Students have been celebrating today after receiving their GCSE and Level 2 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, 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.
Elsie Draper was one of our students who passed GCSE Maths today. She received a grade 4 and now has aims to start her own business using the knowledge she gained on her Level 2 Hairdressing course.
Speaking about her success, she said: “The staff here have helped me a lot. They’ve found alternate ways for me to learn Maths and to help process it, which if it wasn’t for that I don’t think I would have passed.
“After College, I’m looking at further beauty courses alongside my work, so I can set up my own beauty business in the future.
“Everyone here was really welcoming when I looked around the College and I knew it was the place for me.”
Zachary Best was pleased to hear he’d passed GCSE English today, also with a grade 4.
As a result of his grades, he is now progressing onto Level 3 Uniformed Public Services at EKC Canterbury College.
He said: “This year, I’ve had a teacher that can teach suited to how I learn best, which has really helped with my GCSE English.
“I’m looking forward to starting at Canterbury and developing what I’ve already learned here.
Asked what he enjoyed about studying in Sheppey, he said: “My favourite thing about EKC Sheppey College is how it’s a small-knit community and everyone knows each other.”
Yazmin Hitchen is joining Zachary by progressing to EKC Canterbury College this September, on a Level 3 Hairdressing course. She needed to pass GCSE Maths and has now achieved a grade 4.
She said of her experience with us:
“College has really helped me a lot and I’ve got really far with my learning compared to school.
“All the people here are great, staff and students, and they can support you in so many different ways.
“I’m over the moon that I’ve passed as I can now continue what I want to do.”
Jessica Blake was another success story who also received a grade 4 in GCSE English.
She is now volunteering at a local nursery on the island whilst looking for work in the Education and Early Years sector.
Today’s achievement was made even more special for Jessica as it was her third attempt on this qualification. She said: “I’m so relieved that I’ve passed GCSE English after my third attempt.
“I’m now going into childcare, by volunteering at a nursery in Minster.
“I decided to study Early Years at College because I want to help children grow and to enhance inclusivity in the sector. The community feel here is great.
“If anyone’s thinking about studying at College, I’d say do it, that’s the only thing I can really say. It’s so worth it.”
Christopher Greening’s grade 4 in GCSE Maths means that he can now focus on his new chosen path in Engineering.
Inspired by the support at College and his success so far, he is studying Level 2 Engineering with us this September.
He said today: “College has helped me quite a lot with my Maths, especially the teachers. The support they gave was great.
“Now that I’ve passed GCSE Maths, I’m coming back here to study Engineering. It seemed liked a logical next step for me after my Carpentry course.”
Principal of EKC Sheppey College, Alexandra Syrotiuk, commented:
“Our students have done incredibly well in both their GCSEs and other qualifications, and we have some excellent results this year.
“This is testament to their commitment and hard work towards their studies during their time with us.
“The support they have had within and outside of lessons from their tutors and our wider learning support team is really appreciated by our students. For some it makes a real difference compared to previous experiences that they have had in education.
“I am really proud of all our students receiving their results this year. This really is a stepping stone into further study for some and careers for others and we are delighted for them.”
We would like to congratulate all our students on their fantastic achievements and wish them every success for the future.
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 discover a course that’s right for you.
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