Marian, a former teacher, embraced a unique opportunity to pursue a GCSE in Maths at City College Plymouth. Despite her extensive teaching background, Marian had never specialised in maths and wanted to enhance her skills for two key reasons. Firstly, she aimed to demonstrate that she was up to date with her maths knowledge, as she plans to volunteer in educational settings. Secondly, she sought to keep her brain active, by challenging herself with difficult maths, following advice often given to her generation.
Reflecting on her time at City College, Marian described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. The course and exam were rigorous, but she found the adult class environment to be calm, positive, and serious. Attending on Thursday evenings, she appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the focus of her fellow students, who, like her, were there to learn and improve.
Marian is very glad she took on this personal challenge, especially given her struggles with maths during her school years, where she once considered herself “totally rubbish.” Completing the course has not only provided her with a CSC qualification but also fueled her interest in higher-level maths. She is now studying Maths A-levels online, with plans to take her exam in Exeter in two years. Her ultimate goal is to volunteer in teaching, with a particular interest in supporting secondary school students in more advanced mathematics.
