On Thursday 22 August, students at EKC Folkestone College collected GCSE and Level 2 results. We caught up with some of our students to congratulate them on their success and find out where they are heading next.
Aspiring Art Therapist, Theresa Hodgson studied GCSE Maths and achieved a Grade 4. Reflecting on her time at College, Theresa said: “I’ve grown massively since joining College, I’ve always struggled with Maths, and I’ve passed today. I needed to pass Maths to become an Art Therapist.”
Theresa’s advice to those collecting their results today: “I would say to make peace with the outcome of your grades and do your best, it’s not the end of the world and you have plenty of time; you can try again.”
Fellow adult learner, Matthew Sutton, also collected their GCSE Maths results, commenting: “Coming back to education as an adult really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Gaining my GSCE in Maths has shown me that I am capable of achieving great things. Recently I told my son, who is due to take his 11 plus, it is not about luck, you have to put in the hard work.
“In 2002, I had a bad accident on my bike which left me with a broken back, this had a detrimental effect on the business I owned at the time. I hope to own another business in the future and having this qualification is a step towards my goal. Luckily the accident hasn’t affected my love for bikes, I still ride and recently brought a myself BMX.”
Level 2 Catering student, Franky Kibble, was awarded a Grade 4 in their GCSE Maths, bringing them one step closer to achieving their dream.
“I’d love to run my own restaurant in the future”, commented Franky. “I’m going into my second year of Catering. I was never given the opportunity to learn Catering in School and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
“My advice to anyone starting College – I would say to keep your head down and enjoy it.”
Lola-Rose, who hopes to run her own Nursery one day, was joined by her young daughter, Vienna, as she collected her results. Lola-Rose told us: “I was really nervous about picking up my results because passing meant so much to me, so I’m relieved that I passed.
“During Secondary School, I had to overcome many challenges. The pandemic and becoming a mother to my little girl, Vienna, meant I missed out on lots of my education. I’m currently enrolled on the Level 2 Early Years course, and I saw College as a chance for a fresh start.”
Cheers of joy and tears of happiness flowed as this trio of Junior College Students opened their results. Aston Orpin, Dylan Hicks, Dylan Komaromi all collected their GSCE Maths and English results, passing with flying colours.
Pictured above Dylan K shared: “I’m delighted to have passed my English and Maths GCSEs. This September, I’ll be starting a Multimedia Production course at EKC Folkestone College.
“I really appreciate how everyone is treated equally here, and the people around me are genuinely kind, which makes it such a great place. It’s a huge change from School, and I feel much happier and more confident as a result.”
Dylan H and Aston will be continuing their studies with EKC Canterbury College. Aston shared: “Attending College has change me dramatically, I am now much more confident and less socially anxious. Everyone is accepting at College, and I am happy with the person I have become.”
Dylan agreed stating: “I am much more confident person now. Before starting College, I had no idea that you could even study Film and TV and now it is what I would like to do as a career.”
Aspiring Primary School Teacher, Millie King, picked up her English GCSE results today, commenting: “I passed English, as well as passing Maths in November. I’m now going into my second year of Early Years and I’m a step closer to becoming a Primary School Teacher. I’ve wanted to become a Primary School Teacher to follow in my mum’s footsteps, my work placement was in a School, and it was really rewarding forming bonds with the children”.
Principal of EKC Folkestone College, Neala Whybrow, said: “As the new Principal, it’s great to see the types of learners that are progressing at EKC Folkestone College, and to hear our students’ stories. The distance travelled and the progress is phenomenal. I am very proud.”
We would like to congratulate all of our students on their fantastic achievements and wish them every success for the future.
Learn more about our wide range of courses here: EKC Folkestone College | Further and Higher Education in Kent
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