GCSE success for new mum
A local woman, who had a baby less than two months before sitting a GCSE in maths, has achieved an A*.
Kim Flanagan, aged 23 from Hanley, studied the subject one evening a week at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.
She decided to re-sit the GCSE to enable her to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor after getting a C first time around at school.
The new mum, who is currently on maternity leave from her job as a Customer Service Adviser at Bet365, is also half way through a dual honours degree in Psychology and Neuroscience at Keele University.
Kim, mum to 5-month-old Jack, said: “I’d look forward to coming to college because it was ‘me time’. My mum would look after Jack and I really enjoyed getting out of the house and doing something for myself. After the class, I’d nip down to the Starbucks and treat myself to a coffee!
“I used to revise when Jack was sleeping and I did find it quite hard trying to remember things. I couldn't believe I got an A*! I also couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it as I hated maths at school!”
Following the birth of baby Jack, Kim has decided to switch her career path from medicine to teaching and now plans to become a Chemistry teacher in a secondary school.
She said: “As soon as Jack was born I was having doubts about the hours, so I thought about teaching and now I feel really good about it.
“I’d say to anyone thinking about going back to college to definitely do it. The lecturers are really friendly and will give you all the support and encouragement you need to succeed.”
Janet Singleton, a maths lecturer at the College, said: “I’m really proud of Kim – her hard work and determination has certainly paid off and will help to show other women that you can mix family with university and career success.”
A* grades recognise those students who achieve an exam mark of 90% or above on the higher papers.
Of the 14 students who sat the GCSE maths exam at the College, all at the higher level, almost 60% achieved A* to B grades and 86% gained A to C grades.
Newcastle-under-Lyme College is holding an advice and enrolment evening for adults on Thursday 9 September from 5.30 – 8.00pm for anyone interested in enrolling on a part-time course this year.
Courses include accounting and finance, teaching, construction, hair, beauty and holistic therapies, English and maths, childcare, art and design, engineering, IT and management.
The College also offers a range of on-the-job NVQ training in subjects including business, retail, customer service and health and social care.
For more information visit www.nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk