A mature student at Stratford-upon-Avon College is celebrating GCSE success after going back to the classroom.
Penelope Brain, 72 from Stratford-upon-Avon, overcame a series of challenges to achieve a strong pass for her English Language GCSE and now enjoys writing for pleasure.
Adults can study a range of courses at the College, including GCSEs in both Maths and English. Many head back to the classroom to improve employment prospects, help their children, or just to increase their confidence.
Though for many the prospect of going back into education is daunting, Penny jumped at the chance: “I want to keep my mind active! Dementia runs in the family so I need to keep my brain working.”
She studied at the College one session per week for a year and enjoyed the process thoroughly: “Everyone at college was so accommodating and helpful, so friendly and cheerful, nothing was too much trouble! The tutor made it so interesting and easy to follow.”
Due to ill health, Penny was only able to take one of the two GCSE papers but scored so highly on it, she still achieved a strong pass: “It’s wonderful and my family is so pleased with my result!”
So, what’s next for Penny: “Doing this course made me realise how capable I am. And now there is no stopping me, I continue to write in my free time.”
Programme Manager, Paul Dodge, was incredibly proud of Penny’s result: “Penny undertook her studies after retiring. She was passionate and very much enjoyed the course. Though she faced some challenges with her health she battled through and achieved a strong pass. Hearing she is continuing writing for pleasure is wonderful.”
Would she recommend the course to others: “I already have! I keep recommending it to everyone. Take a leap of faith, it is worth it!”
