GCSE success stories from the Class of 2020
The Manchester College has seen success yet again this results day with the best ever pass rate for English and maths. Here are some of our amazing students...
Eight is great for maths student Panagiotis
It was smiles all round for Panagiotis Vokris who was awarded a top grade 8 (A*) in his GCSE maths results.
The 36-year-old, from Albania and Greece, combined working in a warehouse with his studies at the college.
He already has a degree in electronics from Greece but is now looking to study a Masters or a PhD in the UK and start a career in the same field.
He said: “The grade 8 is really great. This means that I can now take my next steps into higher education, start a career in my chosen field and build a better life.
“I came to the College to improve my English and the staff and my fellow students have been really good. I’ve really enjoyed my time at The Manchester College and I would definitely recommend it.”
Delighted Daniel is over the blue moon
Football focused Daniel Golding is celebrating after scoring a fantastic grade 7 in his English GCSE.
Daniel, originally from Kent and a keen Manchester United fan, needed the grade to secure a place on the Access to HE English, Writing and Media course at higher education provider UCEN Manchester.
His ultimate aim is to secure a place at the University Campus of Football Business at the Etihad Stadium and to fulfil his dream of becoming a football manager.
He said: “I’m so relieved to have gotten the grade that I needed with everything that has happened this year.
“Studying at The Manchester College has been amazing and my tutor has been great. It's onwards and upwards now.”
The future looks bright for Gintare
A future in medicine is on the cards for Gintare who scooped a grade 6 in her English GCSE.
Lithuanian born Gintare, who came to Manchester five years ago, has been working as a hotel receptionist while studying but has ambitions to go to university and embark on a career in medicine.
She said: “I’ve worked hard to improve my English language skills. I came to The Manchester College because I wanted to learn in a classroom environment and to gain more experience in life.
“I was really sad and upset when lockdown ruined everything but I’m so happy to have achieved my grade.
I can only say positive things about my experience here, I loved studying at the College and I would do it all again!
NH-yes for future medic Abdel
A career in the NHS awaits Abdel Hamid Abdelrahim (pictured) who was celebrating after securing an amazing grade 8 in GCSE maths.
Originally from Palestine, he is currently on the first year of a Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification at the College.
Once completed, he plans to study on an Access to HE at UCEN Manchester before heading to medical school to train to be a doctor.
He said: “Maths has always been one of my favourite subjects and my goal is to study medicine, although I’m undecided as to what to specialise in.
“Although I’ve gained a similar qualification back home, it’s great to have an English qualification at grade 8 as I see my future working in the NHS.”
Personal trainer Mark makes the grade
University awaits for top student Mark Pyatt who was awarded a grade 7 in his English GCSE.
The 29-year-old personal trainer sat his GCSE English at the College while completing an Access to HE Health and Physiotherapy course with higher education provider UCEN Manchester and running his own business.
He will now start a sports rehabilitation degree at the University of Salford in September.
He said: “I was predicted a grade 7 in my mocks so I’m pleased to have achieved that and now I can’t wait to get a degree!
I’ve really enjoyed my access course and feel like I’ve excelled in class thanks to how it’s been taught and the topics covered.
"I’ve learned so much, especially from my tutor Beth, and I’m looking forward to learning even more at university.”