Numbers add up for 45 GCSE maths resit students

It’s GCSE maths resit time at University College Birmingham and 45 Level 2 and 3 students are celebrating passing their November exams.

With support from the Maths Hub at UCB’s Academic Skills Centre (ASC), Sport and Physical Activity student Nathan Anderson excelled himself by achieving a grade 5, a strong pass. Students need a grade 4 to pass the exam.

“I am feeling over the moon, and I’d like to thank the Maths Hub and all the maths teachers for continuously supporting and believing in me,” he said.

Health and Social Care student Sumaya Hussein, for whom it was third time lucky, couldn’t believe the news.

“I actually screamed, then cried hysterically,” said the 18-year-old.

“It’s a real weight off my shoulders.”

Friend Kiran Mahmood, who is studying Childcare and Education, was equally thrilled.

“I had been receiving support from the ASC one day a week since September and while I was feeling confident I’d passed, I started to get nervous before I collected my grade,” said the 17-year-old.

“I now feel really relieved.”

Hospitality with Events student Laura Power, who was also on her third attempt at a pass, couldn’t believe it.

“Maths was tough for me and I had lost hope that I’d pass,” said the 17-year-old.

“My heart was beating so fast when they told me I’d got it.”

University College Birmingham holds maths and English resits every July and November for students with the potential to flourish at college, but who struggled to pass these core subjects at school.

Having a pass in GCSE English and maths is crucial to getting the most out of vocational study.

The resit pass rate at UCB is more than 10% higher than the average across the rest of the country.

Jags Sahota, Assistant Director for Learning Services (Mathematics) at University College Birmingham, said it was wonderful to see that, with tailored support, students could achieve their goals.

“We saw fabulous results of grade 5s and 4s and I am so proud of the achievements of all our learners,” she said. “I wish them the very best for their course.

“Also, good luck to those taking the exams in the summer term.”

“I'd also like to extend a special thanks to the maths team who, through targeted teaching over just six weeks and lots of hard work, were instrumental in ensuring these students passed the exam."

Find out more about our pathways for students to continue studying GCSE maths and English.

See more information about our Learning and Support Services, including CASE and ASC.