Multiply learners celebrate achieving Maths and Numeracy GCSEs

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Multiply learners are celebrating after gaining the coveted A-C grades in GCSE Maths and Numeracy.

Learners recently received their results after taking GCSE exams in November.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai leads on the Multiply project across Conwy, Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Môn, helping adults improve their confidence with numbers in everyday life.

Across the four counties, 21 Multiply learners gained grades A-E in their recent GCSEs - with 15 of those achieving a C or higher. Some learned through one-to-one sessions, while others attended group classes at college sites, workplaces and community venues.

Thanks to this flexible and dynamic approach, learners are now ready to take their career plans to the next level with a Maths or Numeracy GCSE on their CV.

Elizabeth Riddle (Denbighshire)

Elizabeth now hopes to train as a primary school teacher after gaining a B in GCSE numeracy.

She said: “I am extremely happy with the grade I received and thanks to this course I have rediscovered my love of education.

“After lots of thought I have decided to apply to university to study Primary Education, in the hope I can become a primary school teacher. I have also just interviewed for a volunteer position in a local school to gain classroom experience. Deciding to study with Multiply was one of the best decisions I have made.”

William Beckett (Deiniolen, Gwynedd)

William enjoyed the fact that sessions could be tailored specifically to individuals and groups. After achieving an A in GCSE Maths, he now hopes to study it at A-Level.

He said: “The tutorials were invaluable in that they consisted of a series of past papers which established very clearly the areas of uncertainty.

“I would like to express my appreciation of my tutor Jillian Paddock, partly for realising that a barrage of mock examinations was the best way to proceed but also for explaining in understandable terms those areas that I found perplexing.”

Christina Georgiadou (Conwy)

Christina has applied to university to train as a nurse, having gained a C in Numeracy after attending Multiply sessions at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus.

“Because I'm a waitress, I'm having to do maths in my everyday life,” said Christina. “I’ve seen the difference with really easy, everyday maths. I didn't want to use a calculator any more, so it really helped me. It’s now way quicker than using the calculator just to do it in my head, so that says everything.

“My dream is to become a nurse. The next step is to go to university for a healthcare diploma, so that's what I'm doing in September.”

Ashleigh Mills Brown (Denbighshire)

Like Christina, Ashleigh also now finds everyday maths easier following her one-to-one sessions with Multiply. With a C in Numeracy under her belt, she now plans to train as a midwife.

“Even little things like when I'm at work and I’ve got percentages, I don't need to go on the calculator,” said Ashleigh, from Denbighshire. “I can just do it off the top of my head. So it just helps in everyday life.

“I couldn't believe it when I opened the results. I was over the moon. Now I can do an Access course so I can end up going to uni to do midwifery. But I couldn't have done it without my maths. That's helped massively - it's one step closer to the career.”

Debbie Day (Conwy)

Debbie received the perfect birthday present when she found out she had achieved a B in Numeracy.

She said: “The Multiply project came at the perfect time for me. I didn't achieve a C grade when I was at school, and have spent 30 years regretting not re-sitting the exam at the time.

“Not having a C grade in Maths has held me back in some ways, career-wise. I didn't meet the criteria to apply for some jobs I knew I would enjoy and be more than capable of doing, which was so frustrating.

“So, when I read about the multiply project, I decided I would go for it. I had mostly one-to-one tutoring via Zoom for three to six hours a week - this worked really well for me to build my confidence.

“After taking the exams, I waited nervously for my result, which was due on my birthday - I had finally passed! I amazed myself by getting a B grade when I had only dared hope for a C.

“I am so grateful for having the opportunity to have taken part in this project and feel very fortunate to have worked with a tutor who believed in me, encouraged me and didn't let me give up.”

James Purcell (Ynys Môn)

James now has the C grade he needs to go for promotion opportunities at work - and can also help his children with their maths.

He said: “I enjoyed the maths classes immensely. I now notice my mathematical confidence has boomed so I don't need to double-check basic calculations, and since gaining my new qualification I find I’m much more able to help and support my children with their school work.

“Employment promotions are coming up in my work and I now know that with my new maths qualification I can apply - whereas this wasn't the case before as you needed a minimum of a GCSE in Maths.

“I found the Multiply staff all very helpful and supportive - especially my teacher Kerry who went to whatever lengths were needed for me to attain my GCSE.”

Sioned Williams, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Multiply Project Manager, said:

“I’m really proud of what the learners have achieved in such a short timeframe.

“It’s lovely to hear positive feedback from the learners regarding their experiences on the project and how this achievement is going to support them progress to further education or employment.

“I’d like to thank the Multiply tutors for their efforts and dedication to support learners to complete these qualifications.”

Do you want to improve your Maths and English skills? Potensial, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s lifelong learning brand, offers a wide range of courses including Maths and English GCSEs. It's never too late to take these essential qualifications, which can open the doors to new education and career opportunities. Click here to learn more.