Exam success with NEC - our students tell their stories

Kevin Francis
AS Psychology
"I started studying for a Psychology GCSE with NEC in September 2009 and was awarded an A* before moving onto the AS Level.

My tutor has been a help, offering advice where possible and always returning my marked assignments very quickly. I have been pleased to be allocated the same tutor throughout my GCSE and A Level courses.

I currently work for an accountancy practice as a tax assistant and have no desire to change careers. However, my course does teach me useful skills, which I hope will be useful both in my career and personal life.

I have already registered for and begun studying the A2 Psychology with NEC. The rewards at the end are definitely worth it.

Other than studying, I also run a website, enjoy going clubbing and dancing, regularly exercise and go swimming and also enjoy several weekends away at Butlins each year."

Kat Howard
AS English Language and Literature, AS Sociology, IGCSE Spanish
"I received funding from an educational charity - I was completely astonished I managed to get the money and really grateful.

I enjoy studying which I do mostly on Fridays at home alone. I can get really stuck into it with no distractions.

I was completely shocked to see I'd got an A and 100/100 on English Language and Literature A2.

I would definitely recommend the NEC. It helps if you have people encouraging you to stay motivated as well, my boyfriend has helped a lot with that.

I would like to be a private Spanish tutor and a freelance translator. I'm doing this because I would like a flexible job that utilises my best skills and that I can also work around my future family."

Adam Hampton
AS English Language and Literature and Religious Studies
"I have a full time job within the Royal Marines as a Marines Commando.

I received funding from The Marine Society.

Although I haven't studied for years, I still have the ability to do well academically. I loved studying and enjoyed the time spent reading and writing most of all.

Thank you for the quality of the course learning materials which enabled me to achieve an A grade for AS Religious Studies and B for AS English Language and Literature.

My current studies are integral to me gaining a university place in September next year to study English and then to teach.

In my leisure time I go to the gym and I play the guitar."

Jack O'Sullivan
AS and A2 Biology
"I opted to study Biology at A level alongside my first degree (in English and creative writing), and therefore did not have easy access to a school.

My favourite part of studying with the NEC is how flexible I can make my learning you can arrange your studies around your own time. Studying with the NEC has given me great confidence in my abilities in time management.

It was a great talking point at interview for medical school, showing that I had a capacity for self-directed learning, which is a useful asset in almost any course in higher education. I will be taking up my newly earned place at Durham medical school to complete a MBBS in medicine and surgery. I hope to do well at medical school and one day become a practising doctor.

I advise anyone considering taking the plunge to go right ahead: you will have an absolute blast."

Jun Xu
AS Mathematics
"I started this course when I first came to England, because my English is not good enough to follow the lessons in the class.

Taking a distance learning course has meant that I have to disipline myself to study regularly. I get most enjoyment from the assignment feedback when I feel I have made real progress. It has built up my confidence.

When I have completed the A level, I will take a degree course in Mathematics with the hope of becoming an actuary."

Dan Stratham
A level French
"I was the only student who wanted to study French A level at my sixth form, and I also enjoy studying independently.

I want to be a commercial pilot so I thought that being able to speak another language would be advantageous, and gaining another A level was important.

My school provided the funding for two years.

I'm studying Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies at the university of Leeds at the moment.

I would say to others "Go for it your tutor is there to support you. Its rewarding too!"

In my leisure time I enjoy playing the keyboard, am a member air cadets, and like swimming."

Naomi Fuller
IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Geography, History, Mathematics Higher, Physics, and Dutch
" I was attending a local Flemish school and had difficulties in studying in a non-English environment.

I have enjoyed the challenge presented by distance learning. With home study It has allowed me to have a detailed knowledge of the subject matter to gain top grades. I have also benefited from the fact that I am my own person, and I have flexibility over everything - my timetable, how and where I work, and I can have music playing. Most importantly, I have a real sense of achievement as I completed this on my own without any support from a school.

With the right balance and mindset then you can find it can become very enjoyable.

If you do intend to study a distance learning course then finish it as soon as you can, for the more revision you do, the better your chances in the exam as my achievements have revealed.

I am currently studying my A levels in Maths, Biology and Physics thanks to the NEC.

I would like to thank the NEC for designing very interesting and enjoyable courses and allowing me to have opportunities that I would never have had via distance learning if I had stayed in the local Flemish school.

In the longer term I plan to become a particle or astrophysicist."

Rachel Arnold
AS Environmental Studies
"Distance learning suited my busy lifestyle. I work full time and commute a couple of hours a day making it difficult to attend night school.

Whats more I used my Tesco Clubcard points to pay for the course.

Its over 20 years since I took my last A level and I particularly enjoyed completing the assignments and obtaining feedback from my tutor. This helped me in preparation for the exam.

Achieving an A grade will demonstrate my interest and knowledge in the environment to my current and future employers.

I am planning to take A level Maths through NEC to help further my studies.

I would recommend my tutor who is been responsive, helpful and friendly.

I enjoy walking the dog, reading, genealogy and going to the theatre... and Im a foster carer too!"

Robbie Gill
GCSE Science & Physics
"I have four children, I work full time, my wife is studying full time at University and I am a Governor for our local Primary school so time is immensely important. None of the colleges in the South West offered GCSE Physics and Science so home study seemed the ideal way to study courses that suited me. The obvious bonus is that you can study at your convenience.

I did take advantage of an NEC promotional offer and the courses were reduced by 20%.

The NEC is well structured. I found the tutors very approachable and were very quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had. It reminded me that I am very capable of studying and learning, even with a busy and challenging lifestyle! With determination, I found that great results are achievable.

My advice to others would be study little and often. Keep re-reading study aids (such as textbooks) and space out the workload throughout the year so that you spend the same amount of time on each topic/chapter. Planning is key. Probably my biggest aid was to sit past papers a couple of weeks before the exams.

Distance learning has unlocked the door to university for me. I have not studied for some years, and it has also built up my confidence.

Having gained the two GCSEs, I shall be taking a Teacher Training course at the University West of England to become a Primary School teacher in Sep. 2012.

My ambition is to become an exceptional primary school teacher."