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At NEC our aim is to provide quality and flexible education to students of all stages of life, and Olivia has been a great example of this. When it came to distance learning education, for Olivia, gaining her Geography iGCSE was more than just earning a qualification – it was about fulfilling a promise she made to herself over thirty years ago.
“I wanted to gain a qualification in geography as I was told at school that I had to drop GCSE geography, because I had to do extra maths classes instead! I was really annoyed about this, and told myself that one day, I would study GCSE geography and I would pass! So I’m very pleased to have done so.”
Returning to study as an adult learner
Olivia had always been fascinated by geography, finding herself drawn to landscapes, geology and more, but sadly she didn’t have the opportunity to study the subject at school. Instead, Olivia was made to focus on extra maths lessons, which proved difficult.
“I struggled particularly with maths as it involved the teacher turning to the chalkboard to write the sums, and so I’d miss crucial parts and key information, not being able to lipread what the teacher was saying.”
Time passed and years later, Olivia decided to take the inspiring leap and retake her GCSE Maths at a local adult education college in Surrey, where she achieved a grade 5 in the summer of 2022. This success and the reintroduction to study gave her the confidence to pursue her long-awaited geography qualification.
“I then felt confident enough to try and do geography as well, which led me to the National Extension College. I’m delighted that I’ve now been able to gain both qualifications, and so prove my naysayers wrong, I suppose!”
Studying with NEC
As many of our students do, Olivia chose NEC due to the flexibility of online courses offered. Olivia particularly found this helpful as online education could fit around her busy life as a single parent with two part-time jobs.
“I was pleased to find a distance learning provider that offered complete flexibility around my part time jobs (I had two jobs when I started the course) and bringing up my two daughters as a single parent. Although I do prefer to learn in person and like meeting people, in fact it worked out very well, being able to study remotely.”
She found NEC’s iGCSE Geography course structure and support invaluable in helping her achieve a grade 6.
“My tutor Alison was superb. She always marked my assignments in a timely manner, providing me with excellent feedback. The quizzes at the end of each module were very useful. I felt that the NEC course was structured very well, enabling me to cover a broad range of topics.”
Balancing study, work, and family life
Olivia’s hard work and dedication knows no bounds as she works as a Project Administrator for a parish council, where her role includes work on playground refurbishment, neighbourhood planning, heritage projects, and footpaths. Although she studied geography as a personal goal, she’s found that her qualification is surprisingly relevant to her work in many helpful ways.
“As mentioned, I’ve taken iGCSE geography as a personal goal, rather than a specific step for employment. Although geography is actually very relevant for aspects of my job as a project administrator for a local parish council.”
Looking ahead
While Olivia’s geography studies were primarily a personal ambition, they’ve also sparked some new, exciting ideas for the future.
“Strangely enough, I did wonder about a career change and possibly training in historic buildings management, or studying historic building conservation, and I thought a geography qualification would be a good start. But I don’t honestly know if I could afford to study for a career change now… It’s just a dream at the moment, who knows?”
Regardless, NEC is excited to see where Olivia’s dreams take her next.
Advice for future distance learners
When asked what advice Olivia would give to those considering studying with NEC as a distance learner, reflecting on her experience, Olivia encourages others to give distance learning a try – but with careful planning.
“Go for it! But be prepared to organise yourself completely and set yourself targets for learning, and stick to them. Consider going to study in a university or college library and be amongst other students, giving you the motivation to study. It’s hard studying alone at home, and especially if you have children or pets needing your attention.”
She also recommends pacing study more evenly.
“The ability for me to dip in and out of the course was invaluable. But in hindsight, I wish I’d been more regular in my studying, instead of leaving long gaps in between each assignment. If I studied again, I’d pace myself and set aside a fixed number of hours each week to study.”
A positive experience
As you can imagine, Olivia (and the NEC team) is proud of her achievements. She also notes how grateful she is for the support NEC provided.
“It’s a great way to gain an iGCSE or an A or AS level. The service is excellent.”
Olivia’s story is an empowering example that shows that it’s never too late to pursue a subject you’re passionate about.
With determination, flexibility, and the right support, lifelong learning can open doors – both personally and professionally. So, will you be following her lead? Find your perfect GCSE or A level course today.