It’s Colleges Week! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on how our Online GCSE English and maths provision meets The Government’s mission to kickstart the economy. Dr Fumiko Pescott, Curriculum Manager, Online explains why.
At Activate Learning, we are proud to support the government’s mission to “Kickstart the Economy,” one of their five key missions aimed at driving sustained economic growth and improving living standards across the UK.
Our innovative Online GCSE Maths and English courses, launched in September 2021, are a testament to our commitment to this mission, providing essential learning opportunities to adult learners nationwide.
Overcoming a lack of learning opportunities
Our online GCSE courses are designed to help adults whose English and maths skills are limited, which often hinders their career progression. Many of our learners choose our online setting due to the lack of local learning opportunities, as well as the flexibility it offers. Some cannot come to campus weekly due to work commitments, family commitments, or mental or physical difficulties.
Since the inception of our courses, we have received over 15,000 applications, with 3,000 learners having already studied with us.
Given that 18.1% of UK residents have no qualifications (according to Surrey County Council’s analysis of the Census 2021 data 2021 Census: Highest Level of Qualification | Surrey-i), the role we are playing is significant.
Fitting learning around their commitments
By offering GCSE learning opportunities directly to learners’ homes, especially in areas where such opportunities are scarce, we are addressing this critical national need. Notably, about 35% of our applicants are unemployed at the time of application, 40% declare some form of learning needs, and 80% are female.
For those in employment, the majority work in healthcare, teacher training and education, and retail sectors. Our efforts are not just about education; they are about transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, contributing to the broader mission of kickstarting the economy.
We understand the complex psychology of adult learners studying basic English and maths skills while juggling their own commitments and study needs. Our approach includes weekly assessments, feedback, and progress monitoring, allowing us to intervene early if we notice any dips in motivation or engagement.
Our 9-4 pass rates are twice the national average
Our Learning Philosophy values the interconnectedness of brain, emotion, and motivation. Our tutors are dedicated to supporting learners’ cognitive and emotional development, recognising that these elements are strongly linked.
Our 9-4 pass rates are twice the national average for English, and significantly higher than the national average for maths, demonstrating the effectiveness of our model in helping learners make significant strides in their career progression.
Training learners for the AI era
We recently introduced AI tutors to our provision, providing 24/7 support and making our learners familiar with how to navigate AI tools. This ensures our learners are ready for any employment in this AI era and have the digital skills that employers are looking for.
“I learnt to enjoy maths!”
One of our 3000 learners shared their experience: “My tutor was a brilliant teacher, full of enthusiasm and positivity.
“He made the lessons enjoyable, which from somebody who absolutely detested maths was no mean feat. Throughout the eight months, I gradually learnt to enjoy maths and missed the lessons when they came to an end.
“I truly believe my tutor’s dedication and hard work got me through the subject and onto passing my exams.
“Doing daily challenges and assessments helped all the information to sink in far more than a classroom lesson and set homework. Thank you all for providing me with the opportunity to study with you and helping me to progress further with another career.”
By providing accessible and high-quality education, Activate Learning is proud to contribute to the mission of kickstarting the economy, helping individuals unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.
Find out more about our Online GCSE courses in English or maths or contact us on 0800 612 6008.
