Targeted GCSE support at BSDC delivers strong maths and English results

Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is celebrating the success of its GCSE maths and English intervention programme, which has helped students achieve key qualifications through November resits – giving them the opportunity to start the new year with confidence and focus on their main area of study.

For some students, achieving GCSE maths or English is not just an academic milestone, but a personal success that comes after perseverance and resilience. Jasper George, a Digital Art and Animation student, achieved their GCSE maths on the fourth attempt after three years of study. Jasper said: “I feel very, very good – accomplished! I attended additional support sessions to help me achieve this qualification and they have been so helpful. My tutors have been so supportive – I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Jasper’s achievement highlights the importance of consistent support and encouragement. English tutor, Lisa Bartram, who has taught English at BSDC for twelve years, emphasised that academic success is often closely linked to confidence and mindset. Speaking about the English and maths provision at BSDC, she added: “Half of what we teach is resilience and confidence. Many students arrive thinking they’re never going to pass but proving them wrong is one of my favourite things about this job. The additional support students can access at BSDC is brilliant. Our one-to-one staff are second to none; they understand the resit process and how to fill in the gaps of learners’ knowledge to get them a pass.”

Harrison Savage, a Public Services Level 2 student, explained how passing his GCSE English has opened doors to achieving his next steps: “I feel so much better – I’ve got more time to do my assignments. I want to progress to Level 3 and then become a police officer, so I really needed my English.”

Reflecting on the support he received, Harrison added: “My one-to-one tutor, Melissa, was incredibly supportive. She reviewed my answers with me each time, helped me understand sentence structure, and gave me the extra confidence I needed to achieve this result.”

BSDC’s intervention model includes additional revision sessions, holiday provision classes and targeted teaching, alongside the expertly delivered lessons led by highly skilled, qualified tutors. For students close to the pass boundary, these interventions can make all the difference. With a strong focus on individual progress, resilience and achievement, BSDC continues to help students unlock their potential and take confident steps towards their future careers.