A STRODE College student aspiring to join the police or work in sport has taken steps towards achieving his goals through an Access to Further Education course.
Alex Lewis started the course in 2015 and has since developed his English language, computing, and sport skills.
He started at the college by studing a Functional Skills English level 1 course, finding writing to be the most challenging aspect.
After coming to lessons with a fantastic attitude and working closely with teaching staff, he passed his exams and achieved the award in 2019.
Alex returned to Strode College and studied a level 2 IT course and a level 2 diploma in public services and sport, before choosing to continue his studies by enrolling in the Functional Skills Level 2 English course.
After sitting eight exams and three speaking and listening assessments, he has now passed his Level 2 English qualification, giving him a GCSE grade 4 equivalent.
The college's functional skills team is proud of Alex's determination and dedication.
Lucy Stuckey, the functional skills English course manager, said: “It is not just us that thinks he is great. Our external verifier from Pearson was also impressed with this candidate saying, ‘It is fantastic to see a student progressing as he has’.”
Alex has used his reading and writing skills to complete course assignments and to pass his theory and practical driving tests.
The qualifications have allowed Alex to secure a traineeship with Avon and Somerset Police in Bridgwater.
Read more: Somerset college celebrates first cohort of T Level students completing courses
Alex said: “I like to challenge myself. I feel good finishing my functional skills in English. Now, I have an apprenticeship with Avon and Somerset Police to do and I am looking forward to it. I was a student at Strode for seven years.”
In his time at Strode College, Alex also took part in athletics, badminton, basketball, and football through sports enrichment programmes.
He represented the college in the AoC Sport National Championships in the Nottingham 5k cross-country race, where he earned points for the south west's regional team.
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