I was on a work-break following two surgeries and wanted to do something productive with my time before returning to work. Maths was always something I struggled with. I didn't pass my maths GCSE at school and was convinced I just could not understand it. I started the course not actually thinking I would pass it.
I wanted to have more confidence and understanding of basic maths and to be able to help my daughters with their homework which I had been unable to do on some occasions.
There were people from all walks of life, different ages and abilities which was reassuring. The teacher Michelle was really good; she made me feel comfortable and able to ask questions if I was unsure or confused. The online classroom felt like a safe space where everybody's voice was heard. This course has also given me the confidence to believe that I can learn and understand maths. For the first time in my life, I enjoy maths and am progressing to Level 2 with Step2Skills next.
There is so much support and help available to you. The teachers are lovely and really encouraging. If you want to learn and are willing and able to commit to the programme, then anyone can do this course. If people put the effort in, they will reap the benefits. I started the lessons sure that I would either give up or fail miserably, but as time went on and I started to understand more, I wanted to learn more. I would say to anyone thinking of taking the first steps into one of the Functional Skills courses to go for it, you can do it!