GCSE and International GCSE Student Stories:
GCSE Student Stories: Emily Cahalane | International GCSE Science

Emily was ready for a change and was keen to secure a front-facing role as a pharmacist. However, her journey to get there was anything but straightforward! Read her inspiring story below.

I have worked in administration since I was 16 years old, and when I moved to a new area and approached the age of 37 I thought it was time to do something completely different with my life and re-train.

I have always been interested in working in Pharmacy and having spent the last 5 years working in administration in the NHS, so knew I wanted to continue my career in the NHS or healthcare, but in something more patient-facing.

In January 2021 I started researching Pharmacy roles and decided that I would like to complete an apprenticeship to become a Pharmacy Technician.

One of the requirements to get onto the course was a grade C/4 or above at GCSE in Science. I obtained a grade D in my Science GCSE when I was 16, so I didn’t meet the requirements to apply for the course.

I decided I would re-take my Science GCSE to enable me to apply for the apprenticeship. I had re-taken my Maths GCSE in 2015 by attending Adult Education classes every week and learning with a tutor, which I found really helpful.

However, due to the lack of face-to-face Science GCSE courses at the time, I decided to look at online options, and I came across the ICS Learn website.

ICS Learn offers an International GCSE Science that offers a Double Award, and after looking at other companies that offer Science GCSEs and International GCSEs, it felt like the best option for me.

I was a bit unsure about how I would find online learning as I am quite a visual person, and struggle with Science and understanding it so I thought that this might be a barrier to me if I couldn’t be in a room with other students and a teacher to learn.

At first, I did the course in the evenings and at the weekends, but soon realised this was quite a big undertaking to do alongside my full-time job so I took a short break for the summer.

Afterward, I picked up the course again and started attending and watching the classes and revision videos given by the Science teacher at the time, Thea Davies-Jones.

This was a real turning point for me as Thea is a brilliant teacher and explained everything in great detail, with brilliant PowerPoint presentations. I used her revision sessions to practice what I had learned and got into a rhythm of doing it each week.

After some time adjusting to work and school again, I looked into Pharmacy Technician apprenticeships and came across one advertised in my local area which was more flexible on the entry requirements. I applied and was lucky enough to get an interview.

I found ICS Learn very flexible. You can complete the course in your own time and do as much or as little as you want when you want, as you have two years from enrolment to complete the course. I found all the resources useful especially the science videos and revision papers.

They also offer Mock exams if you require these which is a good way to practice before your actual exams. ICS Learn would definitely suit older people, and those with other commitments as it is so flexible.

I would recommend ICS Learn to anyone needing to further their education.

The good news to finish off my story is that somehow I actually managed to pass my International GCSE Science, and even received two 6s (equivalent to a grade B) which is beyond anything that I ever thought I could achieve when I started the course!

This is partly due to the lessons, resources and detailed content that ICS Learn provides for the course. 

I am two months into my Pharmacy Technician apprenticeship which covers all areas of Pharmacy and am enjoying it so far. If all goes well, I will complete it in the summer of 2024!

I think my story shows that you are never too old to re-think or change your career, and if you are focused enough and work hard you can achieve your goals!

Inspired by Emily's story? Get your free International GCSE Science course guide and start towards your goals today.