Spotlight on Talent – Jose Davenport

Studied: GCSE English

Jose Davenport has always relied on ‘the school of life’ to help her succeed.  This has served the 85-year-old well through a successful career in administration and finance and while bringing up her family.

However, when her grandson asked for help with some written work he was doing, Jose, who had left school with two O Levels in Geography and Domestic Science suddenly felt the need to start studying again.  Her efforts have paid off as she gained a Grade 6 in GCSE English at Walsall College.

“I’m proof that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always achieve,” said Jose. “After leaving school at 17, I went straight into work and never needed to look back at my education.   But once I made the decision to come to college, I was determined to go through with it.  I wanted to make sure I’d been on the right track for all these years.”

While Jose found understanding the present rules around grammar and punctuation, together with sitting exams to be a little challenging, she has enjoyed writing reports and feature articles.  She was also pleased to discover that her role compiling the minutes at her local Women’s Institute meetings was being carried out correctly.

Jose continued: “The best thing about coming back to college was the people.  No-one ever questioned what I was doing here.  Everyone was friendly and my tutor, Claire was excellent.”

“Being self-taught has had its advantages.  I strongly believe that learning is not just about being in a classroom.  It’s about observing and understanding all the things around you – just like I’ve always done.  That said, I’m happy I’ve fulfilled my need to explore what English Language is all about today.”