GCSEPod to help students pass exams

Jun 18 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

GCSE students with exams looming can cram in some last-minute revision online with the help of a North East digital firm.

Newcastle-based Soundbitelearning UK has made access to its online study guides, GCSEPod, free until the end of the exam period on June 24.

The site, which was set up last autumn by Anthony Coxon and Ian Thompson, is making its entire library of 90 hours of podcasting available to students.

GCSEPod aims to change the way students learn and revise and currently covers seven core subjects including English language, religious studies, history and biology, available at www.freeGCSEPod.co.uk.

Mr Coxon said: “This is the first exam season that we have been trading and for the next couple of weeks GCSEPod will become FreeGCSEPod. Hopefully it can help students obtain the grades they’re looking for.

“Our podcasts are very easy-to-use, closely matched to the school curriculum and are tailored to individual student needs. By giving free access to our content for a short period we hope to help this year’s students as well as promoting the benefits of the products.”

The Design and Creative Fund, which is managed by North East Finance, invests in young businesses with strong commercial prospects across the design and creative sectors. It is supported by money from regional development agency One North East with investments typically in the region of £60,000.

Jon Bradford, design and creative fund manager at North East Finance, said: “GCSEPod has created some incredibly innovative and exciting online content with the potential to help a great number of young people.

“The online learning market is expanding rapidly and we’re delighted that our funding is helping the company to achieve commercial success.”