Luis Jones is an education enthusiast and blogger. He works within the education sector and specialises in alternative learning solutions for those with a hunger for knowledge. In this article he discusses opportunities for those in work to continue their education and take A levels through distance learning…
Many people looking to further their education see A-Levels as a natural stepping stone to educational brilliance. Traditionally, sitting A-Levels has been associated with attending an FE college, but this college environment is not always suited to everyone. If you are currently in employment but are looking for a way to expand your knowledge and bulk up your CV with qualifications, then distance learning A-Levels may be the perfect route for you.
There are a lot of us who don’t have the time or the freedom to jump ship and indulge in the joys of full time college studies. However there is the opportunity for prospective A-Level students wishing to prepare for exams via a distance learning course (www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/alevelcourses-category-122.html). This paves the way for a multitude of opportunities for those who always saw gaining A-Levels as impossible. The distance learning A-Level has grown in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why, with flexibility being a priority in modern life. There are some important points to note when embarking on a distance learning A-Level, here is how it works.
Decide on what you want:
There are a number of distance learning providers out there who offer A-Levels, and the courses available range from Accounting and Business Studies to Environmental Studies. Take a look at the reviews of distance learning providers, this will help you gauge other learner’s experiences and give you an overall feel for the learning institution.
Standard or Fast Track?:
The only difference between the two is the amount of time taken to fully complete the A-Level. Standard will take around 2 years to complete, with fast track only being around 1 year. The course materials are the same and this decision will depend on your learning speed.
Receiving Your Materials:
Once you have purchased the course you will receive your learning materials. The materials meet all regulatory standards and are designed to give you all the information you will need to pass exams. The workbooks will include practice exam questions as well as tutor marked assignments (TMA’s) for you to complete.
Tutor Support:
You will have the support of a tutor who will be available for 18 months of the course. The tutor will take a similar role to a college lecturer, answering questions, marking assignments and generally being there to assist with your learning experience. Assignments are submitted via e-mail, taking away the need for endless amounts of handwritten notes. The tutor will work alongside you, providing guidance and feedback on the assignments you are submitting.
Mock Exams:
There are a number of opportunities throughout the course to test your skills with mock exam questions. They will create a sound understanding of what to expect during final exams and give you confidence in good practice when approaching exam questions.
Final Exams:
Once you have worked through the course materials and completed all TMA’s, you will be in a position to take your final exams. Generally, this will be booked by the individual learner at a local AQA examination centre. The exams incur an extra cost, all of which can be found here in the AQA Entry Fees Guide. Ensure you check examination dates in advance and prepare in the lead up to the exams. Exam costs are not included in your distance learning course package price, so make sure you budget for the additional costs of examination.
Distance learning A-Levels create excellent opportunities and there are a number of reasons why you should consider this method. Flexibility and affordability are the main drivers in the growth experienced by distance learning. With costs of maintaining classrooms and premises non-existent for distance learning providers, this really does help the learner walk away with a little more cash in their pockets.
Luis Jones will be sharing tips and resources for alternative learning solutions on twitter @alternative_edu
Please feel free to share your own thoughts on distance learning for A level, share resources or ask any questions to Luis in the comments below or via twitter…