Distance learning GCSE courses

ferien_uk

Magnolia wrote: »

Do you need GCSEs? Have you considered a level 2 equivalent? They are being accepted more and more these days. The 2 qualifications you need to concentrate on are maths and English. Both of the equivalent courses will be free so are well worth thinking about. Oh and they are only 10 weeks. If you got D's in these subjects you will easily pull them up to that elusive C.

This is what I was going to say. Are you sure that GCSEs are that important? Or is it Maths and English particular you are focussing on?

I know a lot of colleges will allow you to enrol for free if you don't have a level 2 qualification (which I believe is a GCSE grades A*-C). Also your age might affect this as well.

Magnolia

Having a full level 2 ie NVQ2 or 1st diploma will not effect being able to sign up for the equivalent maths and english courses. They are still government sponsored in a bid to improve the literacy and numeracy levels of our great nation.

Mind you - you should be over 18 but exceptions can be made

Maysie

hi, i just want to say good luck and i hope you get a course you can do. I redid my english gcse through local adult education and went from a d from school to a b . It was 2 hrs once a week and the teacher was brilliant i really do not think i could have done as well through distance learning. My grammar was practically non exsitent before the course.

Oldernotwiser

If you can do a full time GCSE course at your local college you will lose your £40.50 (?) JSA but you will have no fees to pay and should be able to claim the Adult Learning Grant of £30 per week. On top of this you could work a couple of evenings or at the weekend and this money won't affect the ALG amount. This would be the case for any level 2 course that you do so you might want to look at courses other than GCSE resits.

lil_miss_sunshine

Hi, i dont know if anyone else has said this, but if i were you i would do an open uni course...

You dont need any qualifications to do a course, you get it for free if you're claiming JSA. Aswell as that you also get a grant of £250 and another £250 towards a computer.

x

Oldernotwiser

lil_miss_sunshine wrote: »

Hi, i dont know if anyone else has said this, but if i were you i would do an open uni course...

You dont need any qualifications to do a course, you get it for free if you're claiming JSA. Aswell as that you also get a grant of £250 and another £250 towards a computer.

x

Although OU courses have no specific entry requirements, someone with only low grade GCSEs would be highly likely to struggle at this level. Just because you can do something, doesn't make it the most suitable option.

Magnolia

I still think NextStep is a good option

eira

The only GCSEs you really need are English and Maths-and there are 'equivalents' for them. There are far more suitable courses for adults both in content and value. The OU is superb-good tution/teaching materials and a way of meeting new people. FE colleges will sign you on as they need the money but the course content and tution is very variable. The OU also helps with funding

There are local community centres that do various courses but yet again the quality of the tuition is very variable

Magnolia

eira wrote: »

FE colleges will sign you on as they need the money but the course content and tution is very variable.

Twice in one thread! Utter horse doodoo!!!

If a client comes into college for help with literacy and numeracy then they will be signed to the appropriate course. The level 2 equivalents are, for some, a box ticking exercise and for others, those need a bit more help and guidance, a good place to be put on the right track. For people who need a bit more help then there are the basic skills courses that will start from the beginning.

We are not in the business of 'bums on seats' - not where basic skills are concerned. The course has to be appropriate to the clients needs and ability and if the client has been put on the wrong course then they wont come back and we have failed in our duty to provide the right information.

It isn't always just about the money - sometimes it really is about the individual needs of whoever walks through the door.

How do I know this? I am the one who signs up people for the part time courses - Oh and I do dabble in NextStep

A FE college is more likely to have specialist Basic Skills lecturers and people who can give support to their clients. Give them a go - you never know - you just might find you like it :cool:

Oldernotwiser

eira wrote: »

The OU is superb-good tution/teaching materials and a way of meeting new people.

Why would you think that someone who can achieve only grades D and E at GCSE is capable or ready for degree level study?