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Doing another GCSE/A-level - is a course necessary?

Just because I like to keep my mind busy I'm thinking of doing another GCSE or A-level. As I'll be working full-time with a long commute as from Monday I've been looking at distance learning courses. However, last night I looked at past GCSE exam papers in my chosen subject and already knew most of the answers! This has got me wondering whether I could just read GCSE revision books rather than spend £300 on material that would cover the same syllabus.

Has anyone done this or have any recommendations?

Comments

  • SmallL
    SmallL Posts: 944 Forumite
    Depends on the subject, which GCSE/A-level you thinking of taking?

    For most GCSE's a revision book would be adequate, you may not even need it if you have access to the internet (most/all material can be found online)

    A-level might be tricker due to the depth of content (depending on subject again)
  • I think it depends on the person and if you can set aside time to study. The classes would definitely help give structure. In the past I have always opted for a course, as I drift studying alone
  • SmallL wrote: »
    Depends on the subject, which GCSE/A-level you thinking of

    I'm thinking of doing Law as my previous jobs brought me into contact with the courts and different legislation.
  • yasmup
    yasmup Posts: 114 Forumite
    Just because I like to keep my mind busy I'm thinking of doing another GCSE or A-level. As I'll be working full-time with a long commute as from Monday I've been looking at distance learning courses. However, last night I looked at past GCSE exam papers in my chosen subject and already knew most of the answers! This has got me wondering whether I could just read GCSE revision books rather than spend £300 on material that would cover the same syllabus.

    Has anyone done this or have any recommendations?

    If the qualification is awarded purely on the result or one (or two) exams, then I don't think there is any necessity to undertake any learning course.
    Remember there is a fee for taking the exam.

    Not sure what happens if the qualification includes any coursework assessments though. I guess you'll need to find someone that is prepared to mark your coursework although you have not taken the course, which if you do find anyone prepared to do this, will probably cost as much as taking the course anyway.

    If you already know most of the answers, why do you need a revision book? If you think you need a revision book, it sounds to me like you would probably be best off taking the course.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 7 March 2014 am31 11:59AM
    Just because I like to keep my mind busy I'm thinking of doing another GCSE or A-level. As I'll be working full-time with a long commute as from Monday I've been looking at distance learning courses.

    However, last night I looked at past GCSE exam papers in my chosen subject and already knew most of the answers! This has got me wondering whether I could just read GCSE revision books rather than spend £300 on material that would cover the same syllabus.

    Do you want to keep your mind busy or just gain another certificate?

    If it's the first, chose a subject that you don't know much about and follow the course.

    If you just want to pass another exam, go with the revision books and the exam.
  • Also, many providers (for example colleges) will only allow candidates to sit exams if they have attended their courses as it gives them more control over success rates.
  • Pennywise
    Pennywise Posts: 13,468 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I've certainly taken some of my professional exams (accountancy) by just buying the last couple of years' of exam papers and then deciding what else I need, i.e. working backwards. For some, I just got a revision pack and worked through some revision questions where answers were provided for me to check against. For others, I've bought full study manuals where I've identified points of weakness that needed proper study. As long it's a traditional exam (i.e. desk based) and you don't need coursework, projects, etc., then I can't see why you'd need to actually take a course if you already know most of it.
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