What is distance learning?
Rather than attending school for in-person classes with teachers, distance education allows distance learning through online or correspondence methods. Students receive their distance education from tutors or teachers, and will work in their own environment to complete assignments, Distance learning can be synchronous (occurring at the same time) or asynchronous (not at the same time as teaching), or a mixture of both. This form of learning is accessible to home educators wishing to study GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Levels.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has created disruption to learners all over the world, distance learning and home-based teaching and learning may become much more important in the lives of teachers, students and their families.
If you are considering some form of distance learning, combined with your local school’s response to the pandemic, and you would like to connect with someone who has home educated, used flexi-schooling (part-time in the local school, part-time at home) and used online resources extensively to teach and continue learning, please contact me.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has created disruption to learners all over the world, distance learning and home-based teaching and learning may become much more important in the lives of teachers, students and their families.
If you are considering some form of distance learning, combined with your local school’s response to the pandemic, and you would like to connect with someone who has home educated, used flexi-schooling (part-time in the local school, part-time at home) and used online resources extensively to teach and continue learning, please contact me.
What are distance learning courses?
Distance learning courses are complete packages of materials available for purchase by students. The courses give great flexibility, allowing students to decide where and when to study and to determine a pace that suits their lifestyle. A variety of GCSEs, IGCSE, AS and A Level subjects, from a number of examination boards, are available as distance learning courses. Though students are expected to become self-taught and self-motivated, distance learning courses usually include tutor support, and tutor marked assignments (TMAs).
Distance learning courses can be a useful method of accessing GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels, especially if you are unsure about what material has to be covered, in what depth, and the skills needed for each subject. Tutors can provide useful feedback and support. Having a tutor assigned to a student can also be useful when applying for college/university or a job, as he or she can be asked to provide a reference for the student. However, distance learning courses are not for everyone: there are costs involved, and a need for self-motivation or facilitation from the home base to help the students. Additionally, the potential lack of face-to-face tutorial/teacher support can become a barrier to success. Students can feel isolated, especially if they do not understand a concept and have to wait for a tutor’s response before continuing with work.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, distance learning courses may become a necessary scaffold for students and parents. So, if this is the route you want to take, please do your research and ask questions from the distance learning course provider. If you purchase a course but you still need individualized tutorial support, you can pay for a tutor to supplement the chosen course with synchronous (in-person or online, live) support. A good tutor, well versed in GCSE, IGCSE, AS or A Levels (subject-specific or cross-curricular experienced) will be able to help.
Distance learning courses can be a useful method of accessing GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels, especially if you are unsure about what material has to be covered, in what depth, and the skills needed for each subject. Tutors can provide useful feedback and support. Having a tutor assigned to a student can also be useful when applying for college/university or a job, as he or she can be asked to provide a reference for the student. However, distance learning courses are not for everyone: there are costs involved, and a need for self-motivation or facilitation from the home base to help the students. Additionally, the potential lack of face-to-face tutorial/teacher support can become a barrier to success. Students can feel isolated, especially if they do not understand a concept and have to wait for a tutor’s response before continuing with work.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, distance learning courses may become a necessary scaffold for students and parents. So, if this is the route you want to take, please do your research and ask questions from the distance learning course provider. If you purchase a course but you still need individualized tutorial support, you can pay for a tutor to supplement the chosen course with synchronous (in-person or online, live) support. A good tutor, well versed in GCSE, IGCSE, AS or A Levels (subject-specific or cross-curricular experienced) will be able to help.
What organisations offer distance learning courses?
There are several organisations that offer distance learning courses, especially for GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels. Some organisations restrict the age at which students can start on a course, whilst others give a general time frame to complete the courses based on the traditional school courses.
As there are so many choices available, and though the courses are cheaper than hiring an individual tutor, it is best to do some research into any organisation first, to find out about the distance learning courses on offer. Most organisations are not examination centres, so distance learning students will have to find Registered Examination Centres to take their GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels. Especially for overseas students doing distance learning courses, it is best to secure an examination place at a Centre before paying for the course. Usually the organisations have a list of possible centres for private candidates that have taken distance learning courses. Alternatively, please refer to All About Examinations for more information.
I am including some of the distance learning course providers that I have researched. There are many to choose from, and if you belong to a home educators group, ask around to see what others have used and liked. Distance learning courses should work out cheaper than hiring an experienced tutor like me for individualized support, so if your budget is the issue, and you want access to GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Level subject courses, research these companies and choose accordingly!
Distance learning course providers for GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Level subjects:
As there are so many choices available, and though the courses are cheaper than hiring an individual tutor, it is best to do some research into any organisation first, to find out about the distance learning courses on offer. Most organisations are not examination centres, so distance learning students will have to find Registered Examination Centres to take their GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels. Especially for overseas students doing distance learning courses, it is best to secure an examination place at a Centre before paying for the course. Usually the organisations have a list of possible centres for private candidates that have taken distance learning courses. Alternatively, please refer to All About Examinations for more information.
I am including some of the distance learning course providers that I have researched. There are many to choose from, and if you belong to a home educators group, ask around to see what others have used and liked. Distance learning courses should work out cheaper than hiring an experienced tutor like me for individualized support, so if your budget is the issue, and you want access to GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Level subject courses, research these companies and choose accordingly!
Distance learning course providers for GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A Level subjects:
Kognity for Cambridge IGCSE (TM)
https://kognity.com/our-subjects/igcse/
https://kognity.com/our-subjects/igcse/
Kognity is my most recent discovery and I am excited about this platform.! The online textbooks are closely aligned with a few CAIE IGCSEs and the learner management system (LMS) is well structured with opportunities for flipped learning, self-paced learning, self-assessments, and exam style questions to help students and teachers prepare for examinations. If examinations are not taken (as a result of the COVID-19 impact on education) there is an opportunity to build up evidence for teacher assessed grades (TAGs) using this platform.
I will be offering small online classes for IGCSE First Language English, Mathematics and Coordinated Science in August 2021, using Kognity. If interested in finding out more, please contact me.
I will be offering small online classes for IGCSE First Language English, Mathematics and Coordinated Science in August 2021, using Kognity. If interested in finding out more, please contact me.
Wolsey Hall Oxford
https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk
https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk
Wolsey Hall Oxford has been offering Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel subjects for quite some time. They have an extensive range of subjects to choose from and use an online learner management system (LMS) to seamlessly deliver the content, assessments and tutor support. This company is well worth looking into, and I have often suggested it as one of the distance learning choices.
CambriLearn
https://www.cambrilearn.com
https://www.cambrilearn.com
I believe this company was started in South Africa, offering Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) at IGCSE, AS and A Level. They also offer the Cambridge Primary Programme, so new distance learners can see if this is a solution to potential home-based learning in the new academic school year, for younger learners. This company also uses an online learner management system (LMS) to deliver content, videos, assessments and tutor support. CambriLearn exclusively offers CAIE subjects, so this is worth looking into if you are only doing CAIE IGCSEs, AS or A Levels.
National Extension College (NEC)
www.nec.ac.uk
www.nec.ac.uk
This company has been offering distance learning courses for quite some time, using AQA board as the scaffold for their subject-specific GCSEs, AS and A Levels. As AQA exams are not offered outside of the UK, please do not take these courses unless you have access to a Registered Examination Centre in the UK.
Personally, I used NEC several years ago for one of my children as I was unsure about teaching an A Level on my own. We had to work with the AQA exam course, and find a centre in the UK (not really an issue for me as I had family nearby the centre). The course worked well, and the assigned tutor gave useful feedback on all the assessments. Importantly, the tutor also wrote a reference for university application, as home educating parents are not able to do this (possibly one of the most valuable reasons to have a tutor who knows home educated or distance learning students and can write a strong reference letter).
For peace of mind, and knowing I had chosen a high quality course for my child, the money spent for the NEC course was well worth it. This is not the cheapest distance learning course provider, but this company has the ability to do non-exam assessments (NEAs), and has links to several exam centres welcoming private candidates in the UK.
Personally, I used NEC several years ago for one of my children as I was unsure about teaching an A Level on my own. We had to work with the AQA exam course, and find a centre in the UK (not really an issue for me as I had family nearby the centre). The course worked well, and the assigned tutor gave useful feedback on all the assessments. Importantly, the tutor also wrote a reference for university application, as home educating parents are not able to do this (possibly one of the most valuable reasons to have a tutor who knows home educated or distance learning students and can write a strong reference letter).
For peace of mind, and knowing I had chosen a high quality course for my child, the money spent for the NEC course was well worth it. This is not the cheapest distance learning course provider, but this company has the ability to do non-exam assessments (NEAs), and has links to several exam centres welcoming private candidates in the UK.
UK Open College
ukopencollege.co.uk
ukopencollege.co.uk
This distance learning course provider offers GCSE and A Level subjects for AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR boards.
This distance learning course provider offers GCSE and A Level subjects for AQA and Pearson Edexcel boards.
This distance learning course provider offers GCSE and A Level subjects for AQA and Pearson Edexcel boards.
This distance learning course provider offers GCSE and A Level subjects for AQA and Pearson Edexcel boards.
This distance learning course provider offers GCSE and A Level subjects for AQA and Pearson Edexcel boards.
This distance learning course provider offers IGCSE subjects for CAIE board. This company is also run by home educators for home educators, so they are very knowledgeable about this specialist population.
This company offers valuable help with art and design courses. Please check the website and contact the course providers if you want more information on which IGCSE and A Level exam board align with the courses.
Echo Education
www.echo.education
www.echo.education
This distance learning course provider is offered by two home educators to home educators. They have worked extensively in science education and have teamed up with another experienced home educator and tutor, Catherine Mooney, to offer English courses. So, have a look at this website that offers IGCSEs for CAIE and Pearson Edexcel boards.
This is a synchronous distance learning provider. That is, this company offers students live, timetabled lessons, following a British school schedule. They offer GCSEs and IGCSEs for CAIE and Pearson Edexcel boards, as live online lessons.
[Please note that this list is not inclusive of all distance learning courses that are available, nor does this list imply that I endorse any of the courses. Choosing the right course means researching the options, and finding the best fit for your family.]
[Please note that this list is not inclusive of all distance learning courses that are available, nor does this list imply that I endorse any of the courses. Choosing the right course means researching the options, and finding the best fit for your family.]
Who takes distance learning courses?
Anyone can, but some organisations restrict courses to students over a certain age (such as 16 for IGCSEs). Distance learners are designed for students who (for whatever reason) need a more flexible approach to gaining knowledge or qualifications than found in schools; or for mature students who want to complement or complete their education. Home educators can also take distance learning courses if their teacher/tutor feels that he or she needs extra support, or if the home educators want to access IGCSE, AS or A Level examination subjects.
In our COVID-19 pandemic world, more people may turn to distance learning courses to give structure and support to learners. I recognize that this is a particularly challenging time for many people, so please research the distance learning providers and choose carefully. If you need help, contact me to explain your family's educational landscape. I may be able to narrow your search from very flexible, one-off distance learning courses, to highly structured, school-like courses. It will all depend on your family and how you want to make a seamless re-enrollment into school.
In our COVID-19 pandemic world, more people may turn to distance learning courses to give structure and support to learners. I recognize that this is a particularly challenging time for many people, so please research the distance learning providers and choose carefully. If you need help, contact me to explain your family's educational landscape. I may be able to narrow your search from very flexible, one-off distance learning courses, to highly structured, school-like courses. It will all depend on your family and how you want to make a seamless re-enrollment into school.
Can I study from overseas?
Yes, of course. Care should be taken though to ensure that any distance learning courses that are taken are the right fit for the students. If students wish to complete GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels to gain accredited, internationally recognized qualifications, it is important to find a Registered Examination Centre first. Once a Centre is found in the country, students can then purchase distance learning courses that are offered by suitable examination boards. For example, living in the USA, private candidates can only take Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE) subjects. If the students are likely to be in the UK when the examination sessions are held, they can choose subjects from a variety of examination boards. It is best to check with the particular distance learning organisation, to find out what options are available. Very few distance learning providers will take on the responsibility to find Registered Examination Centres for private candidates, or secure places to sit GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels.
What qualifications are needed to take the courses?
None, in most instances. There are usually no placement tests or qualification checks before students purchase courses. However, some distance learning courses will be easier to complete successfully if students have a certain level of knowledge comprehension and skills. Some GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels do not need any prerequisite skills. For each distance learning course, an outline of what is expected at the outset, and what can be achieved on successful completion should be clearly detailed for students.
At what age can you take the course?
Some distance learning course providers will not allow students younger than a certain age to do their courses, so check before purchase. Most courses are available to students of any age – what is more important than age is the competence of the student. It would not be sensible to buy a distance learning course that is beyond the academic limits of the student. So make sure the GCSES, IGCSEs, AS and A Levels are suited to the individual student rather than being overly concerned about age. Mature students can have many advantages over younger students, just as young students can find certain subjects no challenge at all. (One of my children started IGCSEs at 12, and A Levels at 14, because the student was academically ready.)
How much do the courses cost?
The courses are not cheap, and the prices will vary from one distance learning course provider to another. However, you are paying for a service and the expertise of numerous teachers. Most courses have tutorial help, study guides and advice for each student. If money is an issue, research the distance learning course providers and find the best fit for the student. Distance learning courses tend to be cheaper than individual tutorial support for the full duration of a subject course; you decide where your money is best spent!
What is in a course?
Each distance learning course will vary slightly, depending on the subject and the company from where it is purchased. There are some similarities that you should look for, however, when paying for a distance learning course. These include a complete package of material, self-assessment opportunities, tutor marked assignments (TMAs) or feedback, a study guide, and access to tutorials or tutors. Check what is contained in each distance learning course that you are interested in, and find the best fit.
What support is there for distance learning students?
As part of the distance learning course, students should expect support from the materials provided (such as answer keys or vocabulary explained). There should be communication between students and tutors when assignments are sent in, marked and reviewed, or when students have particular issues. As the distance learning course providers have different levels of support available for students but are very clear about what is contained in the purchase price of a course, it is up to the students to research the potential courses and get answers to their questions before buying a course.
How do you study by distance learning?
Distance learning is not for every student, as it requires the student to become self-motivated, time- and space-organised, and largely self-taught. Support is available from the distance learning course providers for the students, such as study booklet guides and tutor correspondence, but essentially the way students study will be as individual as the students themselves. So, think about the benefits and drawbacks of studying by distance learning before embarking on the courses. Ask questions before choosing the course, and when in doubt ask for help when you need it.
Where can you take distance learning IGCSE or A Level examinations?
It seems that very few of the distance learning course providers are able to offer their students an examination centre. However, most will give lists of Registered Examination Centres that the students can approach to sit their GCSEs, IGCSEs, AS or A Levels as private candidates. Whether studying distance learning courses in the UK or overseas, it is up to the students to find Registered Examination Centres that will accept them as private candidates, preferably before they start their courses.
One of the best exam centres to research is Tutors and Exams as they are very knowledgeable about home educators and distance learners. They have also expanded to several centres in the UK.
One of the best exam centres to research is Tutors and Exams as they are very knowledgeable about home educators and distance learners. They have also expanded to several centres in the UK.
Websites need to be checked often to make sure they are still relevant and the links are still active. All websites were checked and updated: April, 2021.