The Student Room Group

A levels... self teach, distance learning or college?

Hi :smile:

I graduate next year from Univeristy and I'm hoping to study for some a levels when I finish to help me get into teaching.

I'm looking at teaching Maths or Science at secondary level because there in shortage - but my degree was in the arts and I didn't do them for a levels. (shortage subjects only require a levels and then a course before PGCE to equip you properly)

Could anyone suggest a distance learning provider for these subjects and whether they recommend this mode of studying? Or if you know any colleges in and around London who offer this part time (as I would work around it) or whether it works out and is easier to self teach then take it at en exam centre?

Thanks!
Hi. Many schools require you to teach maths and physics, or physics/chemistry/biology, so make sure you pick the right combination of A levels.

The problems with distance learning, are that you probably wont get access to a lab for learning practicals, and they don't generally include exams: you will have to find and pay for your own exam centre. Self-teaching maths A level is not too hard, but with science subjects, you come up against the same problems with practicals.

I hope somebody can recommend a college. If you can find one that admits mature students for A levels, this would be your best bet, but these seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. You may need to spend an afternoon phoning around colleges in your local area to see whether they would be willing to take you.
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zoelaylee
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Original post by Schadenfreude65
Hi. Many schools require you to teach maths and physics, or physics/chemistry/biology, so make sure you pick the right combination of A levels.

The problems with distance learning, are that you probably wont get access to a lab for learning practicals, and they don't generally include exams: you will have to find and pay for your own exam centre. Self-teaching maths A level is not too hard, but with science subjects, you come up against the same problems with practicals.

I hope somebody can recommend a college. If you can find one that admits mature students for A levels, this would be your best bet, but these seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. You may need to spend an afternoon phoning around colleges in your local area to see whether they would be willing to take you.


Hi, thank you for that!

There are a few colleges I've found in London it's just that its £700-£800 a course! And distance learning is about half that... And obviously self teaching cheaper. Maybe I'll teach myself Maths for now and see which exam centres or schools will take lab practicals for the others!
Maybe self-teach maths, and cough up the £700-£800 for the physics? Are you aware of Professional and Career Development Loans? It might be worth seeing if you qualify, as it would ease the burden in the short term.

https://www.gov.uk/career-development-loans/overview
Original post by zoelaylee
Hi :smile:

1. I graduate next year from Univeristy and I'm hoping to study for some a levels when I finish to help me get into teaching.

2. I'm looking at teaching Maths or Science at secondary level because there in shortage - but my degree was in the arts and I didn't do them for a levels. (shortage subjects only require a levels and then a course before PGCE to equip you properly)

Could anyone suggest a distance learning provider for these subjects and whether they recommend this mode of studying? Or if you know any colleges in and around London who offer this part time (as I would work around it) or whether it works out and is easier to self teach then take it at en exam centre?

Thanks!


You again. :tongue:

1. Your first question should be: What year group I would like to teach? Primary (you need to know all the subjects)? Or secondary (you specialised in two subjects)? If you teach something you are not passionate about you will burn out early.

2. See point 1. Don't go for a subject just because it is in shortage. I suggest you get yourself some work experience in a school, observing teachers of those subjects before you embark on a year-long journey to study them to teach them. Also, if you teach Math, you might also be asked to teach physics, bear that in mind. While only one subject is needed for secondary, two subjects is becoming the norm.

I think before you set out to study you need to make sure you know what it's like to teach those subjects and, once you know that, whether you would like to teach those subjects. Being proactive is good. Being proactive and having a well-defined plan is better.

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