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Are Access Courses for 'thick' people?
Apologies about this thread as I really don't mean it to be offending
Basically, I had an Access Interview yesterday, and because I had a D in GCSE Maths, they made me sit a 50question Maths Test.
Well, this test could've been done by a 3 year old it was just basical arithmatic such as 10 + 5 = ??
Anyway, I got all 50 right but my interviewer said I was the only person that has ever got all the questions right. It just made me think 'Oh My God' and people really that 'dumb' who are on an Access course.
So, can I ask, are Access courses aimed at people who aren't good enough for A-Levels?
I don't want to waste £700 on a course thats p**s easy. I'd much rather do A-Levels.
Again, apologies if this topic sounds arrogent.
Basically, I had an Access Interview yesterday, and because I had a D in GCSE Maths, they made me sit a 50question Maths Test.
Well, this test could've been done by a 3 year old it was just basical arithmatic such as 10 + 5 = ??
Anyway, I got all 50 right but my interviewer said I was the only person that has ever got all the questions right. It just made me think 'Oh My God' and people really that 'dumb' who are on an Access course.
So, can I ask, are Access courses aimed at people who aren't good enough for A-Levels?
I don't want to waste £700 on a course thats p**s easy. I'd much rather do A-Levels.
Again, apologies if this topic sounds arrogent.
Scroll to see replies
Access courses are not for people who are thick. I've just finished mine (tonight) so you do it and come back 6 months in and tell me it's for thick people!! 
I think you'll find you eat your own words. If you think it is 'inferior' (and yes you do sound arrogant which has surprised me as i didn't think you were like that, from your other posts) then do A' levels instead 
I think you'll find you eat your own words. If you think it is 'inferior' (and yes you do sound arrogant which has surprised me as i didn't think you were like that, from your other posts) then do A' levels instead It's a fair question. But no, Access Courses aren't aimed at thick people. They're aimed mainly at people over 21 (or over 19, depending on the college) who have been out of education and want to go back to university. While you will find all sorts of people on the course, intelligence isn't a factor.
There is no homogeneity among Access Courses: they can differ considerably in difficulty. Mine, for example, was neither examined nor graded, only offering a "pass" or "fail". While it was not academically challenging, it did ease me into academia and prepared me for university. Without it there's no way that I could have coped with my degree.
It may also be possible to do an A-level alongside your Access Course, which would help your university application. Though it depends which subject you plan to take.
Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions.
There is no homogeneity among Access Courses: they can differ considerably in difficulty. Mine, for example, was neither examined nor graded, only offering a "pass" or "fail". While it was not academically challenging, it did ease me into academia and prepared me for university. Without it there's no way that I could have coped with my degree.
It may also be possible to do an A-level alongside your Access Course, which would help your university application. Though it depends which subject you plan to take.
Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions.
Piers-
It's a fair question. But no, Access Courses aren't aimed at thick people. They're aimed mainly at people over 21 (or over 19, depending on the college) who have been out of education and want to go back to university. While you will find all sorts of people on the course, intelligence isn't a factor.
There is no homogeneity among Access Courses: they can differ considerably in difficulty. Mine, for example, was neither examined nor graded, only offering a "pass" or "fail". While it was not academically challenging, it did ease me into academia and prepared me for university. Without it there's no way that I could have coped with my degree.
It may also be possible to do an A-level alongside your Access Course, which would help your university application. Though it depends which subject you plan to take.
Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions.
There is no homogeneity among Access Courses: they can differ considerably in difficulty. Mine, for example, was neither examined nor graded, only offering a "pass" or "fail". While it was not academically challenging, it did ease me into academia and prepared me for university. Without it there's no way that I could have coped with my degree.
It may also be possible to do an A-level alongside your Access Course, which would help your university application. Though it depends which subject you plan to take.
Good luck and feel free to ask any other questions.
Hmmm, you didn't think it was academically challenging? Well, i've got A' level and an access diploma, and i thought the access course was just as challenging as the A' levels. But then again, my A' levels are in Law, Psychology and Geography (Social science/humanities subjects) - my access course was access to pure science, and i found it more challenging than the A' levels. i guess it depends on the type of access course
'cos the course i have just finished was by no means easy.Hands_Clean
Apologies about this thread as I really don't mean it to be offending
Basically, I had an Access Interview yesterday, and because I had a D in GCSE Maths, they made me sit a 50question Maths Test.
Well, this test could've been done by a 3 year old it was just basical arithmatic such as 10 + 5 = ??
Anyway, I got all 50 right but my interviewer said I was the only person that has ever got all the questions right. It just made me think 'Oh My God' and people really that 'dumb' who are on an Access course.
So, can I ask, are Access courses aimed at people who aren't good enough for A-Levels?
I don't want to waste £700 on a course thats p**s easy. I'd much rather do A-Levels. Again, apologies if this topic sounds arrogent.
Basically, I had an Access Interview yesterday, and because I had a D in GCSE Maths, they made me sit a 50question Maths Test.
Well, this test could've been done by a 3 year old it was just basical arithmatic such as 10 + 5 = ??
Anyway, I got all 50 right but my interviewer said I was the only person that has ever got all the questions right. It just made me think 'Oh My God' and people really that 'dumb' who are on an Access course.
So, can I ask, are Access courses aimed at people who aren't good enough for A-Levels?
I don't want to waste £700 on a course thats p**s easy. I'd much rather do A-Levels. Again, apologies if this topic sounds arrogent.
I've taught maths to an access course (Access for Science) so I know a little bit about it.
As far as maths is concerned I'd say on the access course we covered probably the first two A level pure modules (C1 and C2) and part of S1 and part of M1.
So in terms of content not as complete as a full A level in maths - but then it isn't intended to be!
Most people doing access courses have been away from education for a number of years, so it is a bridge betwen their previous academic work and what is expected now in terms of academic performance at university/college etc.
Also many people doing access courses are in full time work so could not undertake a full time 3 a level course.
So they aren't for "thick" people -- whether you should do access or A levels depends on you and what you want to do in the future (for example, if you want to do a maths degree at Cambridge - and I am only using this as an example - you will find they want A levels in maths, not access). So if you know what you want to do next, check with the college/university what their entrance requirements are for the course you want to study.
.
Hands_Clean, maybe you just live in an area with lots of thick poeple? ;o)
Access courses are the same academic level as A levels and, judging by my timetable for the science Access course I'm starting in September, are certainly not for thickos. I personally think they are better as they cover a good range of subjects, depending on the course you do. Mine covers biology, chemisty, physics and also basic computer and study skills, and there's continual assessment, not just relying on end of year exams.
My course is four days a week and I prefer to study like this rather than the odd evening/afternoon for A levels.
T O R N E R O - You've got me worried that the science access is really difficult! What are you doing in September?
Access courses are the same academic level as A levels and, judging by my timetable for the science Access course I'm starting in September, are certainly not for thickos. I personally think they are better as they cover a good range of subjects, depending on the course you do. Mine covers biology, chemisty, physics and also basic computer and study skills, and there's continual assessment, not just relying on end of year exams.
My course is four days a week and I prefer to study like this rather than the odd evening/afternoon for A levels.
T O R N E R O - You've got me worried that the science access is really difficult! What are you doing in September?
T O R N E
Hmmm, you didn't think it was academically challenging? Well, i've got A' level and an access diploma, and i thought the access course was just as challenging as the A' levels. But then again, my A' levels are in Law, Psychology and Geography (Social science/humanities subjects) - my access course was access to pure science, and i found it more challenging than the A' levels. i guess it depends on the type of access course 'cos the course i have just finished was by no means easy.
'cos the course i have just finished was by no means easy.The course I took was "Access to midwifery", and only changed to a general Access Course the year that I went. It was, however, still very geared towards midwives: about 70% of the people on the course were middle-aged mothers looking to go into that area.
Truth be told, at the time I found parts of it very demanding. It's more in hindsight that I say it was quite easy. That said, it did get me into university and prepare me for the degree. Overall, very happy with it!
That test was probably just to make sure you weren't completely stupid. Loads of places do them - in employment, as well. I mean my brother joined the army 10 years ago at 17, with A grade English GCSE. They still make him do a basic English test every time he is promoted. It's daft, but it's just the way the system works.
Ditto to what you guys said above.
Just because you found the test easy it doesn’t mean the access course will be too. I (and some others) found couple of units were hard and challenging to get our grips on but eventually my friends and lecturers were there to help. Thank goodness.
I remember less than 2 yrs ago (before I started GCSE course) anyone with D in Maths and below/ or hasn’t done maths for a long time had to do a maths test (this was for GCSE Maths…. and same goes for English). They just want to know if we were capable with numbers (and literacy)..... I had to do maths and literacy tests last year again even though I got a B in Maths and a C in English.
Just because you found the test easy it doesn’t mean the access course will be too. I (and some others) found couple of units were hard and challenging to get our grips on but eventually my friends and lecturers were there to help. Thank goodness.
I remember less than 2 yrs ago (before I started GCSE course) anyone with D in Maths and below/ or hasn’t done maths for a long time had to do a maths test (this was for GCSE Maths…. and same goes for English). They just want to know if we were capable with numbers (and literacy)..... I had to do maths and literacy tests last year again even though I got a B in Maths and a C in English.
I am just about to complete my Access course (on Tuesday) and by the end of the first term I wish I had taken A levels instead.
The reason I say this is because the Access course is not graded. I've worked hard all year and have achieved over 85% in all exams and assessments. I'm very proud of the work I've done. Yet there are others on the course who do the bare minimum and achieve the 50% pass mark. Despite putting in so much effort, I will still walk away with exactly the same qualification as those who scraped pass marks. For this reason alone, I wish I studied A levels.
As far as them being for 'thick' people, I believe its as taxing as you want it to be. In order to make sure I'm up to standard when I go to uni, I make sure I go above and beyond what's needed and expected in order to pass. I'm confident that this will help me do well and I'm not worried about being at a lower level than people who have studied A levels. I have sat a past A level paper for my sociology exam and achieved 94% so I know I'm as ready as I will ever be for uni.
Sorry, I've rambled on. What I'm trying to say is the Access is as good as you want it to be. Put in the effort and you will reap the rewards.
The reason I say this is because the Access course is not graded. I've worked hard all year and have achieved over 85% in all exams and assessments. I'm very proud of the work I've done. Yet there are others on the course who do the bare minimum and achieve the 50% pass mark. Despite putting in so much effort, I will still walk away with exactly the same qualification as those who scraped pass marks. For this reason alone, I wish I studied A levels.
As far as them being for 'thick' people, I believe its as taxing as you want it to be. In order to make sure I'm up to standard when I go to uni, I make sure I go above and beyond what's needed and expected in order to pass. I'm confident that this will help me do well and I'm not worried about being at a lower level than people who have studied A levels. I have sat a past A level paper for my sociology exam and achieved 94% so I know I'm as ready as I will ever be for uni.
Sorry, I've rambled on. What I'm trying to say is the Access is as good as you want it to be. Put in the effort and you will reap the rewards.
It is also worth pointing out that you don't have to do an Access course to get into uni as a mature student - even without A-Levels.
The access course is graded. You get points for each bit of work you complete. 48 (if I remember correctly) is a pass mark (36 of which must be level 3). But you can get a maximum of 72 points. The more points you get the better the pass mark.
MiaWallace
I am just about to complete my Access course (on Tuesday) and by the end of the first term I wish I had taken A levels instead.
The reason I say this is because the Access course is not graded. I've worked hard all year and have achieved over 85% in all exams and assessments. I'm very proud of the work I've done. Yet there are others on the course who do the bare minimum and achieve the 50% pass mark. Despite putting in so much effort, I will still walk away with exactly the same qualification as those who scraped pass marks. For this reason alone, I wish I studied A levels.
As far as them being for 'thick' people, I believe its as taxing as you want it to be. In order to make sure I'm up to standard when I go to uni, I make sure I go above and beyond what's needed and expected in order to pass. I'm confident that this will help me do well and I'm not worried about being at a lower level than people who have studied A levels. I have sat a past A level paper for my sociology exam and achieved 94% so I know I'm as ready as I will ever be for uni.
Sorry, I've rambled on. What I'm trying to say is the Access is as good as you want it to be. Put in the effort and you will reap the rewards.
The reason I say this is because the Access course is not graded. I've worked hard all year and have achieved over 85% in all exams and assessments. I'm very proud of the work I've done. Yet there are others on the course who do the bare minimum and achieve the 50% pass mark. Despite putting in so much effort, I will still walk away with exactly the same qualification as those who scraped pass marks. For this reason alone, I wish I studied A levels.
As far as them being for 'thick' people, I believe its as taxing as you want it to be. In order to make sure I'm up to standard when I go to uni, I make sure I go above and beyond what's needed and expected in order to pass. I'm confident that this will help me do well and I'm not worried about being at a lower level than people who have studied A levels. I have sat a past A level paper for my sociology exam and achieved 94% so I know I'm as ready as I will ever be for uni.
Sorry, I've rambled on. What I'm trying to say is the Access is as good as you want it to be. Put in the effort and you will reap the rewards.
Access credits are different throughout the country. Old and new system. The course I'm studying on is all level 3. You have the opportunity to gain 22 credits, you need 18 to pass. It doesn't matter if you get 18 credits or the full 22 credits a pass is still a pass.
I believe what I'm studying is the new system with AQA
From the AQA website -
AQA-validated Access courses are unit-based. Each unit is assessed at Level 3 and normally attracts 1-3 credits. An Access certificate is awarded on the successful completion of 18 credits.
I believe what I'm studying is the new system with AQA
From the AQA website -
AQA-validated Access courses are unit-based. Each unit is assessed at Level 3 and normally attracts 1-3 credits. An Access certificate is awarded on the successful completion of 18 credits.
My lecturer said something about introducing a new access course soon (might already in places at some colleges) – Access to HE Diploma which can be graded a: ‘pass’, ‘merit’ and ‘distinction’ for level 3 units but not for level 2.
At our college they only offer level 3, 6 credits for each unit except for IT which is 3 credits each. The maximum credits you can achieve are 81.
It’s ridiculous how the credit system is different at other colleges, why can’t it be all the same.
…..and access course are not for think people.
At our college they only offer level 3, 6 credits for each unit except for IT which is 3 credits each. The maximum credits you can achieve are 81.
It’s ridiculous how the credit system is different at other colleges, why can’t it be all the same.
…..and access course are not for think people.
I completed my Access course yesterday and I thought it was quite tough. I only did an evening course, which is basically 3 1/2 hrs on a Monday evening, and 3 1/2 hours on a Wednesday evening.
However, we had 9 or 10 full scale assignments to complete over the course of the year, and they were not easy. To be honest, they were all needing to be completed at Level 3 (A-Level standard).
The problem I found with Access courses however, is that people were given too many second chances...if their work was 'only' a level 2 standard, they got a referral, which means they could have another chance to add things to get it upto a level 3. Everyone was allowed 5 referrals during the year.
In Access courses, at least in mine, you get the same amount of credits (3 per assignment) regardless of whether you have a level 2 or a level 3, but the criteria for passing the course was that at least 45 of the necessary 60 credits were required at level 3.
My portfilio was something like this:
Biology: 4 assignments (12 credits at level 3)
Psychology: 5 assignments (15 credits at level 3)
Extended Assignment: (9 credits at level 3)
Exam Skills: (3 credits at level 3)
Tutorial Unit: (3 credits at level 3)
Communications: (6 credits at level 3)
Maths: (6 credits at level 2)*
I.T.: (6 credits at level 2)*
* Maths and I.T. were only taught upto level 2 standard
So in total, I have 48 credits at level 3, and 12 credits at level 2. This gives me the minimum of 60 credits required for passing the course. Other people in my class took extra work (maybe chemistry assignments, plus an additional biology one, as well as work experience modules), so they ended up with around 70-75 credits.
Their chemistry modules may have been required by their choice of university for admission (forensic science etc.), so that's why they did them. However, they still get exactly the same qualification as me, regardless of their extra hard work.
My presentation evening is Monday 2nd July.
However, we had 9 or 10 full scale assignments to complete over the course of the year, and they were not easy. To be honest, they were all needing to be completed at Level 3 (A-Level standard).
The problem I found with Access courses however, is that people were given too many second chances...if their work was 'only' a level 2 standard, they got a referral, which means they could have another chance to add things to get it upto a level 3. Everyone was allowed 5 referrals during the year.
In Access courses, at least in mine, you get the same amount of credits (3 per assignment) regardless of whether you have a level 2 or a level 3, but the criteria for passing the course was that at least 45 of the necessary 60 credits were required at level 3.
My portfilio was something like this:
Biology: 4 assignments (12 credits at level 3)
Psychology: 5 assignments (15 credits at level 3)
Extended Assignment: (9 credits at level 3)
Exam Skills: (3 credits at level 3)
Tutorial Unit: (3 credits at level 3)
Communications: (6 credits at level 3)
Maths: (6 credits at level 2)*
I.T.: (6 credits at level 2)*
* Maths and I.T. were only taught upto level 2 standard
So in total, I have 48 credits at level 3, and 12 credits at level 2. This gives me the minimum of 60 credits required for passing the course. Other people in my class took extra work (maybe chemistry assignments, plus an additional biology one, as well as work experience modules), so they ended up with around 70-75 credits.
Their chemistry modules may have been required by their choice of university for admission (forensic science etc.), so that's why they did them. However, they still get exactly the same qualification as me, regardless of their extra hard work.
My presentation evening is Monday 2nd July.
I just finished mine and the pass is 60 credits, 45 must be level 3 and 15 level 2 that being saif my uni asked for a pass with 54 level 3's so its worth finding that out too.
I dont think its for thick people, i consider myself fairly intelligent and have worked my perogatorys off for my pass, however as many have pointed out its what you put in that you get out, there are the few that turn up hand in the bare minimum and pass but i can say that with my grades or credits i am fully confident of being able to work to uni level now which is why i took the course in the first place.
I dont think the the word easy applys really but hey i'm biased
I dont think its for thick people, i consider myself fairly intelligent and have worked my perogatorys off for my pass, however as many have pointed out its what you put in that you get out, there are the few that turn up hand in the bare minimum and pass but i can say that with my grades or credits i am fully confident of being able to work to uni level now which is why i took the course in the first place.
I dont think the the word easy applys really but hey i'm biased
Problem with Access courses as they differ in standards. I agree with Mikeha's post above, it really depends what you want to do. All things equal, you're better off doing A levels. They are much more widely accepted and recognised by employers.
Well I wouldn't say it was for thick people. I got 6 unconditional offers from the results of my access course so the Universities obviously think I am doing something right (that is with interviews or anything - purely based on my academic results and examples of my work). I think a lot of that though was because of the reference I got from one of my teachers.
hi i did an access course so that i could get into uni. I am a mature student so it was easier for me to do an access course which took one year and is assessed differently to a levels. I already had some qualifications before i did the access course so i think its all about how the college/uni see the access course, i know some unis i looked at didn't like the idea.
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