Maths A-level, mature student

Hi,

I'm interested in studying for a maths A-level. I am 25 and work full-time. I studied 3 a-levels (Psychology, Sociolgy, Eng Lit) when i was younger and got a Sociology degree 3 years ago. I want to do a maths a-level now as i feel my numerical skills are lacking. I have looked at a few college websites, but they dont seem to cater for someone in my position, hoping to sytudy a single A-level part time, only for 16-19 year olds studying a set of 3 full time. Has anyone else in my positon studied a level (s) and how did you go about it?
I have considered distance/home learning, however I am a bit unsure about this as i am sure i will find maths challenging and would prefer close classroom tuition. Has anyone studied this way? Was it ok? and would you recommend any particular providers?
As i have not studied maths since GCSE (achieving a C) almost ten years ago, i was wondering if anyone could suggest a way of me to brush up my skills in preparation for the A-level?
I get the impression its not very common for someone in my position to study a single A level, however i dont see why this should be so. Would the addition of a maths A-level not strengthen a persons CV considerably?
Any advice will be appreciated
Thanks
Mark

Reply 1

gdunne42

Not sure if A level maths would enhance your CV unless it was very relevant to the kind of jobs you were applying for, mostly I think it's a matter of experience.

Anyway, just done it myself. First year to complete the AS was an evening class at a local college. They didn't do A2 in the evenings so second year was distance learning with the National Extension College. I too preferred the traditional classroom approach and found it hard at times to keep going with the self study. The NEC materials were good (despite a few errors in the answers) and the tutor support by phone/email was excellent whenever I asked for it.

With only a C at GCSE you are likely to find even the AS is challenging. The topics you didn't master at GCSE are more than likely those that form the core of A level, especially the algebra and trigonometry.

This self study would help brush up key GCSE level knowledge that would be essential for success at AS:
00 Starting AS with confidence 2008 booklet.pdf
These websites may also be useful
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/maths.html
http://www.waldomaths.com/index1116.jsp
the algebra section here: http://www.kentfurthermaths.org/?page_id=5

As an alternative to A level you could study maths with the OU.
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mathematics-and-statistics/mathematics/index.htm
You could start at a level that reinforces/extends your GCSE skills and take it as far and fast as you want.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Reply 2

gdunne42

P.S. You are not alone:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=967354

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=967197

Reply 3

Fraser_Integration

A-Level maths is very fulfilling I would say go for it. I have just completed it part-time too (I am 23 now) whilst working. I used the NEC distance learning course. Very well written course material, and plenty of assignments to send off and get back marked with example answers if you go wrong, as well as a personal tutor to call/email. It gets challenging in the later topics, but to be honest there is a wealth of information out there, a lot of it free websites, so dont let the difficulty put you off.

When i was looking into doing it at night school, I couldnt find anywhere that did it. I guess there isnt much market for working adults to do A-Levels, they mostly do work related NVQs. I actually had to do Physics A-Level part time during the day time, my work were cool about letting me make hours up.

Reply 4

Rexantony

East Riding College in Beverley is one of the few colleges which runs a taught A level maths course aimed at mature students.The course is taught at two 2 hour evening sessions each week, over two years. The cost is currently £695 per annum, which in most cases can be funded by an advanced learner loan.