WIBU to tell my 62 year old dad there's no point in him doing A-Levels!?

[redsector]

My dad has apparently been inspired by his grandchildren! to do a couple of A-Levels. He's a brainy old folk and has recently been told of a discount in tutoring (what my dc used as family friend) so would like to give it a go. Surely it's a waste of time/ effort/ money, etc!? Or do I just roll with it?

Yes- because he's going to fail because he is so incredibly old and decrepit at 62...........Jesus wept!

I'd love to do more A Levels for no other reason than to learn stuff. I can't find anywhere local were you can do them "for pleasure" though. You have to be 16-19 in most places and the ones that do evening don't do what I want

music well done on your Alevel results

Aaaww thank you MrsJayy. I injured myself badly a few weeks before the exam so missed all the revision sessions and had to self study at the end, meaning I wasn't so sure of the A as I had been throughout the year. I was ridiculously chuffed! I can't really put it on facebrag as I have friends with children in that year, and a DD in that year myself (different educational establishment; I'm not stalking her!) who didn't do quite so well - so it's nice to tell someone - and prove that older doesn't equal stupid

Go for it runrabbit! My PhD student even managed to get full funding. The research council clearly didn't consider her too old (and quite right too!)!

EverySongBird many colleges (not school sixth forms) will admit older students on their 16-19 courses if you ask. That's what I'm doing. I thought it would be weird being in with 16 year olds, though I'm used to teenagers. It's been fine. I have to pay but have a 24+ advanced learning loan.

Your dad is only 62 and could be around for another 20-30 years.What do you want him to do with his time - just sit around and wait to die? YABVVU!

You can't be a folk. It's plural

Why the hell not?!

My mum has just done her maths and English GCSEs. It's been brilliant for her confidence. Why not?

When someone asked me the other day what I'd do if I won the lottery I would do multiple degrees. Just for kicks because I love learning

Do you routinely avoid doing things which you might find hard?

Those struggling to find courses, depending on the subject, you could self study; buy the course books, past papers online and sit as an independent candidate. Not for everyone, but can be done.

Well done, Musicposy!

MrsJayy you should try the Duolingo app for your Gaelige. I'm learning French and so far it's great

I don't see how he can 'fail'. Whatever happens he will have learned something.

Oh will look into that thank you Demented

Op, your dad sounds very impressive.

I would be very proud of him.

Lots of people don't bother or aren't open to learning something new.

Him doing more study, having curiosity and interest is a great thing.

I think Britain in general is anti intellectual. Learning is seen as utilitarian, for a job or a qualification. Whereas learning for its own sake is wonderful.

He is keeping himself alive and alert. Surely that is never a bad thing!

Good for him, encourage him!

Not sure why you think he'd be likely to fail. The vast majority of the mature students I have taught have been hugely motivated and hard working which is a massive help - they all really want to do whatever course they are on, whereas younger students can sometimes be there because it's expected of them, or because they just don't know what else to do.

Thanks musicposy

Your dad is really cool op. Can someone please start a thread in 30 years reminding me I thought this was a brilliant idea for my own retirement?!

DH got his masters in maths aged 65. We're both now studying a long dead language, just for the sake of it. Better than watching the TV all the time. We're 61 and 68.

What do you think your father ought to do, OP? Stop living and learning and just wait to die? That could be 30 to 40 years! Would you not do something you wanted to do because you "only" had 30 to 40 years of life left? How about if you knew you only had 2 years of life left? Is that a reason not to do something, or is it a reason to do it sooner rather than later since you only get one life? I can't understand your attitude at all. Your father wants to do something while he still can! Why on earth would you have even the slightest disagreement with that - even if it was anything to do with you - which it isn't.