Biology A Level- Distance Learning Help Required

[Happymum1985]

Hi all, just wanting a bit of advice. Have made the decision to go to do a university course as a mature student, but to meet entry requirements I need a Biology A Level. I work and have a DS so evening classes not really an option, sooooo have decided to be brave and complete it via distance learning. Getting overwhelmed as I google and read all the reviews. Is it all just a rip off and easier just to buy the books and teach yourself? Or are certain providers really well structured? I am not brilliant on the old PC, so am also worried that docs will be in formats I wont be able to download/ programs I don't have... Am I over worrying and is it all quite straight forward? Thanks for any help/ advice...

You are going to find it hard next year, as the science A levels are changing. There will be 12 "required practicals" that you have to complete.

How will you do the practical work?

I've heard about this change. It must be possible surely or all the distance learning courses wouldn't still be offering it? How would you say I best approach doing the A Level in your opinion? Also, silly question but if I am doing a distance learning a level can I start it before September? And if so could I go by the old syllabus? Sorry if this seems a stupid question I don't really know!

I don't know anything about distance learning but I tutor a level biology so hopefully I can help there!

The syllabuses are changing but the way the human body, plants and ecosystems work will still be the same in September so by all means get some current textbooks and start getting to grips with the fundamentals. Work through the chapters trying all the questions, then move on to past papers which are freely available with markscheme on all the exam board websites. YouTube often has lots of helpful videos if there are concepts you don't understand.

I worry slightly that you're underestimating how difficult the content is. There's a lot of basic chemistry required and the new exams will have masses more maths than before. Lots of teachers are very worried about how their students will cope with this new maths. I don't know what you do at the moment so I really hope that isn't patronising! It might be worth budgeting for something like an intensive revision course or a tutor if you decide to go it totally alone (although I think you'll have to link up with a school or college to do your practical assessments) just in case you find it harder than you expect.

I hope that doesn't sound too negative. There's lots of really interesting stuff in the a level and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I don't know anything about it, but I do know a Yahoo group where you might be able to ask people who have BTDT: groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HE-Exams-GCSE-A_AS_Levels-OU-Others/info

This is a group for home educating families whose children are doing exams or alternative qualifications. I believe most of the chat is about IGCSEs but there are bound to be people who have done A-levels as well. Probably you can get some opinions on various distance learning providers and the difficulty of doing it alone.

Does it have to be A level biology? Would they accept a level 1 Open University science course instead? I have read that home educators often use this course for uni access rather than science A levels in order to avoid the difficulty of privately arranging the practical exams.

I agree with the above. Does it have to be A level Biology or is it A level or equivalent.. If the latter they would possibly accept an OU course and this would include some tutor support as well as distance learning materials.
OU are experts at delivering distance learning courses.
The only possible alternative would be to see if your local FE college have a flexi-study option. This would give you tutor support and access to practical facilities if needed. Am not sure if many colleges now offer this though.

Brilliant idea. OU is fantastic.

I decided to try and do a level biology 3 or 4 years ago, but found myself in a similar position to you, so I did an OU science module instead (I wasn't planning to use it to take a degree, just to supplement my other scientific qualifications). They have an Access science and maths course or several standalone science modules depending on which area of biology is most relevant.

Why not ring the admissions team for your chosen degree and discuss what other options they would accept in lieu of the A level biology?

Thankyou all so much for your advice!!! will look into OU access courses and flexi learning tonight xxx