A Level Maths post 18

[AutismTimesTwo]

Hi,

DC is currently Y13 doing a specialised course equivalent to 3 A Levels.
They are now unsure about going into the industry that their current course would lead them to.

They are now thinking that they would like to do an A Level in Maths next academic year. They love Maths and have a 9 at GCSE. Having the A Level Maths plus their accreditation equivalent to 3 A Levels would open up their options.

Has anyone's DC done similar? As far as I can see, online providers seem to be unregulated. I think they are self motivated enough to be taught online but they are also open to attending in person.

Can you pay to study at an FE college post 18?

Would be grateful if anyone could share experience/knowledge about this.

Be aware that unis are not keen on a gap between A level maths and uni maths, so might there be an issue with two years since GCSE? I mean maybe not.

What doors would A level maths open specifically?

I would ask at local colleges and look at an online course, maybe backed up by a tutor.

So if eg they have done a computing BTEC I would think A level maths would open up more options at university.

A Level Maths would complement their current course. It would give them chance to pursue Maths/Maths heavy degree at university if they choose to go or go into a number of industries for an apprenticeship.

We are enquiring with local colleges and online providers.

How do we find a good online provider as they seem to be unregulated?

We will wait and see what the FE colleges say about fees.

I would still be interested to know if anyone has experience of their child doing an A Level after 2 years of 16-18 study.

OK OP well not my own DC but I tutor (not maths! not touting for business!) and I have worked with at least one student who was 19 by the time they took their A level. A bit different tho as they were HE and also an international student, tho based in the UK. They had studied independently and then I worked with them for a year.

If you get no joy from FE colleges as I say, a maths A level tutor might be the way forward. You can sit an A level privately at an exam centre - it costs £££ tho.

Thanks @clary, tutors would be the next option.

Yes, from what I've seen of the local independent sixth form, it is £££!

Hoping that we will find a way. DC is very capable and really wants to work, so that's half the battle.

I can say that if he got a 9 at GCSE he will be fine with A level maths. Can just use online resources. TLmaths is a great one I used to effectively self teach the course with his videos and got an A* from. Math is also an easier one to take outside of being in a properly college or sixth form as unlike the science subjects has no practical experiments etc. And there is usually just one correct answer so mark schemes are easier and don't need to be learned etc. I'd hold of on getting a tutor for now, I say this as a tutor myself. Instead watch Tlmath to learn the content and then do questions - his videos all have worked examples aswell for the relevant topic and once you have done all content can do past papers and other questions.

@Medicalstudentandchemtutor that is really helpful, thank you so much