Private Candidates for Combined Science GCSE - Has Anyone Got Any Experience?

[Timbachick]

Hello All,

I have, after much consideration decided that I want to study for a PGCE. To this end I have just (re)taken my Maths GCSE, to get a better grade. I was advised that I couldn't take the science GCSE at the same College, so decided to wait and do it privately.

I have just enrolled on a home study course that will ultimately end in me taking the three papers - biology, chemistry and physics. It was specified that we, as students, are responsible for finding our own places to take these exams (and the accompanying assessed ISA's (practical elements).

It would appear that it is actually quite difficult to find a place that will allow you to sit these exams/practicals (something to do with mixing adults with younger people).

I just thought, as you guys are a knowledgeable lot, if anyone out there had done this and where did you sit the exam. I am based in London, am prepared to travel to sit the exams (eg: to Hertfordshire etc) and pay the appropriate fees.

Any help/advice/suggestions/information would be gratefully received.

Thank you for getting to the end of this post, sorry it is so long.

It is not combined science it is core science. I would advise you post on the TES website (probably under Science) I know blazer has external students do their ISAs at his school in Birmingham.

It is easy enough to find a school to sit the exams. We certainly take private candidates at our school. They are never alone with our students - they come in and go straight to the exam room where they are always under supervision. We have quite a palaver at checking passports to make sure it is the correct candidate.

The issue with the main Science specifications is that you have to do IAAs or ISAs - exams based on practicals undertaken in school, as part of the regular teaching and learning, and marked by the teacher. These modules make the standard GCSE science exams unsuitable for private candidates.

A better option is to study at nightschool or to consider the IGCSE.

Thank you for your responses mummytime and MmeRedWhiteandBlueberry.

Much appreciated. I know that I will be having the ISA element carried out at home, with work on it marked off by my tutor - this work is then sent to the exam centre who then provide invigilation on questions asked specifically about the practical I did. So, it was really a question of finding a location where I could sit this.

Think I have found something in London though I will certainly check on TES.

Thank you very much for your helpful information.

Hello

I have sat exams as a private candidate at The Lodge School in Purley which is just a little way out of London.

I am also thinking about doing a PCGE in primary

Hi Molly1978. Thanks for that - I will put it down in my folder.

It seems strange that I have been reading so may posts on student sites that seem to say that finding places to sit theory and practicals is really really hard...but so far I have found three places plus yours now! Perhaps they just didn't have Mumsnet???

When do you think you will start your training?

Have you read in TES that the Govt are thinking about (planning to) scrap the PGCE and force all training into the classroom? It is in this weeks TES (current issue). Have a read - it might affect whether you study at Uni or via the classroom.

Good luck in your studies - keep in touch , it would be good to know what you do and how it goes.

Thanks again.

Hi

I am looking to start training in 2012 in London.

When are you planning on starting? Will you be in London?

I haven't read the TES issue but will have a look at it although I was considering the GTR route at one stage but I think I would prefer to do the PGCE.

oh and should mention I did an exam only course and am not sure about the practicals at Lodge School

No worries. Think I may have found a couple of places that will let me sit the theories and practicals

I hope to start training in 2011 ... am trying to push myself as my DH has been made redundant and (1) needs to get another job but also (2) needs some assistance now with the money earning side of things. Thankfully DS is now 10 and will be moving into secondary school in Sept 2011 (he is just finishing Y5).

Yes, I am in London. NW London to be more exact. There is a good course at the Uni of Hertfordshire that affords some flexibility and more home study than full-time study on-site. I was looking at that one as it gives me more time to work part-time and look after my DS. Are you in London? Where are you looking at studying?

I too am considering the GTR route - at least I will be earning SOMETHING and will have on the job experience when it comes to applying for other jobs ... always a plus!!

I lknow you can subscribe to TES - think it may be £1 an issue for the first 3 or 6 months so maybe worth a look. Alternatively, WHSmiths do it, think it comes out every Friday although I pick up a late copy on Weds.

Hope to catch up with you soon?