How do I apply for DS1 to do his IGCSEs using a computer instead of writing?

[ToffeeWhirl]

This is still a long way off, as he is not working on any yet, but I have been wondering what the procedure is for this and whether anyone here has any experience of this.

At the moment, DS1 (13) practises his handwriting for five to ten minutes daily. He can't do more than that because it makes his hand hurt too much. He has been doing the daily practise for four months now and his writing has improved in the handwriting exercise books, but as soon as he has to write something himself, it's all over the place. He is embarrassed by it, but he just can't seem to improve.

He is using a Nessy Touchtyping programme (for dyslexics) as this is clearly a skill that he is going to need. I get him to do as much of his work as possible on the computer as he can then do work that he is proud of. The difference between what he writes and what he types is extraordinary. You would think it was a different child.

Incidentally, he is on a waiting list to see an OT for his handwriting issues. We have been waiting over a year now.

So, when the time comes for DS1 to sit exams, and assuming his writing hasn't caught up by then (which I don't think it will. Interestingly, his Dad also has poor handwriting and struggled with writing in exams at school), how do I apply for dispensation for him to type answers, rather than write them? Do I write to the exam board and ask them? Will they provide a computer, or will we have to bring one ourselves? What sort of evidence will we need to provide to prove that DS needs this opportunity? How easy is it to get permission?

I am worrying about it now because it has dawned on me that he really isn't going to be able to demonstrate his abilities through writing. Can anyone put my mind at rest?

[morethanpotatoprints]

The free printer did not come round to visit me, lol. . See, I try so hard and still my bad English haunts me.

[ToffeeWhirl]

I'm not sure about that SDeuchers. I would hope he'd be ready, but there is no guarantee. Anxiety remains a big issue for him, so going to college would be a huge challenge. However, he is still only 13 and has made a lot of progress in the last few months, so who knows? Thank you for the suggestion and I will bear that option in mind. I would certainly like to delegate all the arrangements to somebody else if I could.

Do you know if all colleges take children of 15 and 16? I have looked at the website of our local college and it doesn't mention it. However, I have recently received a copy of a letter from the local college via my local home ed group, which states that: "from September 2013, we will be able to enroll 14 and 15 year olds as full time students. We are really excited about this as we have worked with part-time students of this age for many years." So this suggests that there is an option available already. The full-time option is based at a college a long way away and I'm not sure DS would be able to cope with that.

Maris - I like the idea of a mentor for DS. He will need someone to help him, that's for sure.

more - it's really odd that mature students get so much support when school children don't . I'm glad you had such great advice and support yourself though. at the printer coming to visit.

[SDeuchars]

FWIW, if in two or three years you still think college will be too much, the OU may be a good option - it takes people with no qualifications, you can get a full degree and it is very good at providing help, including physical aids to support conditions such as dyslexia. No-one gets upset if students do not attend tutorials and individuals may be assessed for additional one-to-one assistance.

(I have been an associate lecturer for 12 years and have also been a student and had two home ed DC study with the OU.)

[ToffeeWhirl]

Thank you, SDeuchars, I will bear that in mind. Do you know at what age students can apply? I think I read that your DC were able to start doing courses quite young, but that the rules have now been changed so that you have to be older. Not that DS1 is anywhere near ready for that level of learning yet.

[SDeuchars]

Yes, we started at 13-14. But that was because we were using OU courses instead of GCSEs and A-levels to prove to bricks-and-mortar universities that the DC were able to do their courses.

There is no change to the age at which you can apply.

The change is that OU courses are now funded from the same pot as other university courses. That means that any OU courses taken impact on the amount of loan available for other university courses, which would likely mean having to pay fees upfront at some point (either for OU or for the final year at ANO uni).

The other effect is that 120 credits in OU modules now cost £5000pa, which translates to a single 30-credit module costing £1250 instead of the £450 it cost two years ago.

However, if a young person is not going to go to a bricks-and-mortar university but would like a degree, then they can start on the OU as soon as they like (although I'd recommend being careful what you start with and not starting until 13-14 because of the maturity required to get the most out of some courses).

[mummytime]

A lot of colleges do have 14-16 year olds, but mainly as day release from schools. For example at my DCs school, as part of their Options they can choose to do a one or two day college course instead of other subjects (normally Bricklaying or Hairdressing or Animal Care etc.).

[SDeuchars]

From September 2013, most colleges in England will be able to enrol 14 and 15 year olds without the LA or a school being involved. They will be able to access funding directly from the DfE.

[http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/qandlearning/a00218341/wolf-review-recommendation-19 Information about the new 14-16 provision]

[SDeuchars]

Sorry, try this: Information about the new 14-16 provision

[morethanpotatoprints]

Toffee.

The majority of my students needed some type of support as many had been let down by the system. It really shocked and upset me as I thought the system had improved since my school days.
Why it is left for FE providers to pick up the pieces is a mystery to me, obviously apart from the financial aspect.
For the short time I could stand the work it was so rewarding to know I had a part in making these young peoples chances in life increase. I see some around town now in Travel Agents, Retail, Leisure Centres. Some of these were uncontrolable to begin with. Say something they didn't like and you saw a chair thrown across the room, regular out bursts. Usually during an observation, or inspection.

[morethanpotatoprints]

Toffee.

Sorry, I meant to say. The whole Wolffe review makes very good reading, and you should be able to access it easily enough.
I think provision in the colleges will be much better for dc who have experienced H.ed. I really don't like the idea of dd going to secondary school even though she's only 9.
Also don't forget if you find a local college supplying the full 14 - 19 provision there will be more variety in the basic English and Maths qualifications equivalent to GCSE's and more than likely taught through Key Skills. My experience here found dedicated staff used to interacting with young people who struggle in these areas. They are trained to be more sympathetic unlike secondary school teachers.

[MariscallRoad]

SDeuchars thanks for the info I ll tell friends

[ToffeeWhirl]

Thank you for the information on OU courses and costs, SDeuchars. That is very useful to know. Thanks too for the info on courses for 14/15 year olds. It is really helpful to know what Ds's options are.

morethan - that must have been very rewarding work. It's good to know that DS1 will be able to access support at FE college. Will have a look for the Wolffe review, thanks.