Open University for 16+

sharpmind · 2024-05-29T14:42:38+00:00

Has anyone else's DC considered/enrolled on OU (e.g open degree pathway) instead of A Levels? Keen to hear other's experiences.

Saracen · 31/05/2024 08:05

Sorry you haven't had any answers yet! I have no experience of this but have heard of others who have. I've heard it discussed on the national home ed Facebook groups, so you might ask on one of those. There's some information here too: https://he-exams.fandom.com/wiki/Open_University

Open University

The OU has been popular with home educators and some used to take OU qualifications as an alternative to A-levels, but the funding situation changed a few years ago and now the decision is more complex. OU courses used to be a cheap alternative to A-le...

https://he-exams.fandom.com/wiki/Open_University

WithOneLook · 31/05/2024 08:16

No I haven't but I have studied with the OU myself. I would say they are a brilliant organisation both in terms of supporting students who have other life commitments and/or students who for whatever don't have the right qualifications to access other degree routes. Having said that, they don't spoon feed the materials. There is a huge amount of independent study and whilst tutors are great at helping/guiding students they do expect that you mostly just get on with it/do your own research rather than 'asking the teacher for the answer'. It's a different expectation to a-levels (which are in themselves a step up from GCSE). Personally I found the OU less 'spoon feeding' than some traditional universities. I would be concerned that many 16 year olds wouldn't have the skills/self motivation/emotional maturity to cope with the OU mode of study not to mention the step up. It going to depend very much on the individual though. They do loads of free short courses so maybe it would be worth having a look at some of those for a idea of how they work.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 31/05/2024 08:24

WithOneLook · 31/05/2024 08:16

No I haven't but I have studied with the OU myself. I would say they are a brilliant organisation both in terms of supporting students who have other life commitments and/or students who for whatever don't have the right qualifications to access other degree routes. Having said that, they don't spoon feed the materials. There is a huge amount of independent study and whilst tutors are great at helping/guiding students they do expect that you mostly just get on with it/do your own research rather than 'asking the teacher for the answer'. It's a different expectation to a-levels (which are in themselves a step up from GCSE). Personally I found the OU less 'spoon feeding' than some traditional universities. I would be concerned that many 16 year olds wouldn't have the skills/self motivation/emotional maturity to cope with the OU mode of study not to mention the step up. It going to depend very much on the individual though. They do loads of free short courses so maybe it would be worth having a look at some of those for a idea of how they work.

Another having studied with the OU and who has worked in schools, colleges and universities too. I agree, it will be a very big jump from GCSEs and even A Levels are difficult for many that breezed their Year 11 exams! Some degrees have a great deal less content than some of my OU units did! It would be worth having a look at some of the units, from the degree level courses, and seeing how you find those. The OU have great advisors you can talk to, I'd suggest giving them a ring.

qwerty1972 · 01/06/2024 21:12

My home-educated daughter turned 16 December 2020 and then began her first OU module in January 2021. She has now got only one module to go and will hopefully graduate with a good BAHons next year at the age of 20. While doing her OU courses, she also worked for a Music diploma and a professional qualification. She decided to do the OU route as sitting her GCSEs and AS levels was made more complicated by COVID, so she didn’t want to be at the mercy of the exam boards (and COVID) for A Level. She has found the OU a very positive experience and is hoping to do post-graduate study at a ‘in person’ university.