Distance Learning.... Any good ? Any recommendations ?

[nomdeplume]

I want to do 2 A-levels via distance learning, Biology & Psychology (or poss another science-science, not social science iyswim).

I've had a look at ICS and they seem to be ok. £323 for each a level which seems reasonable enough. Does anyone know what they are like to study with ? Can I spread the work over as long a period as I need ? How long should it take, on average, to complete 2 a-levels on a p/t homestudy basis (I also work p/t) ?

Thanks

Hi, I can't help much with A levels, but I did a GCSE with ICS last year to get back into study. I did it over a year, you (with GCSE anyway) are entitled to 2 years tuition with them in your fee but most people with GCSE do it in a year. The plus points were, they did send out the stuff reliably and on time, work was marked quickly and with tips, the tutor was fairly helpful, paying in installments was excellent. The bad points were the tutor wasn't really up on the coursework requirements and what needed signing (ie they have to authenticate your work and it is a ball ache as they don't actually 'know' you (like a teacher would) so you have to send draughts of work back and forth) and also booking an exam as a private candidate (usually in a local school/college) is VERY hard depending on where you live. They also charge as much as they like. Overall I think they were OK. Also check out OOL (oxford open learning) and NEC national extension college.

thanks jelly.

I have checked out OOL, but they don;t do wither course at a level. I will look up nec though

my only advise is that unless you are very disciplined and organised and really can carve out some time for study then it is better to do night classes instead.

advice

night classes are not an option sadly as DH does not work a 9-5 job and therefore a regular night (or 2) to be out of the house studying is a no go