Easy OU starter courses...

[LadyOfWaffle]

Sorry if I am putting this all over the place, I started a thread about starting a course in Education (Education section, not an Education course) and thought maybe it would be better here. The people who replied recommended OU and I have had a little look at their courses but it doesn't give entry requirements really. I was looking at some maths ones, but am unsure of what level would be right for me - I have a GCSE at higher level and part of a maths A-level, but I am very very rusty so need to go over the basics again before doing a more advanced course. But I wasn't just intrested in Maths, there was alot of health/children/social study courses that looked good - can anyone recommend a nice easy (short) course to get back into the swing of things? Thanks

It would probably be a good idea to start with a level one course. I did the discovering science one a couple of years ago, and I really enjoyed it: the teaching materials are excellent, and you have a tutor you can contact if you need someone to go through something with you. I've been toying with the idea of a maths course, just to prove to me that I can do it (I was rubbish at maths at school).

Find out if there are going to be any open events near you - they often have them in local libraries where you can go and talk to OU advisers about your course choices.
Failing that,pick a few courses you like the look of and post in this forum to see if you can find anyone who has done them to offer feedback.
The number of points the course counts for is important as what you choose really depends on how much time you are going to have - I started with a 60 point course last year which was supposed to take up 16 hours a week and that was about right. If you want to do fewer hours look at a 30 point course

there are a few 10 point courses which are easy to start with and get you used to that form of studying
they are shorter and accessible and allows you to build your confidence

meant to say next batch runs from March to July
so just in time for a taster then you can sart something bigger in October
this might help

has something about math toward the end

I mentioned Openings courses on your other thread. I have a friend who got into OU study through one of these, and she sings their praises.

This is about children. And I think she did a social science one...

I did the understanding children opening course.I had not studied for 20 years and found it both v intersting and easy to do

Thanks - there is a few "understanding" courses than look the type of thing I want to ease myself in with - Understanding Children was definatly one that looked good. I definatly couldn't hack a 60 or even 30 point course I don't think yet, I had alot of pressure around my a-levels and I just cracked as I started to suffer with depression at the same time (which I still have) so I really need a very nice and simple course Righty, i'll start a thread soon about the Understanding Children course and will more than likely start with that one rather than anything more academic (ie maths). Thanks