Do we have an OU support thread and if not, shall we?

[Fillyjonk]

Cos studying with the OU, esp around kids, is soooooo hard

I am preparing to do S205 (The Molecular World). I cannot get my head around thermodynamics. I need about 2 hours just to sit with NO DISTRACTIONS but between 3 HE'd kids and a partner who works daft hours I am not getting a chance.

Also I cannot for the life of me remember WHY I am doing this

I did exploring science - which was fine because it was stuff I'd done at GCSE/A-level but now I'm thinking the science content might be a bit of a jump!

I have loads to do on mine - I was poorly for so many weeks & I am now behind

hi

i though i'd join in here

am doing a life science degree with th ou have completed some course and am now doin 2 short science courses and then in jan i start s205 (i think thats right) biology uniformity and diversity, i also have a deferred exam from s320 infectious disease

been sick so well behind anyone got any catching up tips

so can i ask how often and for how long do u study each day am curious

bridget

babbi, I've just enrolled on the French course too! Got my couse materials last week, and it's nerve-wracking!I haven't done any study since 2000 when I dropped out of french and english degree to get married.

I must say I'm a bit confused as to what to choose as my second unit in order to complete a BA Hons. I have 240 points transferred from uni, but can only do the Level 3 french course because of overlap with previous studies. Have not a clue which further level 3 I'll do to get the last 60 points. Confusing!

Oh good luck Evansmummy ! I am a bit of a coward and didn`t transfer any credit , I re did year one as a way of revising as I felt really slow ! Also I just turned 40 so am a lot older than you - old grey matter has gone to sleep , really has to wake up soon !

I am awaiting my course material and just know I will have a fit from nerves when they arrive - BUT we can only do our best !

Enjoy the festive season before the really hard work starts !

I`ll keep in touch and hear how you are doing .

Thanks Capri I did try the facbook group for my last group but it was really dead it must vary from course to course just like the OU ones I guess oh will I have 150 points now and next year should give me another 80 so it seem like I am slowly getting there.

putting off mine till spetember now as I don't have the required £640
ho hum.

Bridgit sorry that you have been ill.
I am also doing the Biology S204 in Jan have just received my book for it and it looks like a hefty course but interesting I am also planning on doing S320 infectious diseases in 2010 how did you like the course?

As for as studying goes for me it varies a lot form day to day and week to week I do try to keep up with the study calender if I can but with 2 kids under 5 it can be quite a balancing act. I try to study in the evening once they go to bed and try not to beat my self up too much if I fall behind and just do what is required to finish off the Tma and try to catch up with the rest later.

Hello all, I'd like to join in if I may! I've been an OU student since 2005 - just embarking on my fourth 60 pointer (DD308 Making Social Worlds) having done DD100, DD201 (Sociology) and AA310 (Film and Television History). I'm working towards a degree in social science with sociology and meeja studies

hi again

oh god i feel so lazy am totally unmotivated right now

must do better

leothelioness it is a hefty course but anything over 15 points is, i havent really opened the box yet am afraid too lol will do on the course start day lol

s320 is great i have loads of work to do on it but its so interesting have deferred the exam cuz i was sick in oct (last)

anyone wanne help motivate me tip welcome

thanks
bridget

I have gone and done it and opened the S204 box it looks really interesting. I am thinking if i could I possibly manage it and S320 at the same time or am i mad even to consider it as I am doing SXR103 and SXR270 over the summer as well. If I do these courses in 2009 I could potentially graduate at the end of 2010 (yay)
I have done 60 points per year for the last 3 years and am fairly ok with the amount of work needed for this I dont work but have 2 young kids so any advice would be great.
I am sorry you will not be doing you course right now needmorecoffee The courses really are is quite expensive especially the residential courses which seem to cost an arm and a leg. Maybe you could find out if you can get some help with the course fee (sorry I dont know much about it)
Welcome moles it is always nice to 'meet' fellow OU students.

Helloo leo, thanks for the welcome I tried to do 120 points in 2006/7 and had to drop the second course because it was too much for me. But I know that lots of people do double up on courses and manage the workload fine, so it's definitely possible. No experience of science courses, but I assume the workload is similar across the faculties?

I would guess that arts or science should have a similar work load for courses with the same amount of points. I does however depend on how welll you get on with a particular course I did one 60 point course which was painful and seemed to drag on but other I have done have flown by and I have really enjoyed them. I think at the moment the only reason I am considering an extra course is that this will be my 4th year with the OU and I can't face it taking me 6 years to finally get a degree it feels like the kids will be in uni before I get there (which is crazy as they are only 4 and 2)

I know what you mean - that's why I tried to double up. Tbh it spoiled the pleasure of studying for me because I never had any time to do any extra reading. There's a 120 pointers forum on FirstClass that might be helpful, if you don't know of it already. Good luck

Well done to all you lovely ladies.

I did 7 years studying with the OU. My best mark for a TMA was during my penultimate course when I had a 6 month old (????????????) I also studied whilst pg with my second. There were also several house moves inbetween and also full time work. I had my graduation ceremony at Ely Cathedral when my ds was 3 months old. I was so proud of myself....even if I do say so myself.

I know what kind of motivation and sheer determination is needed with distance learning and just want to give you a boost!

I am not through studying but having a break (with 2 small children and running our own business in trying times) I am a glutton for punishment!

hello WITW

what did you study with the OU and what are you planning to do next study-wise when time and circs allow?

It's always great to hear from those who have been through it and come out at the other end, as it were

hi walkinthewoods well done.
It is funny how sometimes the tmas you do well on the the least expected ones. I also did a 60 pointer when pg with ds2 and took a break after he was born.
What did you study with the OU?
OHHHH I really want to do this extra course (but can't afford to start it and then not complete it) now as I also want to do a PGCE afterwards and I will be a student for ever. Also as I dont already work and have not done so for a few years I will end up in a really crap low paid job if I do apply and with the financial crisis the way it is it look more and more likely that at some point we will need two incomes sooner rather than later. I am so confused.
Sorry I needed a rant!

hi all. Is it ok if I join this thread - I'm not currently studying with the OU, but am waiting to find out more (being replaced by a new course) and hopefully enrol on the Early Years Certificate (level1) to start in October. I would love to follow this through to a degree - maybe BA (hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies.

I work, have 2 kids - although youngest will be starting school during the course. It says 16 hours a week plus reading/writing time, including time spent on activities in work. Certain people have me doubting my capabilities (I was looking through my HND EY assignments last night - only did one semester - and seemed to get mostly grades of B- and C+), and are questioning how I will find the time.

How do others find the the level of work and study time? Does anyone have experience of the childhood courses and tutors etc?

Does anyone have experience of gaining funding for childcare - I figure 3 hours of childminding a week- after school on my day of work - would enable me to really get stuck in without distractions, and visit libraries etc. Is this a good idea and would I be likely to get funding for this?

Am I doing something pointless that I won't be able to complete anyway or am I right in thinking it would be interesting and an investment?

How have people found thier OU study is recognised by employers and other universities?

I've just about decided to do the NVQ3 first - should be over by October though, with hard work.

Hello pumpkinsoup

I haven't heard of anyone getting funding for childcare through the OU - that's not to say it definitely isn't available though, in fact I should think it is available for things like residential schools. I'd give the OU a call to enquire about that if I were you.

As for the time factor, although I'm not doing childcare courses I think the 16 hours per week for a 60 point course guideline goes across the board. I find it hard to quantify the number of hours I spend on studying because the number of hours varies according to whether or not I've got an assignment on the go. I think 16 hours is about right, but some people do get by on fewer hours than this.

If it's something you really want to do, go for it. It's certainly not pointless - it's the best thing I've ever done - and don't take any notice of naysayers. They're probably envious. Good luck

hi pumpkin!
Welcome. I really donot know about childcare funding but its worth calling the OU.
I have been studying 60 points per year for the last 3 years just starting my 4th (all sciences not early years though) and if I can do it I am sure anyone can. Molesworth is right in saying that the study hours vary as you may sail through some topics and have to spend extra time on others but I have found that the time allocated covers all the reading, assignments and activities. It does however depend on what else you have going on in you life. Remember you will always get people who will say it is not worth your time etc etc but you need to decide for yourself if it is something you really want to do and then go for it (its your life your commitment).

Thank you

Well I've completely changed my mind since my last message. I am NOT - I repeat -NOT doing the NVQ3. The application form has been stored on the computer, never to be filled in. I feel so relieved - the whole idea felt wrong - forced and uninspiring mainly, with a huge sense of settling for second best.

I am certainly planning on doing the OU course, after a long phone call with them earlier. Even after being put on 'hold' and apparently forgotten about for 15mins I felt excited about it.

Am feeling very relieved and quite excited about it all - part of me wishes I didn't have to wait until October though!

I just hope I'm up to it- would be gutted if I failed or just dropped out. I'm fairly certain I was clever enough, but its hard to know after two kids, time spent off career ladder etc BIG(nervous)GULP!

You can do it pumpkin! Really glad to hear you've taken the plunge and feel excited about it

When does your course start?