Is there a specific Mature Study & Retraining board?

[Edmontine]

I know there have been mature student threads. But I feel I’ve read countless, tentative Am I too old to - threads, with each OP believing they’re the first person ever to consider a degree or postgrad at 30 / 40 / 50 onwards - and almost talking themselves out of the idea before they’ve even posted.

It would be helpful to have a dedicated space - with a note at the top assuring people that they’re not freaks and would be welcomed by places of learning.

(If such a board already exists and I’ve failed to find it, consider me suitably embarrassed.)

Brilliant news that there will be a board for this! I’ve been lurking as I’m doing an OU degree (just starting my penultimate year, getting there slowly!) as it’s great to hear from others in the same boat or doing inspiring things and retraining. I will make my way over to the new board when it opens and delurk properly

Hi everyone, well done for persuading MN to set up a new board for this vital topic! Trying to trace back the history of this discussion - am I right in thinking that the board hasn't been set up yet? Will we be notified here when it has been set up?

MNHQ have said the board will be set up some time this week.

I’m confident that they’ll let all of MN - and this thread - know, as soon as there’s a new place to post!

Thanks @edmontina

Amazing news! Can't wait for the new board

I have 2 (well 3) lots of good news, my DM managed to find my certificates and I managed to get signed up for an online maths course via a local adult skills team. It means whilst things are still so uncertain with DD I'm around for her but that I can still get my GCSE.

My DM was saying how she's always regretted not getting an education (she left school at 15 with no qualifications) and I suggested she get herself on to an adult education course. She laughed and said she was too old and was only a few years off retirement so what's the point. I told her if she regrets it then do something about it, she doesn't have to have a career/job in mind but just to do it for herself. I suggested she get her English/maths GCSE (or functional skills) or that she could do a course in something that might interest her more like cookery. Well it must have made her really think because she's booked herself on to the adult open evening at a local college to see what they have to offer

That’s fabulous AzPie - for both of you!

(It sounds as if you inherited your excellent organisational skills and optimism from your mother.)

I'm 34 with four children and have just started my first year in Adult nursing Bsc. So very interested in joining 🙌

Is there a board yet?

Let me check for you …

… No … Not yet.

Sure it’ll be soon!

Hi @EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues just dropping in to say that we're still in the process of setting this up and we'll keep you posted.

Great!

Thanks for the update, soniamumsnet.

Everyone’s stopped posting as they’re waiting for the new board!

And I’m unsure whether to direct relevant new threads here, or not.

Anyway, hope all the new access course, undergrad, postgrad, OU and retraining starters are settling in and feeling delighted with your decisions?!

Hi @EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues year 5 of my OU course going well so far - it officially opens on Saturday but have managed to get a bit ahead, though I doubt that will last long

Just dropping in to let you know that this has now been set up. Thanks for all your input.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

Whoop!!!

@soniamumsnet Will there be an MNHQ thread to introduce the new board?

Would it be sensible to transfer this thread to the board to get things going?

Will you / are you considering redirecting relevant new threads onto the board?

Thank you again!

Hi we're glad you're pleased @Edmontine! Please feel free to go ahead and start threads in the new folder. We'll keep this site stuff thread here, and will keep you posted on any other changes.

Ok - I’ve started a thread there:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students/4362811-NEW-BOARD

Click! Post! Start new threads!

I miss this thread …

Hope everyone’s finding their way to the new board - and gearing up to starting threads on your individual issues, dilemmas and experiences!

Following. Will check on this properly later XX

Blatantly bumping because this was a wonderful thread and had a hugely successful outcome. (Thanks again MNHQ.)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

Also there are new people every day who won’t know there’s a dedicated space for mature / extra mature / ancient students, returning students and re-trainers. And it would be so helpful if people with experience could respond to existing threads. (Research is my life-blood and I’m happy to consult Prof. Google on anyone’s behalf - but I feel people deserve more!)

Here’s to a brilliant 2022 for everyone! 🧠

… Testing …

This would be a brilliant idea. As someone who is looking at entering a new field/ retraining at the ripe old age of 42 after years of being a stay at home mum then a dedicated board would be massively helpful. I'm actually surprised a site like MN doesn't already have one.