A level English Language

[greeneyedmonster]

I would love to do this (night class-adult education) but it's not on the syllabus of any of the schools round here. I've found an online course but I'm a little wary. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this would be a good idea? Cheers.

[scotman]

Depends on who is providing the course and what sort of backup they offer.

[Buenchico]

You need to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you know what A-level English Language is actually about?
I'm sorry if that sounds patronising but many people think that it's similar to GCSE English Language, whereas it's almost a completely different subject. See here:
http://www.thestudent...lish_Language_A_Level

2. Why do you want to study anything at all (whether it be English Language or something completely different)?
If the main attraction of taking the course was that you'd enjoy the interaction with other students, then doing a home study course would seem to be rather pointless. However if you're really interested in the subject itself then there could be some value in home study.

3. Why do you want an A-level qualification? (Do you actually need one?)
If it's to help you get onto a university course, or to improve your c.v., then it makes sense to embark on a course leading to that qualification. However if you want to study English to (say) improve your novel-writing skills, it would be far more sensible to look for an evening class offering 'Creative Writing' (or something similar), even though there's no exam at the end of it.

4. Do have the self-discipline to study at home?
I've got a library book here on my desk, which I should have returned by today. I got it to help me to improve my Microsoft Office skills but I've kept putting off reading it. Perhaps you're like me?

Only you can decide whether home study is really for you, or not. I'd find the syllabus far too 'dry' for my liking and I doubt that I'd enjoy the course (or have the funds to pay for it!). But you might be different to me.

Chris

[greeneyedmonster]

It's with edistancelearning.co.uk. You get your own personal tutor who can assist with any queries etc plus there are student advisors who you can contact by email or phone. I think I've answered my own question...it seems OK I think?

[greeneyedmonster]

Don't worry Buenchico I'm not offended, I know what you mean. I did it years ago when I was young and daft but dropped out.
I have done an online creative writing course and am attending a brilliant local one at present but my tutor has suggested taking it further so if I decide to do so, I think it would be an asset.
Also, I left school after my O levels so would just like an A level!
Seriously though-I've been interested in language and the use of it for a while now, and after looking at the info about the course, I think it seems really interesting.

[sara3]

your local college doesn't do English Language A Level?

[greeneyedmonster]

No Sara, not as adult education.

[abstibus]

Buenchico
This is from the document on your link:
The criteria for each group is at your discretion...
Naughty, naughty

[boxtops]

I have never heard of distancelearning.co.uk, there are so many schools "out there" - I would want to know a lot more about the training provider, who accredits their courses, etc. , what their track record is. If I were to study again and couldn't find anything at my local college, I'd opt for something reputable like the Open University - I have studied twice with the OU and they were excellent.

[greeneyedmonster]

I hadn't heard of them either so contacted them to ask if there were any reviews etc and they forwarded me a page from The Independent with two 5 star reviews on. However there are just two names-they could be anybody!
I've looked at the OU before but they don't seem to do it, but I've emailed to confirm.

[greeneyedmonster]

OU don't do A level courses but suggested the National Extension College. I googled it there are some very bad reviews so sadly I think that's me throwing the towel in :-(