GCSEs going it alone

[tyjae100]

Hi just wondered has anyone redone any GCSEs alone? By that I mean not used an online distance learning course ect, which charge the earth and Im really not that well off :-( I was all set to pay for one of these courses on pay day, with a monthly installment plan, then a friend suggested a I teach myself. I think this is a good money saving idea but just not sure if its really practical. Is it really possible to teach yourself at GCSE level and pass? I just dont want to waste time teaching myself then fail, should I just fork out and pay? Im not stupid but also not the brightest spark lol. I have looked into private candidate test centres and there is one literally on my doorstep :-) so thats fab. I understand not everyone may know the answer but some opinions would be great.

Thanx in advance x

[mum09]

Will watch this post with intrest as was wonderin the same. X

[tyjae100]

What subject(s) are you deciding on? Im considering maths and science. Science Im not too worried about as I'm quite interested in that and take it in well. Its the maths im concerned about as there so much to take in and if I dont understand it how will i work things out :-/ It really is a tough decision. Hope someone can help us both x

[Dappy]

How much is it to do the test? If its not loads, then I would suggest getting yourself some gcse work books,these sort of workbooks are great - http://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/pages/books_gcse_maths.asp

I'd go through everything on GCSE bitesize website (on your topic) http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ then I'd give it a go personally (if the test isn't EXSPENSIVE).

Have you got GCSEs but just not at grade C? What's your current situation regarding your GCSEs?

[twinki]

I think it depends on how long you have been out of education as i had been out a while so went to do maths, english and science again at college. i had mine paid tho as i was on low income. if you have been out of education a while i would suggest to do it at college as you have the help and support you need. hope thats of some use to u x

[tyjae100]

Hi dappy that link is great thank you!! It even has the tutorial dvds so I think that would really help and I cant believe how reasonably priced they all are, I'm over the moon so glad I posted, I thought ebay was cheap but that sites better for the resources. The test are quite expensive, ranging upto £150 but even if you do an online course none that I have come across include the exam fee, so which ever route I take I will still have to pay that!

Hi twinki I am 28 and did my GCSEs many moons ago lol, but I have done many courses over the years, so have never really been fully out of education. Im finding it a real struggle to find a college which does the GCSEs, and even if I did I either wouldnt have the time or couldnt afford it unfortunately. I have to pay as I have a full level 2 qualification, they dont take my income into much consideration. I will be paying for my access from september so would struggle to pay for 2 GCSEs aswel :-(

Oh yes dappy I got a D in maths and a DD in science, rather annoying as I was predicted at least a C in both subjects but was very young and stupid and didnt do coursework ect to best of my ability, oh have I learnt from my mistakes now, I really could kick myself

Thanx for replys they have been really helpful x

[Dappy]

What about GCSE equivalents? Would the uni accept them?

The DLC do GCSE equivalents - http://www.distancelearningcentre.com/fees.php

I would imagine though that theres no point in starting the access course unless you can get your GCSEs sorted. The majority of unis require grade C or above no matter if you've done a access course or not. I'm just saying don't move on to the level 3 work unitl you have the level 2 securely under your belt.

For example even though I have completed a NVQ, AS levels and a access diploma. My uni still wanted to see a copy of my maths GCSE C grade.

Who are you planning on doing your access with? Depending on how much your going to pay for your access and whether you can get on with distance learning, and the uni will accept gcse equivalents then the DLC may be the better option.

Seeing as there GCSES are around £150 with a couple extra tenners on top for examination, but you get material to work through and tutor contact. Plus you can pay monthly and go straight on to do the access.

I think you need to get in touch with the uni and ask them what they will accept. Work out some numbers and what you feel comfortable doing.

[tyjae100]

Well from what I understand the unis want actual GCSEs apart from Coventry who will accept equivalents. I have a few open days over the next few weeks so will use these as an opportunity to get as much info as possible. I think I would prefer to do the GCSE then at least I have it.

My plan was to start one GCSE now and sit the exam in January, then start my next in January and sit exam in June. By doing this I will only be studying one other subject alongside my access. Hopefully I'm not punching above my weight this way. But it means I will really have to work hard because if I fail the exams I dont stand the slightest chance at getting into uni this year.

Im planning on going to college to do my access, DLC is my back up plan.

Thanx for the help, its nice to have a fresh head for advice x

[mum09]

I really only need maths as failed maths at my first choice uni :( considering a level 2 at college as they advised as i already hold a access course done 4 years ago will just need refresher course. So going to do both maths and english as i get them free as i am a low income and also be recebt study xxx

[tyjae100]

Is it the maths and english GCSEs you will be doing at college or the equivalents? I think the college local to me does equivalents but not all the unis i hope to apply to accept them. Its just one hurdle after another. How long is the access valid for? How many times have you applied to uni? Hopefully completing your level 2 will get you in. This will be my first attemp this year, its so nerve wracking. Which unis are you applying to? x

[Niknak]

I'm doing GCsE maths at the moment at my local college, it cost me £135 plus £20 exam fees.

It's been hard but fab, there are plenty of books out there though that are fab, I picked 2 up from the 99p shop the other day - they are brill, they really are good, their explanations etc..

[mum09]

No level 2 adult skills going to have to check with unis i am applying too to see if they will accept them. Or it will be full gcse's. It is a nightmare!

[Glitterysparkle]

I would say to go to college to do them. You will get the support and be more likely to pass. Also is it realistic to complete a GCSE in 6 months whilst you're doing the access too? I don't think I could do it x

[bubbles31]

I don't have any GCSE's and am doing the learn direct Adult literacy and math's level 2, I've approached a few universities who have said as they are level 2 they will accept these instead of GCSE'S and because my access course has Science in it, they have looked at that and said they would accept that as an equivalent to GCSE science.
Best of all the Learn direct route doesn't cost anything, if you qualify, it's government funded, I'm sitting my exam next week for the maths and its only take me 1 month. :)

[Dappy]

Regarding the learn direct, deffo check with the university beforehand if they will accept it as I know in the past there has been issues with universities saying it's not good enough.

If they will accept it however, it is a fantastic option.

[Delilah]

I know some Unis here will NOT accept anything else, other than GCSEs for Maths. So much so that the access course here no longer teaches Maths at all - everyone has to enrol on the other course (GCSE Maths).