Blog - Page 27 of 33 - Open College

When Should I Start Studying A-Levels?

08/12/202002/01/2022Open College

Deciding that you want to enrol and start studying A-Levels is a big step! Not only are you making a massive commitment to your future (both immediate and far reaching), but you’re also making a financial commitment to paying the fee, so it’s important to be sure you give yourself the best start you can, starting with deciding on the right time to start. So first, let’s look at A-levels themselves, one A-Level subject usually takes a student approximately 350 hours of study time, that’s covering the course syllabus from start to finish and including both the AS and A2 part of the course. Usually, if studying A-Levels at school… Read More

What A-Levels Involve more than Written Exams?

07/12/202002/01/2022Open College

It’s no secret that all A-Level qualifications are completed by students sitting written exams, but did you know that some courses also carry additional work requirements such as coursework or practicals? These additional components can carry a hefty percentage of your overall mark and so it’s important you complete them as best as possible. With science practicals for A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics carrying 20% of your overall mark they really can make the difference between you gaining an A or A* grade if you don’t get them quite right. Although not compulsory to do, believe it or not as a distance learning student you can opt not to do… Read More

A-Level Difficulty – Are all Subjects the Same?

06/12/202002/01/2022Open College

When it comes to A-Levels and A-Level difficulty, you may or may not be surprised to hear that they do vary greatly. Infact, if you take the time and effort to research all the A-Level subjects, it’s quite easy for you to carefully select less demanding topics which could in theory mean better grades for less or the same amount of work. It’s important to point out though, that A-Level difficulty varies but not to the point where someone doing A-Level Drama is going to have a vastly easier ride than someone doing A-Level Geography. Being Level 3 qualifications, all A-Levels are benchmarked to a certain difficulty, but can get… Read More

Can I study A-level Biology Online?

05/12/202005/12/2020Open College

Although Biology is a scientific subject that usually involves laboratory work and exercises, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to study A-Level Biology online. We’re going to look at exactly how distance learning students can successfully study A-Level Biology online from the comfort of their home. So first things first, it’s important to mention that studying A-Level Biology from home doesn’t mean you’re going to have to set up your own personal lab in the kitchen or shed in order to be able to study it and complete the course. How do I do the Practicals for A-Level Biology? Fortunately, thanks to resources provided by YouTube and online course providers,… Read More

A-Level Exam Centres

04/12/202002/01/2022Open College

When taking your A-Level Exams as a Private Candidate, it will be down to you to find and book yourself into a local examination centre in order to actually sit the examinations and complete your qualification. Now although this sounds quite daunting, it’s actually a very easy and simple process to do. Finding where to take your A-Level exams starts with the Awarding Body that you are studying the A-Levels with. It doesn’t matter if your choice of subjects are with different bodies as usually exam centres can sit students for several boards and not just one particular body. Once you know whether your subjects are with AQA, Cambridge International,… Read More

Careworker Courses

03/12/202003/12/2020Open College

Working within the care industry as a Careworker is a rewarding and varied career. Your role can cover anything and everything from caring for young and vulnerable people, through to offering end of life care to the elderly and their relatives. With a role that holds such responsibility, it’s vital that your skills and training are kept up to date and relevant to ensure you can provide to absolute best care possible. However, fitting training and learning into your schedule and work rota can prove difficult as most traditional training courses require you attend a class during working hours and on certain days. But now, there is the option of… Read More

I Didn’t Get the Grades I Wanted, Now What?

02/12/202002/01/2022Open College

With quite possibly the strangest year you have ever experienced drawing to a close, if you sat your A-Levels or GCSEs in the autumn exam series this 2020, your mind is probably turning to results day and the grades you achieved. By now, you will have a good idea of how well or badly the exams went and a rough idea of the grades you think you have achieved. If you have that sinking feeling that things didn’t go to plan, don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone! And you’re definitely not without hope. You have two options, you can either wait to get your results through and then decide what… Read More

Can I Spread the Cost of Learning Online?

01/12/202001/12/2020Open College

Although often cheaper than traditional study, learning online can still prove expensive. For example, it’s not unusual for a Level 5 Diploma to be a few thousand Pounds to study, so the option to spread the cost is a great way to help make your learning more affordable. When you think of spreading the cost of course fees, you can be forgiven for thinking that it might mean a credit check or lengthy financing agreements to read through and check. But actually, it’s really not that complicated. Provided the instalment plan you opt for is under six months in length and doesn’t charge any interest, the chances are that it’s… Read More

Working in Childcare

30/11/202001/12/2020Open College

Working in Childcare is a fantastic career option. Not only is it incredibly rewarding to see the children you care for progress from day to day, but no two days are ever the same. You get to use your creative talents and abilities to teach and show youngsters how to interact with others, learn social protocols and begin the foundations of their love of education. Unlike teaching in schools or colleges, you get to control the methods and styles of teaching you opt to use, from messy play through to cognitive learning, you have the opportunity to teach without your students even knowing you’re teaching. How do I Start a… Read More

How can I find a Job?

29/11/202029/11/2020Open College

When you’re looking for a job, it can feel quite daunting knowing where to start and more importantly, how to make sure your hunt for work is successful! So we’ve compiled some great hints and tips to help you along and help you find a job. Your CV First things first, your CV, when was the last time you looked at your CV with a critical eye? I’m guessing that it’s been a while right? If you can, print out a copy of your CV and read through it like a potential employer, are there any spelling mistakes or missing punctuation? Is your last job listed on there clearly, showing… Read More