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<\/p>\nAs a mature student, you\u2019re able to shape your future in a way that works for you. Now that you have some life experience you\u2019re able to make a more informed decision on what direction to go in.<\/p>\n
Be that starting a journey to an exciting new career or developing your skills for professional gain. Returning to education can enable you to realise those ambitions.<\/p>\n
A Levels are an internationally recognised standard qualification for school-leavers. They\u2019re a gateway qualification into higher education as well as providing essential skills for the workplace.<\/p>\n
If you didn\u2019t gain these qualifications, you might think you\u2019ve missed the boat but that\u2019s not the case. You can still get qualified and reach your full potential, no matter what stage you\u2019re at in life.<\/p>\n
Your personal and professional experience gives you greater insight into the material so it\u2019s never been a better time to study A Levels.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn what options you have when taking an A Level as a mature student.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s important to consider what you\u2019re trying to get out of your qualification before you enrol. Will the course you\u2019re studying get you the desired results or is there a better topic to choose.<\/p>\n
Universities will often ask for 3 A Levels in related subjects. For example, if you\u2019re looking to get into social work then studying psychology, sociology and law would give you relevant knowledge to build on in your degree.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking at A Levels to advance your career then a broad range of subjects can help your options. This also holds true for getting onto higher apprenticeships and vocational qualifications with on the job training.<\/p>\n
When picking your A Level as a mature student you should factor in what you enjoy. A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs<\/a> so the more you enjoy the subject matter the better you\u2019ll do in the end.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re engaged in your learning then you\u2019ll more than likely retain the knowledge better and achieve a higher grade. This will benefit you more in the long run.<\/p>\n There are two options to consider when choosing where to take your A Levels. Distance learning providers or bricks and mortar colleges.<\/p>\n The two offer very different experiences but in the end, garner the same results. So it\u2019s up to you to decide what works best.<\/p>\n The main benefit of taking your A Level online is the flexibility to learn whenever suits you best. Unlike bricks and mortar colleges where you\u2019ll have to attend classes in order to progress with your learning.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also have to rearrange your schedule to make sure you\u2019re able to attend the classes.<\/p>\n Sometimes your employer might allow you to attend classes during work hours. However, you\u2019ll probably have to make up for the time lost. And manage to complete your homework and stick to any other commitments as well.<\/p>\n Whereas with distance education you\u2019re free from that logistical nightmare as you\u2019re in control of when you learn. You can plan your study sessions in advance factoring in work, family commitments, holidays and any other special events.<\/p>\n This gives you the opportunity to enjoy your learning as you\u2019ll be able to start whenever works best for you.<\/p>\n You\u2019re also able to set your pace. That means you can work through your A Level as quickly as you want.<\/p>\n On average, online learners complete their A Level in 9 months but you have 2-years if you need. Or you could blitz through it all in as little as 6 months. It\u2019s completely up to you.<\/p>\n The main benefit of attending a physical college is the social interaction that you\u2019ll have with your peers. That\u2019s not to say you\u2019ll be completely alone when you\u2019re studying online as an expert tutor is there to help.<\/p>\n It depends really on how motivated you can stay on your own accord. If you need a teacher to stay focused then online learning may not work for you.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no right or wrong way to get qualified. As long as you choose the way that works best for how you learn and your current circumstances.<\/p>\n Online study is a more independent learning style then we\u2019re used to. This isn\u2019t bad a thing, but it does require some preparation to get the most out of your studies.<\/p>\n As you\u2019re in charge of your learning it comes down to you to find the motivation to reach your goals. That means keeping on top of your studies and consistently setting time aside each week so you stay on track.<\/p>\n Of course online learning gives you the flexibility to work whenever suits you. So if you suddenly find you\u2019re super busy then you can hold off until a more convenient time arises.<\/p>\n With distance education you\u2019re able to learn from the comfort of your own home but that doesn\u2019t mean you should work from anywhere. There is an ideal way you can layout your space and choose your location to optimise your performance.<\/p>\n For example, try not to work from your bed. You associate your bed with sleep so it can make it harder to concentrate on your studies. Or alternatively, it will make it harder to sleep at night as you\u2019re now linking your bed with studying.<\/p>\n Ideally, you\u2019ll find a nice flat surface to lay out your material and a place to sit upright comfortably. Your workspace should also be free from any distractions such as mobile phones.<\/p>\n The saying \u2018Out of sight out of mind,\u2019 really does hold true. You\u2019ll be far less likely to end up aimlessly scrolling instead of studying if your phone isn\u2019t by your side.<\/p>\n When planning a study session it\u2019s important to factor in breaks. Breaks give your mind time to digest the information before continuing with your studying. Without breaks, it will be harder to retain nearly as much information.<\/p>\n You also will be more put off of studying as big sessions may seem overwhelming. By separating your workload into smaller manageable chunks it\u2019ll be less intimidating.<\/p>\n Think of it this way, if you\u2019re at work you have breaks to refresh before carrying on with the workday? Studying should be no different. Giving yourself a routine to follow helps you stay on top of your learning.<\/p>\n When taking a break it\u2019s best not to go on your phone as it\u2019s too distracting instead consider reading.<\/p>\n Research suggests that reading a book puts the mind in a similar state as meditation. So not only are you relaxing your brain you\u2019ll be faster at regaining focus on what you were studying beforehand.<\/p>\n Whatever you choose to study an A Level is a solid investment in your future. Studying an A Level can lead to many exciting opportunities both academically and professionally, no matter where you study.<\/p>\n Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK\u2019s leading online learning providers. We offer a broad range of A Levels<\/a> that could suit your needs. As well as many other courses that could help with your professional and personal development.<\/p>\n All our courses are led by an expert tutor to guide you through your learning and support you where needed. We also have flexible payment options to help you spread the cost.<\/p>\n To learn more about how to prepare for your distance learning journey read our blog here.<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to get back into education speak to a member of our sales team<\/a> or enrol online today.<\/p>\nOnline vs Bricks & Mortar for the Mature Student<\/h2>\n
Preparing for online study<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWorkspace<\/h3>\n
Breaks<\/h3>\n
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