Homeschooling is the practice of educating children at home instead of sending them to school. It is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking an alternative to traditional schooling and for those who wish to have more involvement with their child’s education.
It has been estimated that in the United Kingdom, around 15,000 children are homeschooled, with about 10,000 of them following A level courses. This article aims to provide an overview of A-level homeschooling, from understanding the structure of the courses to the potential benefits associated with the approach.
What is A-level Homeschooling?
A-level homeschooling is a style of education where students receive instruction in their chosen academic subject via online learning or home visits from a tutor. It is a type of secondary school education typically required for university entry, which is particularly suitable for homeschoolers.
Most A-level homeschooling courses typically comprise four to five modules, with the student covering a breadth of material including theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and then taking an examination. The curriculum and delivery methods used may vary according to the student’s learning needs and preferences. For example, some students may prefer to use online learning materials, while others may prefer more traditional teaching methods such as attending tutorials with a tutor.
While some A-level homeschoolers choose to complete the course in two years, some may take up to three or even more years depending on their learning style and the complexity of the subject.
What Are the Benefits of A-level Homeschooling?
There are a number of potential benefits associated with A-level homeschooling that parents should consider before embarking on this educational pathway. The first benefit is that homeschooling allows students to work at their own pace, providing them with the opportunity to focus on areas where they have an interest or require extra support.
Additionally, homeschooling parents have much greater control over their child’s education and can make adjustments to their course tempo according to their child’s needs and interests. Secondly, A-Level homeschooling can provide students with the opportunity to master their chosen subject in depth without having to adhere to the traditional academic system. Additionally, homeschoolers can tailor their studies according to their personal needs, preferences and aspirations.
For example, some students may decide to focus more on case studies and research projects than classroom lectures and tests. Finally, homeschooling allows students to benefit from a flexible educational environment while still gaining a recognised qualification. Many universities also look favourably on homeschooled A-level students when considering admission applications.
What Subjects Can Be Covered on a Homeschool A-Level Course?
A-level homeschooling courses offer students the chance to study a wide range of subject areas, including Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Politics, Economics, History and Geography. The courses can also include traditional A-level modules, such as Critical Thinking and Research Methods. Furthermore, some programmes also affords students the opportunity to study additional science and technology topics, such as Biomedicine, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
A-level homeschooling courses can also be tailored to suit specific career and personal goals. For example, if a student wishes to pursue a career in business, they may opt to include modules such as Business Management and Accounting.
What Resources Are Needed for an A-level Homeschooling Course?
One of the main benefits of homeschooling at A-level is that students are able to access the necessary learning materials online, which can help reduce costs associated with the course. Students will typically need access to the internet, textbooks and other learning resources, such as audio and visual learning materials, to support their studies. Furthermore, some students may choose to enlist the help of a private tutor to provide guidance with their course.
This option is beneficial to those who need additional support and guidance due to prior struggles in school. If a private tutor is hired, they may need to be provided with compensation, which can incur an additional cost.
What Are the Costs Associated With A-level Homeschooling?
The costs associated with homeschooling at A-level can vary depending on the type of course, materials and the number of hours spent studying. A-level programmes are typically more expensive than GCSE courses, as they offer a greater breadth of learning material.
Aside from the prices for course materials, parents may also have to consider the cost of hiring a tutor if their child needs additional support with their studies. Tutors typically charge an hourly fee for their services, though this can vary depending on their qualifications, experience and the type of course being undertaken.
Is A-level Homeschooling the Right Choice for My Child?
Whether A-level homeschooling is the right choice for any individual student is a decision that should be taken seriously and should be based on the student’s learning needs, interests and ambitions. Parents should reflect on their child’s academic performance in high school and discuss any potential difficulties that may arise if they were to adopt a homeschooling approach.
It is important that parents consider the pros and cons associated with homeschooling and discuss the decision with their child to ensure that they are both fully committed to the idea before embarking on the course. Parents should also research the different programmes offered by A-level homeschooling providers to ensure that their child has the best chance of achieving their goals and aspirations.
What Are the Requirements for Gaining an A-level Qualification Through Homeschooling?
In order to gain an A-level qualification through homeschooling, students are typically required to take four to five modules, with the most common being Maths, English, Chemistry and Biology. Each module can be undertaken independently and can be completed within two to three years depending on the complexity of the topics covered. In addition to completing the modules, students are also required to sit examinations in order to receive their A-level qualification.
The exams usually take place in September, November or January and June in the UK, or other international exam centres if the student is studying abroad.
How Do A-level Homeschoolers Prepare for Exams?
A-level homeschoolers need to be well-prepared for their examinations in order to achieve the best possible grades. It is important to plan in advance and adopt an effective and well-structured study plan that incorporates ample time for revision. Students should also make sure that they are up-to-date with the latest topics and developments within their chosen subject areas.
Many homeschoolers use online learning materials and podcasts to stay on top of their studies, which allow them to take regular quizzes and assessments to identify areas of weakness that require additional attention.
What Are the Pros and Cons of A-level Homeschooling Compared to Traditional Schooling?
Homeschooling has a number of advantages over traditional schooling. The main advantage is that it provides students with a more flexible learning environment, allowing them to tailor their education according to their preferences and interests.
Additionally, homeschooling can provide students with a more personalised education, and parents can have greater control over their child’s learning progress. The primary disadvantage of homeschooling is that, without the classroom and school community environment, it can be difficult for students to develop the social skills that are typically acquired from formal education. Additionally, it can be easier for homeschoolers to fall behind if they are not self-motivated, and parents may struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance if they are also teaching.
Are There Any Limitations on A-level Homeschoolers?
There are some limitations that A-level homeschoolers should be aware of. Firstly, the lack of a classroom environment can make it more difficult for students to build close relationships and collaborations with classmates, which is typically an important part of the learning experience.
Secondly, the lack of a physical teacher can make receiving feedback and gaining additional help more challenging. Finally, online tutors may be of a different nationality and be unable to provide local cultural knowledge, which could be necessary for modules such as History and Sociology. Conclusion: A-level homeschooling is a popular and increasingly accepted option for those wishing to provide their child with a more flexible and academic focused seconday education.
While the approach does come with some limitations, for many families, it is a great solution for obtaining a recognised qualification without having to adhere to the traditional schooling approach. Parents should conduct thorough research into the structure of the courses, the benefits and costs associated, and their child’s learning needs before embarking on an A-level homeschooling journey.