Homeschooling is quickly becoming a popular and viable educational pathway for students all around the world. For those students considering completing their A Levels at home, sooner or later the question arises – what exactly goes into accomplishing this feat? This article will explore fifteen questions students might have about A Level homeschooling and provide comprehensive answers to help potential students decide for themselves whether or not it is the right option for them.
1. What Is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is a form of alternative education where pupils are visually educated by parents or guardians instead of in a structured school environment. Homeschooling is not mutually exclusive to a particular educational level or syllabus and can be tailored to each student’s individual learning needs and abilities.
2. What Are A Levels?
A Levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are the gold standard of secondary education qualifications in the UK, offering students specialised entry requirements to university in a variety of subject areas. A Levels are often taken over two or three years and involve an assessment from an exam board.
3. What Are the Advantages of A Level Homeschooling?
A Level homeschooling offers a variety of potential advantages for students who are looking for an alternative to the traditional school system. Homeschooling allows students more flexibility in terms of budget, timeline, and even the subjects their pursuing, as well as the potential for a deeper and more holistic learning experience.
Homeschoolers can also take advantage of a variety of resources, including virtual classrooms, video lectures, and the internet, to enrich their learning material.
4. What Are the Disadvantages of A Level Homeschooling?
Unfortunately, A Level homeschooling isn’t without its disadvantages. Due to the reduced frequency of socialisation, homeschooled students may not have the same level of emotional, psychological, and social support that a traditional school environment can provide, which can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of personal growth.
In addition, homeschooling may also require parents to dedicate a lot of time to teaching, since they may be entirely responsible for their child’s education if they don’t include outside resources such as private tutors.
5. Is A Level Homeschooling Legal?
Yes, homeschooling is entirely legal in many countries, including the United Kingdom. In the UK, parents are required to get approval from their local education authority before enrolling their children in a homeschooling programme.
6. What Qualifications Do I Need To Homeschool?
The UK does not require any specific qualifications for teachers who want to pursue homeschooling. However, it is important for teachers to have a good understanding of the principles of teaching and learning, as well as a thorough knowledge of the syllabus material they are teaching.
7. What Is The Best Way To Prepare For A Level Homeschooling?
The best way to prepare for A Level homeschooling is to familiarise yourself with the syllabus material you will be teaching. Spend time reviewing the topics and key points of the course, as well as understanding what your student’s goals are and how to best achieve them.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to make use of supplementary learning materials, such as textbooks or online lessons, to help your student gain the necessary knowledge to excel in the subject area.
8. How Much Time Will I Need To Dedicate To A Level Homeschooling?
The amount of time required for A Level homeschooling varies based on the preferences of the student and the teacher. Generally speaking, it is recommend that A Level homeschooling takes between 15-20 hours per week, depending on the course requirements and the student’s individual goals.
9. Do I Have To Follow The Same Syllabus As The Schools?
No, you do not have to follow the same syllabus as the schools. In fact, many parents take advantage of the flexibility homeschooling offers by creating their own syllabus aptly tailored to the student’s interest, needs and abilities.
10. How Do I Find A Qualified Exam Board To Assess My Student?
To register for A Levels through an exam board, home educators must contact their local education authority. The education authority will be able to recommend an exam board in your area offering A Level courses.
11. Will I Need To Provide Additional Support In Addition To The A Level Course?
Yes, while taking an A Level course through homeschooling provides a unique learning experience, it is important to remember that homeschooling still requires zero supervision and happens in the home. Therefore, it may be necessary to provide additional support such as private tutoring services or online tutoring if the student needs help understanding the syllabus material.
12. Will I Have Support From Others During The A Level Homeschooling Process?
Yes, there are several ways to get support from others during the A Level homeschooling process. Home educators can take advantage of online forums and groups populated by experienced homeschoolers to get advice and feedback about the curriculum, materials, and even the best methods to teaching.
Additionally, many exam boards also provide support services, such as access to past exams, courses, and other resources.
13. Are There Any Advantages To Completing A Levels At Home Versus Taking Exams In A Traditional Setting?
Yes, there are a few advantages to taking A Level exams at home rather than in a traditional setting. For example, homeschoolers can easily customise the curriculum to their individual needs and preferences.
Furthermore, since the exams are taken in a home setting, there is less stress and pressure as the exams are not conducted under the same time restrictions or rigid rules as a traditional setting might impose. Lastly, home educators can take exams as soon as they feel they are ready and have revised enough, meaning they are likely to gain better grades and results.
14. Do I Have to Take A Levels Through the Same Exam Board As My School?
No, you do not have to take A Levels through the same exam board as your school. In fact, there are a variety of exam boards that offer A Level courses and exams, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
It is important to research different exam boards and their syllabuses to determine which one is the best fit for your student’s interests and goals.
15. Will I Receive A Qualified Certificate Or Qualification When My Student Passes Their A Level Exams?
Yes, when a student passes their A Level exams, the exam board will issue them with the respective A Level qualification. It is important to note, however, that A Levels can be completed at a variety of institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, as well as through homeschooling.
Conclusion
Homeschooling A Levels can be both a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By properly preparing and doing research, home educators can provide their student with an individualised and enriched education they wouldn’t have received in a traditional classroom setting.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to homeschool your child’s A Levels is one that should be made with the family’s specific needs and preferences in mind.