Is it relatively easy to study for an 'A' level privately?

Question

I have a fair few qualiifcations to my name (undergraduate degree included) but have recently become more interested in learning more Biology. I got an 'A' at GCSE-level Biology about 7 years ago, so I want to look into studying 'A' level Biology independently (I'm living abroad at the moment so I can't just drop in to a night-school).

SO, 3 questions in one:

How do you go about this? How much does it cost, on average? Assuming I only study every other evening, how long might it take to complete the course?

Thanks, boys and girls.

Answer 1

Provided you're sufficiently self-motivated, and I find that to be a big problem with adult learners, you should be able to complete it in a year: I'd suggest you aimed for entering for the summer examinations in 2008. The problem with Biology is that there will also be a practical component: either assessed coursework or a practical examination. You might consider an alternative such as human biology. You'd then have to enter for the exam, which I suggest you did through a tutorial college: if you have contacts in a school they might be able to arrange for you to enter as a private candidate. I think that at least you should buy your own microscope.

I would estimate a cost of between one and two thousand pounds for the whole course. A college will probably charge an administrative fee on top the examination fees, you will have to pay for the practical exam and it would probably be advisable to arrange a few practice sessions beforehand. Textbooks will be readily available: do an amazon search for "A-level Biology".

If you are still interested, I suggest you visit the examination board websites and look at the Biology A-level specifications.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/
http://www.ocr.org.uk/

You should also be able to find information about entrance fees and arrangements for private candidates.

To answer your initial question, yes it is relatively easy to study for an A level, provided you are sufficiently motivated. You'll have to arrange entry yourself through a registered centre. Many centres just don't take private candidates, and many that do will not take candidates for practical subjects. I do know of one tutorial college that will, however.

Answer 2

At school I was a bit slow, but these days I can speed-read any tutorial book and memorise most of it in one sitting. Why don't you just get all the books for an A-level course... read them over, study yourself , then take the exam. Its all protracted and lengthy and sometimes expensive course imo. A-level biology can't be so difficult.