The Open Learning Academy combines a unique internet-based personal
tutorial system with AS and A level course materials developed by Oxford Open Learning,
one of the UK's leading distance learning providers. The result is an effective method of
learning that combines new technology with tried-and-tested study materials.
This is how it all works:
* Once you have decided which courses you would like to take, you will need to register.
* Students may register as private students or, if applicable, they may be enrolled through a school or other learning centre.
* You will be sent your course materials and an identity code and password. The code and password allow you to access your personal Student Home Page, which will be the central point for all communication with your Open Learning Academy tutor.
* Most courses require the support of a textbook or textbooks. You will be able to purchase these online through this website. You are advised to wait until you receive your course materials before purchasing any textbooks, as the course materials give further advice and guidance about this. Go to Courses to find out whether your course requires the support of a textbook.
* You will receive a message from your tutor, introducing himself or herself to you. Your tutor is there to answer any queries you have about the lessons in your course materials and to mark your tutor-marked assignments.
* When you are ready to begin your course, off you go!
* The course materials are set out as a series of lessons, grouped into modules. To view the structure of specific courses, go to Courses, click on the title of a course and then select Framework.
* Most lessons include self-assessment exercises. Every few lessons there are tutor-marked assignments to be completed. The number of tutor-marked assignments varies from course to course.
* Assignments are sent to your tutor via your Student Home Page. Your tutor will mark your assignment and send you your grade, together with comments about the assignment.
* The grades you gain in your assignments are logged in your student progress record. You can view this at any time. If you have been enrolled through your school, or any other learning centre, your teachers will also be able to access your progress record. No other student will be able to view this information.
* If there is anything in the lessons that you don't understand you simply go to your Student Home Page and contact your tutor.
* All correspondence from you tutor will be posted to your own personal In-tray on the website. You are the only person who will be able to access this In-tray. A notification e-mail will be sent to you whenever a new message is posted to your In-tray.
* Please note that the Open Learning Academy cannot enter students for
exams. If you are registered as a private student, you (or a parent or guardian) will need
to ensure that appropriate exam arrangements are made. If you have been enrolled through a
school or other learning centre, the centre will make exam arrangements for you.
Your Questions Answered
What's the difference between a school-enrolled student and a private student?
The main difference between the two types of student is that the school-enrolled student
has his or her fees paid by the school. In addition, the school (and not just the student)
has access to his or her progress record. The course materials and the level of tuition for
both types of student are identical.
Is there an upper age limit for students?
No. We welcome students of all ages. If there's a subject you've always wanted to study,
now's the time to do it.
Can you explain what's happened to A levels?
The new full A levels are made up of two parts; AS and A2. An AS level is considered to
be worth half a full A level. Students
studying with the Open Learning Academy can decide from the outset that they want to do a
full A level and buy the complete course or they can buy the AS level only and then
decide whether to continue with the A2 element.
When do the courses begin and end?
One of the advantages of our courses is that you can begin and end them whenever you
choose. However,
we recommend that you contact us if you plan to take longer than two years to complete a
full A level or one year to complete an AS or A2 unit, so that we can
tell you about any known changes to
the exam specifications.
How long does it take for assignments to be marked and queries to be answered?
Your tutor will usually mark your assignment within four working days and will answer any
queries as soon as possible, usually within
48 hours. There may, however, be occasions when this is not possible.
How do you know whether your students are happy with their courses?
We aim to provide our students with the best service possible. Students are free to contact
us at any time with comments about their courses. They are also offered the opportunity to
tell us what they think about the assignments and the support given by their tutors.
What if I really don't seem to be getting along very well with my tutor?
In the unlikely event of a problem arising between a tutor and one of his or her students,
we will, in the first instance, try to find a solution. If it proves impossible to find a
solution, the student may be assigned to a different tutor.
We take problems and complaints very seriously. We would try to sort out any problems as
quickly as possible. Any complaints would be investigated thoroughly.
What do I do if I change my e-mail address?
Just contact us at admin@openlearningacademy.co.uk
with your new e-mail address as soon as you can, preferably before it changes.
The same is true for changes to any of the information you gave us when you registered.
Informing us of changes helps us keep our records up-to-date and enables us to provide you
with an efficient service.
My son is still at school. Can I register him as a school-enrolled student?
School-enrolled students have to be enrolled by their school. They cannot be registered as
school-enrolled students by a parent. You could contact your son's school and ask whether
they would consider enrolling him or, alternatively, you could register him as a private
student.
My daughter is a school-enrolled student. The school completed her application form. What
information do you hold about her in your records?
We hold the following information: her name, sex, date of birth, the school she attends,
her e-mail address, the course or courses she is taking, when she expects to sit her exams
and details relating to her assignments and queries.
Can a school enrol my child without my knowledge?
If a student is under 16 years, schools are required to gain the permission of a parent or
guardian. We recommend that schools consult the parents or guardians of all students,
whatever their ages, before enrolling them on courses.
Please read the information given in all other relevant sections of the Home page. If you still have unanswered questions, contact us at query@openlearningacademy.co.uk.