The Open Learning Academy can help you if:

* your school doesn't offer the course you want to follow
* your school doesn't allow your chosen course combination
* you want to change subjects mid-course
* you want to re-take subjects
* you are worried you might be falling behind and are considering a home tutor
* you want to follow a course in your 'gap year'
* you are a home-schooled student
* you are unable to attend school regularly
* you are a mature student 

In short, we can help provide an education that is tailor-made to meet your needs.


Your Questions Answered
Before reading this section, visit the How it all works area of the website.

What are the course materials like?
The course materials are supplied as printed pages in a ring binder. They are arranged as lessons, which are grouped into modules. Each lesson covers one particular topic. It will probably take you several study periods to complete a lesson. You will find more information about the structure of each course by going to Courses and clicking on the title of a course.

How much time should I spend studying?
This varies from person to person and from course to course. As a very rough guide an AS level taken over one year or a full A level taken over two years will take about 8 to 10 hours of study a week.

How do I know the course materials are any good?
We use course materials produced by Oxford Open Learning, one of the UK's leading distance learning providers. Its courses have been completed successfully by many thousands of students. Oxford Open Learning continually updates its courses to maintain a topical content and to reflect current exam specifications.

Which examinations do the course materials support?
All our courses lead to examinations that are certified by the AQA exam board. The specific exam each course has been designed to support can be found under Courses. Remember, we cannot make exam arrangements for you. You, or your school or learning centre, will need to do this. 

What will my examination status be?
Students sitting exams are classed either as private candidates or as internal candidates. Your classification makes no difference to the value of the grades you gain. An A grade gained by a private candidate has exactly the same value as an A grade gained by an internal candidate. 
If you enrol with the Open Learning Academy as a private student and do not attend school or any other other learning centre, you will be classed as a private candidate. You will need to follow the entry process and, if applicable, the coursework procedures laid down in the AQA's booklet, Information for Private Candidates.
If you have been enrolled through a school or other learning centre, the centre will decide upon your examination status.
If you enrol with the Open Learning Academy as a private student but attend school and expect to sit the exams there, you (or a parent or guardian) will need to contact the school and discuss this issue. 

Do I have to produce coursework?
You can find out which subjects require coursework by going to Courses. Where coursework is optional you will be expected to take the written paper alternative. 

Who are the tutors?
Our tutors are dedicated practitioners, who have been selected for their professional knowledge and experience, and for their understanding of the challenges that this form of learning can pose. They include examiners, heads of department and senior teachers and lecturers. All are enthusiastic about the exciting learning possibilities that the Open Learning Academy offers and are committed to helping you enjoy your course and do well in your exams. 

Is it for me?
If you like the idea of being in control of your own learning and have a real interest in the subjects you have selected, then yes. If you just see it as a way of getting out of going to classes at school, then no. These courses require just as much time and effort as any A level courses. It's a very rewarding way to learn but you need to be well-organised and prepared to take responsibility for your own learning. Our tutors realise that there may be times when you need a bit of extra encouragement and support. They are there to help you as much as they can. 

Do I have to do all the assignments?
The assignments do not count towards yor exam grade and no-one can make you complete the assignments, but we do recommend it. Completing assignments and receiving comments and grades from your tutor will give you valuable practice at answering exam-style questions. It will also help you feel that you are on the right track and are making good progress.

Do I have to contact my tutor or will my tutor contact me?
Your tutor will contact you to introduce himself or herself. After this, it is up to you to make contact whenever you have any queries about your lessons or when you need to have assignments marked. 

I'm what you might call a 'mature' student. I've been thinking about doing an A level at evening classes. Would your courses suit me?
Absolutely. Although we have designed the website so that it meets the needs of schools and school-age students, we also welcome mature students.
Unlike an evening class, you won't have to be in a particular place at a particular time each week. You can plan your learning to fit your own lifestyle. And you won't have to go out in the rain!

I'm taking a gap year before I go to university. I'd like to take another A level in that year but I want to travel too. Can you help?
Yes. Your course materials will be sent to you in the UK but you will be able to send your assignments and queries, and access your tutor's replies, from any computer with internet access, anywhere in the world. Remember that you'll need to consider your exam arrangements too.

I suffer from a chronic illness and can only attend school when I feel up to it. How can you help me?
You could use Open Learning Academy courses as the foundation for your education and supplement them with lessons at school whenever you are able to attend.

I'm doing Law A level at school but I feel I'm getting left behind. My parents are thinking about sending me to a tutor for extra lessons.
You can use an Open Learning Academy course as an alternative to extra lessons, provided you are studying exactly the same specification (syllabus). Your tutor is there to answer your queries and you can concentrate on the areas of the course where you are experiencing the most difficulty.