Home-Education and Exams...

One of the nagging questions that parents who home-educate their children asked by others or even ask themselves are…

- What about exams and qualifications?

- If my child decides to go university, how can they access it without setting exams in a school setting?

These questions went through my head and as the children grew I started to research our options and explore with my daughter what she likes to do.

On a nice summer’s day when we were exploring the beautiful architecture of a near by university campus my daughter turned to me and said I want to go to university, maybe This university.

That moment we started to explore her interests and what would she like to specialise in as she grows up. We narrowed down the qualifications she needs and then decided she would need to sit GCSEs/iGCSEs to achieve the goal she laid out for herself.

Home-educators often choose to stagger the testing process and start taking exams at a younger age or for longer period than school children. Which what we decided to do for the following reasons:

- The expenses of taking the exams would be too much if done during the allocated age as my daughter would have to sit 7+ subjects in couple of years. Now staggering the exams and starting them early will make the expenses manageable.

- Taking the exams early help her focus on a subject, or two a year giving her a chance to enjoy and fully understand what she is learning rather than learning it to just pass the test and forget about it later.

- Practicing the skills that are needed to pass an exam, such as note taking, research, practicing past papers and answering to a timed deadline, is essential so experiencing early on so it would help her hone the skills and prepare her for future learning during university and postgraduate education.

As my daughter loves anything to do with the environment and saving the planet, the subject Environmental management iGCSE was the perfect choice to start her examinations journey. We checked the closest testing centre, booked a place, and started working towards it.

This subject is a blend of geography, geology, ecology, and marine science with a blend of statistics and maths. We started preparing by September last year and she sat the exam in June 2023.

We just received her results this week which she passed with a very good grade at the age 12 years old, something that the traditional schooling system would lead you to believe it is very hard to achieve or even impossible.

Home-Education can provide various opportunities for the children to pursue their goals and dreams. I will post more information about these different paths that home-educators can choose to follow. However, I will write a more detailed post about sitting the Environmental management exam, our experience, and what resources we used in a later port.

Here are some of these paths and the pros and cons of each:

GCSEs

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the most widely recognised qualification in the UK, and home educators can also take this route. GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade. They cover a range of subjects that are typically studied in secondary schools, such as English, maths, science, and humanities.

Pros:

- Widely recognised by universities and employers

- Straightforward curriculum, with many exam boards offering textbooks and support materials

- Feedback on student's academic performance and potential areas for improvement

Cons:

- The cost can add up, with exam fees ranging from £30-£150 per subject

- Limited control over the examination process, as the exams must be taken in a designated centre with a qualified invigilator

- The year-long preparation can be stressful for the parent or guardian who is supporting the child's education

iGCSEs

International GCSEs (iGCSEs) are an alternative to GCSEs and are similar in content, but they tend to be more rigorous and have a different structure of assessment. They are assessed through a combination of coursework and exams, and they do not include any controlled assessments.

Pros:

- Recognised by universities and employers worldwide, making them a viable option for families that may travel extensively

- More flexible, as they can be taken in any country, and the examinations do not necessarily need to be taken at the same time as traditional GCSEs

- The alternative structure of assessment can suit certain learning styles

Cons:

- Fewer exam boards offer iGCSEs, making it harder to find information and support materials

- The costs can be higher, with exam fees ranging between £80-£300 per subject

- The coursework element may require a more intensive level of support from parents or guardians

B Tech

For those interested in more vocational subjects, a BTech qualification could be an option. BTechs are hands-on courses that are designed to give learners the practical skills they need for the workplace. They are typically assessed through a combination of practical assignments and coursework.

Pros:

- A practical approach can suit learners who may find traditional exams challenging

- Focus on specific vocational subjects can be beneficial for those exploring career options at an early age

- Can be a more affordable option than traditional GCSEs and iGCSEs

Cons:

- May not be as widely recognised as GCSEs or iGCSEs, limiting the learner's options for further study or employment

- Fewer subjects are available, meaning that home educators may have to pick and choose courses depending on their interests and the availability of tutoring or support

- Potential for a more demanding workload, with mandatory practical assignments

Alternative options

For those looking for non-traditional qualifications, there is the option of exploring different educational programmes such as MOOCs, Open University courses or various professional qualifications.

Pros:

- More flexible when it comes to timing and location of exams, allowing learners to tailor their education around their own lifestyle

- Can be more cost-effective as some courses are free, or have nominal fees or discounts available for home educators

- Exposure to a wider range of subject matter, depending on the programme chosen

Cons:

- May not be recognised or valued by employers or universities as much as traditional GCSEs or iGCSEs

- Limited support resources and the need for self-discipline can make some courses challenging

- Professional qualifications may not be suitable for those in primary or secondary education stage

There are many paths available to home educators in the UK for accessing exams and gaining qualifications. The above-mentioned options are not an exhaustive list and each come with their own pros and cons. Parents and guardians face a vital task in assessing their child's interests, skills, and career aspirations, as well as considering different factors like the length of the course, costs, availability of support and level of assessment required. Figuring out the answers to these questions and conducting further research can certainly help them lay the foundation for future academic success and career progression.