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TLDR
After struggling with anxiety at school, Bethan wanted a more flexible way to gain the qualifications she needed for university. She chose NEC’s Structured Fast Track A levels in Biology and Chemistry, enabling her to stay focused and study flexibly. Bethan credits this flexibility, plus NEC’s clear course materials and prompt tutor feedback, with helping her stay on track.
Finding a Different Route to A levels
Bethan achieved good GCSE grades at school, but anxiety meant that she struggled with a traditional classroom-based education.
Knowing that she wanted to progress to university, Bethan needed to find a different way to complete her A levels – and gain the grades needed to get into Uni.
After researching her options, Bethan discovered the National Extension College (NEC). As this would be her first experience of online distance learning, choosing the right provider mattered.
Bethan cites the support she received whilst making her decision, and the example materials she was able to download as key to her choosing NEC:
“NEC responded to all our questions very promptly. (And) The example materials looked very good compared to other providers.” – Bethan
She decided to enrol on NEC’s Structured Fast Track A level Biology and Structured Fast Track A level Chemistry courses as these are subjects that she finds interesting.
Why Study Structured Fast Track A levels?
Bethan’s aim was to gain the qualifications she needed to progress to university, whilst having the flexibility to study in her own time.
NEC’s Structured Fast Track A levels are designed for motivated learners, and help students to stay focused, study flexibly, and achieve their goals, their way. The courses are ideal for anyone aiming for university.
NEC’s fast-track Biology and Chemistry courses provided a framework for Bethan to complete her A levels within a year, whilst retaining one of the major advantages of online distance learning: the ability to decide when and where to study.
“The flexibility to study in my own time and the course materials were two of the things I valued most about studying with NEC.” – Bethan
While flexibility gave Bethan greater control over her studies, the structured nature of the fast-track A levels helped her keep moving towards her exams.
Her advice to other students considering studying a Structured Fast Track A level online reflects this:
“Keep yourself organised and on the schedule.” – Bethan
Preparing for A level Biology and Chemistry Exams
Good course materials and support that prepared her for her A level exams were particularly important to Bethan when studying two demanding science subjects online.
“The course materials explained the content well, and (I received) very prompt feedback on assignments from the tutors.”
“They (the course materials) had assignments to check your knowledge throughout the year; as well as explaining the content well.” – Bethan
Together, the course materials, assignments and tutor feedback gave Bethan a way to monitor her progress, check understanding, and identify any gaps in her knowledge, as she worked towards her A level exams.
Completing A level Science Practical Endorsements as an Online Learner
Learners often ask if it is possible to study science A levels online, as students also need to complete core practicals to help prepare them for their Practical Endorsement: Can you Study A level Science from Home?
Bethan is proof that it is absolutely possible to study science A levels from home, citing that the aspect of her studies that particularly stood out was completing her A level science Practical Endorsements.
Online A level Exam Success
All of Bethan’s hard work paid off.
She achieved a Grade A in A level Biology and has a predicted Grade A* for A level Chemistry.
Most importantly, studying for her A levels with NEC has helped Bethan work towards the qualifications she needs for her next goal: university.
“The NEC courses enabled me to get the grades I needed to get into university,” – Bethan
Bethan’s Positive Feedback About Studying an A level with NEC
Bethan says she is “very happy” with the service she received from the National Extension College.
“I’m very happy with the service I received from NEC, they were very responsive and helpful and I would use them again.” – Bethan
But, for the best possible reason, she doesn’t currently plan to take another NEC course – having completed her A levels she’s now ready to move on to university.
Bethan’s experience demonstrates that students don’t all need to follow the same route to A levels in order to achieve their goals. Having greater flexibility over how she studied, combined with structured courses, clear and comprehensive course materials, and regular tutor feedback, enabled Bethan to achieve her goals, her way.
A Flexible Way to Study A levels
Away from her studies, Bethan enjoys going to the gym and climbing. An online distance learning course, like those available from NEC, enables learners to gain the qualifications they need, whilst continuing to enjoy their hobbies as it is possible to fit their learning around their lifestyle and commitments.
Whether you need a specific qualification for university, are looking for an alternative to a traditional classroom-based school or college setting, are returning to education after a time away, or simply want the flexibility to study alongside work and other commitments, online A levels enable you to achieve Your Goals, Your Way.
NEC’s Structured Fast Track A levels combine online distance learning with a structured study schedule, tutor support and regular assignments to help students work towards completing their qualification within an academic year.
Explore NEC’s Structured Fast Track A levels today.
We also offer a wide choice of ‘standard’ A level courses.
Got a question? Our friendly Course Advice Team will be happy to help you.
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