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TLDR
Dean completed an A level in English Literature with the National Extension College (NEC) to prepare for a career in teaching and refine his skills as a published children’s author. He balanced his studies around a full-time job, praising NEC’s flexible online model, high-quality study materials, and helpful exam support. After adding a 5th A level to his qualifications, he is now considering taking A level Physics with NEC next.
Combining Career Goals with A level English Literature Distance Learning
At the National Extension College, we welcome students of all backgrounds, ages and career paths. In Dean’s case, he used distance learning to gain an A level in English Literature, a key step to help him pursue a career as an English teacher.
Outside of his studies, Dean has been successful in writing and publishing multiple children’s books. Alongside his teaching career goals, Dean felt taking on this course would be advantageous in this area also.
“To gain a qualification in A level English to teach English and support my writing and knowledge of English Literature generally.” – Dean
Returning to Education to Achieve a Lifelong Goal
For Dean, taking on a new A level qualification was about fulfilling his long held ambition to expand his knowledge and academic skills.
“My school had limited resources, but the teaching staff were dedicated. The A level in English Literature was the qualification I had always wanted. I left with 4 A levels, and now I have 5.”- Dean
Why Dean Chose NEC as His Online A level Provider
Studying with NEC wasn’t Dean’s first experience when it came to distance learning and online course content, telling us “I had studied with the Open University.” With this in mind, we wanted to understand why he chose NEC as his next provider.
“The website with its ease of access, specific content, and confirmation of pricing was an ideal guide. Moreover, the National Extension College was highly recommended to me.” – Dean
Throughout Dean’s study experience, his positive impression didn’t change, noting that NEC was “Excellent” and making particular note to course materials being a great help.
“I would like to highlight the first class course materials. These were an absolute asset.”- Dean
In particular Dean noted the downloadable articles on each topic – such as Othello, and Victorian Poetry; and credited the “’first class focus in the materials indicating there would be two papers, plus a piece of written coursework” in helping him achieve his grade.
How Distance Learning Boosted Dean’s Career and Writing Skills
Having completed his A level, Dean tells us that the course provided him with instant benefits that enriched both his professional work and his creative projects.
“Achieving the A level helped me to be more intuitive in writing Children’s Books.” – Dean
Dean
Outside of expanding his writing toolkits, the critical thinking skills he has developed during the course also opened up new pathways.
“Hopefully to continue to write children’s books and then go on to the PhD. I am casually working as an examination invigilator. The A level in English Literature has helped me to be more analytical.” – Dean
Dean’s Advice for Future Online Distance Learners
If you are considering following in Dean’s footsteps and returning to education, Dean shares some inspiration from his own experience:
“It’s an excellent route to a bona fide qualification and in most cases you could fit it around a full-time job role.” – Dean
In Dean’s own case he says his employer “welcomed further study” and that, ”the NEC course was ideal as I could fit it around my job role.”
With that in mind, Dean – who in his spare time as well as writing children’s books, plays the flute, and plays a brass instrument in a Salvation Army Band – says he would consider doing another course with NEC.
“Yes. A level Physics. As a member of the Royal Institution of Science this would be very relevant.’”
How Dean Found Studying with NEC
The service he received from NEC was, says Dean, ‘excellent’, but added that he would have found it useful to have the option of more group tutorials, or a recorded session from his tutor that he could watch at a time that suited him.
Distance learning worked well for Dean as he could fit his study around his full time job. He benefitted from the independence and flexibility of online distance learning. Hearing what he would like to have had more of is important – it demonstrates the value he placed on the opportunities he did have for interaction with his subject-specialist tutor.
Sitting Exams as a Distance Learner
Conversations around online education often bring up questions and concerns around exams and how they work. Whilst we try to give a clear picture of how to book exams as a distance learner on our website, we have a dedicated team who are always happy to answer further questions. Dean highlights this in his own experience, saying “There were always answers to questions from a specific team, such as the Exams Team. Highly valued.”
He goes on to say “The Exam Centre was so relaxing with supportive exam invigilators. It really took the pressure out of the exam day.” referring to one of our trusted exam partners.
Start Your Online A level Course
You can find more information about NEC’s A level courses here. Still have questions? Get in touch with our Course Advice team today.
