Elizabeth’s Story: Returning to Study Science as an Adult

Rediscovering Science as an Adult

When Elizabeth gave up science subjects in Year 9 at school, she had no idea that years later she would return to them. 

Elizabeth’s original experience at school was positive, and it was only much later, when seeing what her children were learning, that she realised how much science education she had missed out on.

“My children were studying science topics at school and I found what they told me fascinating.”

“I realised there was a great chunk of knowledge which I knew nothing about. I felt inspired to finally find out for myself what science was about.” – Elizabeth

That curiosity marked the beginning of a new educational journey for Elizabeth, years after leaving school.

Studying Science GCSEs Online as an Adult Learner

Having found out about the National Extension College (NEC), and reading what was offered online, Elizabeth enrolled on three courses IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry and IGCSE Physics. This was her first experience of online distance learning, and she appreciated the support provided by NEC:

“Firstly, explaining how to access the website and actually follow the course – very helpful as I had never done anything online before.” – Elizabeth

The support available from NEC, together with the course materials, made studying subjects she hadn’t encountered since her school years feel manageable, returning to learning as an adult:

“The course materials made the whole course doable. They were user friendly, which I appreciated.” – Elizabeth

After all the years away, Elizabeth’s return to studying science proved a great success as she achieved excellent results in her exams:

• Grade A* in Biology (equivalent to a Grade 8-9)
• Grade A in Chemistry (equivalent to a Grade 7)
• Grade A* in Physics (equivalent to a Grade 8-9)

But she wasn’t finished there!

Elizabeth’s Progression From GCSE Science to A levels

After such a successful return to studying science, Elizabeth enrolled with NEC to continue her learning, opting for online A levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

Studying three A levels independently requires organisation. Elizabeth found NEC’s guidance on how to structure her learning invaluable:

“There was a video instruction manual, which suggested how to plan the year – including holidays – then monthly and finally weekly.”

“So I had a weekly timetable which showed when I needed to study what topic in each subject, and when assignments were due.”

“This was extremely useful in keeping track of where I was in each subject and there was a great sense of relief and achievement in achieving my weekly goals.” – Elizabeth

Writing a timetable helped Elizabeth to stay on track with her learning – a great piece of advice for other distance learners looking for flexibility in when and where they study, whilst needing to complete assignments and prepare for exams.

How NEC’s Support Helped Elizabeth With Her Online Study

For Elizabeth, her success as a distance learner wasn’t simply about access to the course materials and the flexibility to study independently at a time and place to suit her. She highlights the National Extension College’s support that was available throughout her studies:

• course materials that were easily accessible
• videos available to watch for each subject
• friendly and accessible tutors
• easy to book exams
• core practicals that she could do at home. 

“Each topic had its own reading section and links to videos I could watch, and what extra resources were useful, such as textbooks.”

“I also had fantastic access to my online subject tutors who were very helpful. Any assignment came back marked within a couple of days, with helpful and insightful comments.” – Elizabeth

The combination of flexible, independent study and the support provided by NEC left a positive impression:

“I can honestly say that the support and structure of NEC makes the whole learning experience really enjoyable. They could not be more helpful. I would definitely do another course with the NEC.” – Elizabeth

and she describes NEC as ‘very competent and helpful’ when compared with other distance learning providers.

Completing A level Biology and Chemistry Practicals as an Online Learner

Elizabeth achieved a Grade A in A level Maths, a Grade B in A level Biology and a Grade D in A level Chemistry. 

One part of the courses that stood out from Elizabeth’s A level studies was the Practical Endorsements and completing the practical work in her Biology and Chemistry A level courses.

“With my Biology and Chemistry A levels, NEC offered the opportunity to attend a practical course where I could actually work in a laboratory, handle the equipment for real, and see the experiments which I had only read about or seen in a video.”

“That was one of the best experiences of the whole course – meeting with other students, doing the experiments.” – Elizabeth

From Online A levels to the Offer of a Place at University

Elizabeth considered studying a part-time course in Nutrition at university and was offered a place. Although she ultimately decided not to take up the offer, she explains how NEC supported her with her application.

“I applied through UCAS to study a degree in Nutrition. NEC helped with my application form and gave feedback on my statement, which was very useful.” – Elizabeth

UCAS Application Service for NEC Students

NEC offers two services to support our students in their UCAS application:

Predicted Grades / Reference 

Predicted grades are a key part of the UCAS application process. They reflect the grade of qualification that your tutor believes you are likely to achieve in positive circumstances, which is then used by universities and colleges as an indicator of academic ability and suitability for higher education. NEC can also provide a reference. 

Personal Statement Review 

This is the section of the UCAS application form where you tell the Admissions Tutors of your chosen universities about yourself and why you want to study the course you are applying to. NEC’s Personal Statement Review is a chance to gain additional support by submitting a draft Personal Statement to one of NEC’s experienced tutors for feedback.

Would Elizabeth Recommend Distance Learning?

Yes!

“Distance learning is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to study a subject and gain a recognised qualification.”

“The NEC also makes it very easy to sit the exams. They offer various exam venues that you can attend to sit them.” – Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s experience demonstrates something particularly valuable about returning to education as an adult: you don’t necessarily have to know at the beginning where your studies will eventually take you.

Elizabeth started her learning journey because she found conversations with her children about what they were studying at school fascinating, and was curious about a subject she had left behind at school years earlier.

“My time at school was positive, but I only realised when I saw what my children were learning how much I had missed out on. How education was now structured in such a way that enabled children to learn and progress through lots of different subjects, via lots of different learning methods.” – Elizabeth

That curiosity led Elizabeth to discover online learning and the achievement of three science GCSEs, three A levels and the offer of a place at university.

Thinking About Returning to Education as an Adult?

Whether you want to rediscover a subject you are passionate about or left behind at school, gain qualifications for a change of career, or to support university applications, online distance learning can provide a flexible route back into education for adults thinking of returning to learning. 

The flexibility of distance learning allows you to fit your learning around work and other commitments or hobbies – as well as her family responsibilities, Elizabeth enjoys running, playing Bridge and learning the clarinet. 

NEC offers online GCSE and online A level courses in a wide range of subjects, all studied flexibly, with comprehensive course materials and resources, the support of a specialist tutor and feedback on assignments. All designed to enable you to extend your opportunities.

Explore NEC’s online courses today and discover where returning to learning could take you.

If you’ve got a question, our friendly Course Advice Team will be happy to help you.