(member)

30/09/2008 14:51

How much initial study for A Levels

Hope someone can give me advice on how much studying my daughter should be doing for her A levels. She has just started at college and appears to be doing absolutely no studying at home, saying that she uses her spare time during the college day. I am on the verge of contacting her tutor, but maybe 3 weeks into college is too early? Maybe she is just enjoying a bit of freedom with free periods, no uniform etc? Btw she struggled a little with GCSE's, did quite a bit of revision at the end but did not get results as hoped - surely this should have shaken her up and made her think.... I am getting more and more stressed just thinking about it

(member)

30/09/2008 16:02

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Hi Munchkin,
I wouldn't worry...I think you are probably right in that she is still settling in....I expect the college tutors allow them a settling in period as the type of study is a vast change from GCSEs. What subjects is she studying? Some require more home study than others. She will definately have to be more self motivated for A' levels.I would hold fire on contacting the tutor just yet....are there any other issues at the moment, she may be worried about? I should think that the work ahead is probably a bit overwhelming for her.

(member)

30/09/2008 17:41

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

A teacher friend of mine says that AS levels are like GCSE's plus 10%. The jump to A2's in the second year is pretty big, tho.

Maybe they are just easing them into things and she is not having to do much at the moment. I'd give her a little bit longer, she see the writing on the wall soon enough!

(member)

30/09/2008 20:42

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Just checked with OD, just started 4 A levels. She spends a lot of the evening in her room,I think she is old enough to organise her own time now. But she says she does about 2 hrs study a night as well as using her free periods.

She IS doing Art, which is a passion, so is happy to spend a lot of time at the weekend doing art work.

She is still at school rather than college, so fewer disractions; she is not very academic but worked hard for GCSEs and did well, so understands the benefits of steady work.

But OD does put herself under a lot of pressure,she could benefit from having a bit more relaxation! Younger S and YD both do the minimum amount of homework, will be a totally different story for them!

So dont get too stressed, it wont help! I think you just have to encourage, while accepting they are all different!

(member)

01/10/2008 10:52

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Thank you for replying - this was my first time on the forum and am very impressed.

I think if I can just stay on top of her studying time things will be less stressful. There is a very short meeting tonight with her tutor and hopefully he can indicate to D with me being there how much approx. time should be spent during college time and at home. At least then I have back up.

During D's spare time she is totally wrapped up in looking after a horse 2 evenings per week (approx. 2 hrs each) and riding for approx. 4 hours on a Sunday. Saturday she works during the day time. As you can see D will have to organise her studying inbetween all these, which at the moment is possible. Obviously when studies ramp up, she will have to cut down on the leisure time at the stables. Fortunately boyfriends have not entered her life yet, but also she does not go out socially with friends - not enough time is usually the excuse. This also I am sure is not good for her - she keeps in contact with friends by the internet which of course as most of you may have experienced is a bit addictive in the evenings and I do try and manage this by no computers in the bedroom.

It has relaxed me a little knowing other families are going through this. Btw, am divorced but have a very understanding partner who lives with us and who D & S like very much. He does get involved but understandably can only go so far

(member)

01/10/2008 13:27

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

One thing to remember is that a further ed or sixth form college is a different environment to school. At school a pupil is used to being given direction, told exactly what extra study is needed and chased for homework, at college they're treated more as adults and expected to be interested enough to read around their subject and do additional research without being prompted (it's really a half way house between how they're treated at school and how they'll be expected to work at university). I'm not sure that all 16 year olds will realise this although it should become apparent when they do their first assignment.

(member)

01/10/2008 19:49

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Hello again, gave this more thought during the night and talked to my D again.
* I assume you are happy with the college's reputation.
* Is your D happy with her choice of subjects?
* does she understand the difference between doing the basics and going the extra mile? (even if she chooses not to do that)

* What is she aiming for?
A couple of basic Alevels, then a job, perhaps with a career structure or further training
Or good enough results for a choice of university/course
Or straight As, Oxbridge and a high flying career?

All valid choices,but you and she need to have some idea of where she is heading.
But if your D is fitting in a job and a serious hobby (more than my D is doing!) and is happy, then I think she is doing very well.

(member)

02/10/2008 11:24

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Hello

We are very happy with the college, and D is also happy with her subjects, although one changed at last minute but has turned out to be v. interesting and she is enjoying it. D is taking 4 A levels, but will drop one after AS level. I am sure she does understand going the extra mile, but when she gets home and goes up to her bedroom all motivation seems to vanish, or buries her head in the sand... She then seems a little moody, angry with her younger brother for just being there and cuts herself off from us a little. I am sure she is just like other teenagers, but D being the eldest cannot compare.

She does not know what she wants to do post A levels, she cannot imagine working at all that does not involve horses. Even her job on Saturday is with
a local saddelery. She has dropped in conversations that Uni might not be what she wants (not sure whether she has already made her mind up and is preparing us) and we have always said it would be her choice, but to work at A levels to give herself more options in whatever she chooses.

Tonight is the meeting with her Tutor (10 minutes) to discuss progress and settling in so far - I am going to mention the amount of work generally needed for A levels and of course D will be there to hear. Hopefully after the meeting a few subjects will have been aired and therefore easier to talk about later.

(member)

03/10/2008 14:42

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Hello again

Visiting college was successful. Tutor has confirmed that there will be a lot more coursework during the coming month - it was a little slow due to the students getting to know the outline of each subject.

We have been informed also that we can keep track on-line - how good is that!! We can check attendance (not that this is a problem) for each lesson. Coursework handed out and when to be handed back in by and also the marks given to each piece.

I am sure this will help as we will not be continually asking D what coursework she has and has she done it.

Thanks again for all your advice - it is nice to know there are people out there willing to help

(member)

03/10/2008 16:42

Re: How much initial study for A Levels

Has your D considered a higher qualification in equine studies? Most of the colleges with agricultural colleges offer this sort of thing (diploma and degree level in some cases). Also there are courses in equine dentistry (very good money once qualified!), various massage and physio techniques for horses (someone near here offers equine bowen technique) etc. I'm told that it's very difficult getting hold of a farrier when you need one these days (and lady farriers are almost non-existent)...

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