Home learning?

[Thompsons]

Hi,

 

I'm hoping maybe someone can point me in the right direction.. I'm 18 years old and currently unemployed, I've never had a job, I've never been to college and I've been home-schooled since I was 13. I'd really like something productive to do with my day.. I'm unable to work or go to college for a number of different reasons, firstly my OCD rituals take 5 hours in the morning, so morning's are really difficult for me, and secondly I can't seem to cope around people at all. I just seem to have panic attacks when I'm in a room full of people, and I don't want to be looked at or spoken to, so work and college just aren't options right now.

 

My psychologist is giving me CBT and medication to help with the OCD (as you can probably tell, it's not doing much - I've been trying to get my rituals down for 4 years now ) and my social support worker has found a weekly group for people with mental health problems for me to join - I only have to go half an hour a week to start with, I started on Thursday and I hated it but what worries me is that things just don't seem to be improving or moving along. I just can't see where I'm headed and I feel a little stuck in a rut right now.

 

So what I was wondering is if there are any courses that I can do at home? I think it'd be good to have something to focus on as I don't do much with my day at the moment. I'd love to do something with animals - veterinary nursing would be my dream career. I just don't know where to start, it's all so overwhelming. I was hoping that someone here could maybe give me a starting point or some suggestions - I'd be very grateful!

 

Kimberley x

[Karen A]

Hi.The Open University provide courses in lots of different things.The entrance level courses don't require any previous qualifications and the highest level courses are degree courses or higher.I have not done any of the courses but have been thinking about it because I find it difficult to committ to a regular routine each week.

It might be worth having a look at the OU web site.Karen.

[Diane]

I did the short creative writing course throught the OU. I found it well supported and all communication with tutor and other students was done on line. They send you all the material you will need. I liked working to a deadline as it made me do it as when left to my own devices I find myself on the drag and not having the self discipline needed to complete what I am doing on time.

 

I am thinking about doing another one but not sure what to do.

 

Like Karen says have a look they have a lot to offer.

 

Goodluck

[Tally]

I'm currently doing a course with the Open University. It's at first year degree level, but only a short course. I am enjoying it a lot.

 

The Open University has more disabled students than all of the other UK universities added together.

 

If you want to get into veterinary nursing, you might need to look into a specialist course provider. You might find a course which is predominantly disatance learning, with a short residential course to cover the practical element.

[Thompsons]

Thanks so much everyone!!! I think I'm going to choose an Open University course They look really good and it will be great to start doing something productive. I'd like to get some GCSE's also - I wonder if that's something that maybe a local college can arrange?

[Karen A]

Thanks so much everyone!!! I think I'm going to choose an Open University course They look really good and it will be great to start doing something productive. I'd like to get some GCSE's also - I wonder if that's something that maybe a local college can arrange?

 

Hi.I think it might be possible to study for GCSES by using web based materials.If you then want to sit the exam you could sit as an external candidate.I sat an A level as an external candidate because I left school during the course to start nurse training.I booked with the examining authority and then sat the exam at a hall that had been booked to be used for exams.I friend who home schooled her children used web based GCSE course material I think.

Glad you found an OU course. Karen.

 

[Lisa40]

It depends on what level you want to work at, whether you are going for GCSE's, A Levels or a degree. When we tried home schooling we used Oxford Home Schooling. My daughter had ideas that she wanted to take at lest 5 GCSEs. Unfortunately, she wasn't motivated enough to learn from home as I also need to work, but the materials are very good and they do up to A levels. They have tutors that you can speak to over the phone and I found them extremely helpful but she didn't last the course! The link is below if you want to have a look.

 

http://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/

[Tally]

Getting a private tutor is another option. They may also be able to help arrange for you to take formal exams. Remember that with 1:1 tuition, you would be able to cover a lot of material in a short time, so it might not cost as much as you expect.

[Thompsons]

Thanks so much to all who replyed, it's very much appreciated! Lisa - thanks for the link, I think I'm going to apply to take some GCSE's too I feel a lot more motivated, now that I've looked into this a bit - thanks again!!