Sunday 14 April 2013

Living in the modern world - a virtual sixth form college.


As I completed the post last week on alternative choices for further education, a friend sent me this intriguing website -

http://www.vsfc.org.uk/about-vsfc/4574991805

VSFC (Virtual Sixth form college) sounds like an answer to prayer for students who do not feel entering the school system is for them, or they are unable find a suitable sixth form/college in their area which is in accordance with their beliefs. They will use the cutting edge video conferencing and seminars with the teachers (see  the effective virtual teaching section under 'About VSFC)

Hoping to open in September 2015, they will offer A level courses for ages 16-19yrs old.
They are hoping to present their evidence for support to the Department of Education and apply for funding. How wonderful!

On looking at the proposed courses I noticed there are many subjects not easily available in mainstream state schools and colleges and this is an area we're concerned about for my daughter who is 15 yrs, as she would like to study Latin and Human Biology, both of which are considered 'minority' subjects.

I have found on searching that only the prestigious private schools offers subjects like Latin and Greek with even Ancient Civilization or/and Greek being very taxing to find.

Other unique subjects such as Italian, Archaelogy and Creative writing (I won't show that one to Ben who is constantly writing stories in between his prep for his AS levels!) which offer a wealth of choice to students who prefer to remain within their homes.

There is a section on their website asking for anyone interested to 'Register interest', so if you feel this is a venture you would consider pursuing, do sign and say a prayer for their fruition.

Remaining at home to study A levels...do you think this is a viable option, or just too much work and pressure for the student (and parents!)?







Would you like to study A levels but can't face the pressures of school? Perhaps you've had a bad experience of school or been home-schooled. Perhaps you'd just prefer to work independently without unnecessary regimentation. Perhaps you want to do minority subWould you
 like to study A levels but can't face the pressures of school? Perhaps you've had a bad experience of school or been home-schooled. Perhaps you'd just prefer to work independently without unnecessary regimentation. Perhaps you want to do minority subjects, like Latin or Archaeology, that aren't offered locally.

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 Latin or Archaeology, that aren't offered locally.

2 comments:

  1. This looks very interesting. And it would be cheaper to study with them than with the Cambridge University's version for Latin and Classical Civilisation. (Guin did that; it cost £600 per subject per year!!)
    Have you registered interest? I wonder what chance it has of getting funded.

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  2. Thank you.
    Yes, I have registered interest and also written to Robert the man involved in running the VSFC.
    With much eager interest and support they may well receive funding.
    It is an excellent and alternative opportunity for our teens and with the O.U increasing their fees (and of course, being degree level it will not interest all 16 yr olds!) it seems, at present, our one hope should our children wish to study at home.

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