HE Exams Wiki
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<big>Welcome to the '''Home Education Exams Wiki, '''a site about qualifications for home-educated students.</big>
[[File:Test tubes.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
 
   
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This site is written by home educators for home educators. The aim is to support home educators at all stages of their journey through the exams maze. Whether you are completely new and wondering where to start, or more experienced and wanting resource links or revision ideas, we hope you will find what you need here. Please use the search function if you can't find what you need.
=== Welcome to the '''Home-Ed Exams Wiki, '''a site about qualifications for home-educated students. ===
 
   
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The site relies on experienced home educators contributing their knowledge. If you have something to add or spot something that needs fixing please contribute to the site - if you are not sure how, ask on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE Home Education UK Exams and Alternatives Facebook Group] and we'll help.
==== 1. Completely new to exams? Choose the right starting page for your circumstances: ====
 
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{| class="fandom-table"
* [[Quick Start Guide]] - If you have been home educating for a while
 
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|+'''<big>Quick Links</big>'''
 
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![https://he-exams.fandom.com/wiki/Category:New_to_HE_or_Exams New to home ed or exams]
* [[Considering Home Education for Qualifications?|Considering home education for qualifications]] - If your child is still in school, or you've recently taken them out.
 
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![[Quick Start Guide]]
 
 
![[:Category:Subjects|Subjects]]
* [[EOTAS]] - If you don't really want to home-educate, but feel you have no other option, or you are considering deregistering a child who is too unwell to attend school.
 
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![[Finding an exam centre|Finding an Exam Centre]]
2. Then, to answer your initial questions, see the [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ Frequently Asked Questions] -''' [[FAQ]]''' .
 
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|}
 
3. Find information about the [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Subjects subjects you are interested in] (Subject page links are also at the bottom of  this main page).''' '''The subject pages are very important and will give an overview of your options and available resources.
 
 
4. Grab a cup of tea and have a read! Our [[Jargon Buster]] will help with any terms you don't understand.
 
 
5. Join the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ Home education UK exams and alternatives Facebook group] or one of the other online support groups listed on the [https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Support_Groups support groups] page.
 
 
6. If you're in [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Scotland Scotland] , [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Wales Wales] or [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Northern_Ireland Northern Ireland], you might find their pages a useful addition to your research.
 
 
If there is something you need to know which you can't find, please use the search function, and / or leave a comment on this page.
 
   
 
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[Please allow the pages time to load - Wikia is funded by adverts, so it may take a moment...]
   
 
==New to Home Education or Exams?==
== General Exams Info for Home Educators ==
 
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[[FAQ]] (Frequently Asked Questions) including, ''but not only'': Where do I start? Can my child go to college to do GCSEs? How many should I do? etc.
 
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If you are new to home education or exams there is a lot to get your head around.
 
[[Subjects]] - Find out about the syllabus options for subjects you are interested in.
 
   
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* Our [[:Category:New to HE or Exams|New to Home Education or Exams]] category is a good place to start. Settle down with a mug of something comforting and work your way through the links on the page.
[http://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Exam_Changes Exam Changes] - how does the change to new GCSEs graded 9-1 affect home educators?
 
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* Join the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE Home Education UK Exams and Alternatives Facebook Group] for additional help and advice.
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* If your child is still in school, or you've recently taken them out, then this page will help [[Considering Home Education for Qualifications?|Considering Home Education For Qualifications]].
 
* If you don't want to home-educate, but feel you have no other option, or if you are considering deregistering a child who is too unwell to attend school, then start from our [[EOTAS]] page.
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* There are also support pages for those starting at different stages: starting home education in: [[Starting Home Education in Yrs 7-9|Years 7-9]], [[Starting Home Education in Year 10|Year 10]] and [[Starting Home Education in Year 11|Year 11.]]
   
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Our [[Jargon Buster]] and [[FAQs|Frequently Asked Questions]] will help deal with the 'where do I start?' panic.
[[CorrespondenceCourses|Distance/Online Learning Course Providers]] - you don't need to use correspondence or online courses to do exams, but they can be useful.
 
   
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While you do your research we've put together a useful page of [[Home Ed Resources|home education resources]] to draw on while you find your feet
[[Finding an exam centre]] - centres already in use by home educators, and how to find others, or approach potential centres and [[Making entries and sitting exams|make your exam entries]]. (note: if you're looking for a non-UK centre that will offer IGCSE or international A level sittings, try [https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Overseas_exam_centres here])
 
   
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==Arranging and Sitting Exams ==
[https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Access_Arrangements Special educational needs/ Access arrangements] - If your child might need extra time or help to enable them to sit exams, start reading up on [[Access Arrangements]] at least a year before you plan to sit exams.
 
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[[File:Checklist-g6e820c370 1920.png|right|frameless|227x227px]]
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If you are happy you have the basics and are ready to get started then have a look at our [[Quick Start Guide]]
   
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The [[:Category:Arranging and Sitting Exams|Arranging and Sitting Exams page]] will walk you through the process.
[[Making entries and sitting exams|Making your exam entries]], and preparing for exams using [[Study Skills]] for self-study techniques.
 
   
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Our [[IGCSEs]], [[Exam Boards]], and regional pages for [[Scotland]], [[Wales]], [[Northern Ireland]] (if relevant) are important for understanding the practical issues to consider.
[[Past Papers]] - where do you find past exam papers?
 
   
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Decide which [[:Category:Subjects|subjects]] your child would like to sit - make sure you are aware of any practical components to the exams. Contact [[Finding an exam centre|exam centres]] and find out if they can offer the subjects you want and if so which exam boards they can offer. If your child may need [[Introduction to Access Arrangements|access arrangements]] to support them through exams; enquire about these in plenty of time.
[[Exam Day]] - what to take, what to do if there are problems, and what you need to know about [[Results Day]].
 
   
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When you know what your options are you can decide what and how to study - see our guide below.
[[Groups]] - home educators often study for exams in groups. Please list local or online groups here.
 
   
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When you are ready to enter for exams our [[Making entries and sitting exams|making entries and sitting exams page]] will offer advice and support. Wondering what to take and what will happen 'on the day'? - check out our [[Exam Day]] page. Finally don't forget [[Results Day]]!
[[College]] for home-educated children: part-time college at 14-16, through a special scheme funded direct from the government.
 
   
=== '''Qualification Types:''' ===
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== Studying for Exams ==
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* [[IGCSEs]] - What are they? How do they compare to GCSEs?
 
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Many people study successfully for exams without using courses. However, if you are looking for Distance Learning Providers, you will find a list and advice on choosing one on our [[Distance Learning Providers]] page. Do a search on the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE Home Education UK Exams and Alternatives Facebook Group] for comments about providers and to ask for recommendations.
* [[Functional Skills]]
 
* [[A-levels]]
 
* [[Open University]]
 
* [[Alternative Qualifications]] - [[Open University]], [https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/BTECs Btecs], [[American SATs for UK University entry|American SATs]], and gaining recognition for other achievements, sports, volunteering, conservation work etc.
 
* (For short vocational courses for CV-building, see our [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/University_summer_courses_%28and_other_residential/non-residential_vocational_courses%29 University Summer courses page])
 
   
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If you plan on studying independently, the [[:Category:Subjects|subject pages]] have links to resources. You will also find the [[Study Skills|study skills]] page useful.
=== '''Post-16 - what happens next?''' ===
 
   
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Some [[College for 14-16 year olds|colleges]] provide opportunities for 14-16 year olds to study and sit qualifications.
[[Sixteen Plus|16+]] - What do home-ed teenagers do at 16+? At what age does home education officially finish? Do you still have Local Authority involvement? Can you claim Child benefit?
 
   
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Ready for revision? Find some [[Revision|revision hints and tips here]].
[[Personal experiences of home educators]] - '''exam results and''' '''case studies. '''University offers and routes to Further- and Higher- Education and employment from home-ed.
 
   
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Looking for past papers to practice on or confused by the labelling of papers? Check the [[Past Papers|past papers]] page.
[[A-levels|Studying A-levels from home]] and alternatives to the [[EPQ|Extended Project Qualification.]]
 
   
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== Alternative Qualifications ==
[[Adult Education]] - it's never too late to gain qualifications.
 
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[[File:Certificate-304775 1280.png|right|frameless|191x191px]]
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Not sure if GCSEs/IGCSEs are the right route? Explore our [[:Category:Alternative Qualifications|Alternative Qualifications]] page for advice and suggestions.
   
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This [[Functional Skills|link]] will take you directly to information on [[Functional Skills]] qualifications.
[[Apprenticeships]] - get a qualification while you work.
 
   
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Vocational courses can be difficult to access as a home educator owing to ongoing assessments, [[College for 14-16 year olds|14-16 year old college schemes]] might provide an alternative path. Do be aware 14-16 schemes are not an option at all colleges. Provision will vary hugely depending on locality.
[[Higher Education]] - '''applying to uni''' from home education, or if you were home educated previously. '''How to fill in UCAS forms'''.
 
* [[Veterinary Medicine]] - pointers for those aiming at vet school.
 
   
== Subjects ==
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== Post 16 Options ==
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* [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Accounting Accounting]
 
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Our [[:Category:Post 16 Options|Post 16 Options page]] is there for the 'what happens next' questions.
* [[Art]]
 
* [[Astronomy]]
 
* [[Business Studies]]
 
* '''Classics:'''
 
** Ancient History
 
** [[Classical Civilization]]
 
** [[Classical Greek]]
 
** [[Latin]]
 
** [http://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Sanskrit Sanskrit]
 
** [[Biblical Hebrew]]
 
* [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/IT Computer Science]
 
* [[Dance]]
 
* [https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/DT Design & Technology]
 
* [[DevelopmentStudies|Development Studies]]
 
* [[Drama]]
 
* [[Economics]]
 
* [[English]]
 
* [[EnvironmentalManagement|Environmental Management]]
 
* [https://he-exams.wikia.org/wiki/Food_Tech Food Tech/Cooking]
 
* [[Geography]]
 
* [[Geology]]
 
* [[Classical Greek|Greek (Classical)]]
 
* [[Biblical Hebrew|Hebrew, Biblical]]
 
* [[History]]
 
* [[IT]] (and separate page on [[ECDL]] (European Computer Driving Licence)
 
* [[Latin]]
 
* [[Law]]
 
* [[Maths]] and [[Further and Additional Maths|Further / Additional Maths]], plus a separate page on [[Maths Resources]].
 
* Modern Foreign Languages :-
 
** [[Arabic]]
 
** [[French]]
 
** [[German]]
 
** [[Greek|Greek (Modern)]]
 
** [[Japanese]]
 
** [[Russian]]
 
** [[Spanish]]
 
* [[Music]]
 
* [[PE|PE and Sports]]
 
* [[Psychology]]
 
* [[Religious Studies]]
 
* [[Sanskrit]]
 
* [[Science|'''Science''']]''' - '''single, combined or triple? See also separate pages for single sciences:-
 
** [[Biology]] <nowiki/>and [[Human_Biology]] ; also [[Biology Practicals]]
 
** [[Chemistry]] and [[Chemistry Practicals]]
 
** [[Physics]] and [[Physics_Practicals]]
 
** [[Science A-levels|Science A-Levels]]
 
** Vocational/non-GCSE options for science see [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Alternative_Qualifications#Science Alternative Qualifications: science]
 
* [[Sociology]]
 
* [http://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Statistics Statistics]
 
* [http://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/TravelandTourism?veaction=edit Travel and Tourism]
 
* [https://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/Veterinary_Medicine Veterinary Medicine]
 
   
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There is advice on starting college on the main Post 16 Options page and you may find the [[IGCSEs and 16-19 College Funding]] page helpful.
==The Home Education Exams Support Network==
 
   
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Find information on post 16 qualifications including [[A-levels|A levels]], [[T-levels|T-Levels]] and [[EPQ|EPQs.]] We also have pages on [[Adult Education]] and the [[Open University]] for those looking at more alternative routes.
Qualifications for UK home-educated students; subjects, syllabuses, resources, ideas. Home education is also known as Homeschooling or home schooling in some countries. This wiki is dedicated to UK qualifications and how home educators can access them.
 
   
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For employment options we have a page on [[Apprenticeships]] and links to [[Careers]] advice.
This site has been put together by members of the [[Support Groups|HE-Exams email group]] and the [https://www.facebook.com/groups/HELinksUK.IGCSE/ Home Education UK Exams & Alternatives Facebook group] which discuss the practicalities of gaining formal qualifications as a home-educated young person. Home educators share their experience and recommendations. Please do add your own suggestions to this wiki, either as a comment or by clicking the 'edit' button on any page.
 
==Latest activity==
 
<activityfeed></activityfeed>Photos and videos are a great way to add visuals to your wiki. Find videos about your topic by exploring Wikia's [[w:c:video|Video Library]].
 
   
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Looking to continue home education post 16? You'll find advice on the main [[:Category:Post 16 Options|Post 16 Options page]] and [[A-levels|A-levels page]]. We also have advice on [[University (Higher Education)|applying to University]] from home education. <br /><activityfeed></activityfeed>
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[[Category:Browse]]
 
[[Category:General]]
 

Latest revision as of 16:36, 19 September 2023

Welcome to the Home Education Exams Wiki, a site about qualifications for home-educated students.

This site is written by home educators for home educators. The aim is to support home educators at all stages of their journey through the exams maze. Whether you are completely new and wondering where to start, or more experienced and wanting resource links or revision ideas, we hope you will find what you need here. Please use the search function if you can't find what you need.

The site relies on experienced home educators contributing their knowledge. If you have something to add or spot something that needs fixing please contribute to the site - if you are not sure how, ask on the Home Education UK Exams and Alternatives Facebook Group and we'll help.

Quick Links
New to home ed or exams Quick Start Guide Subjects Finding an Exam Centre

[Please allow the pages time to load - Wikia is funded by adverts, so it may take a moment...]

New to Home Education or Exams?

Confused

If you are new to home education or exams there is a lot to get your head around.

Our Jargon Buster and Frequently Asked Questions will help deal with the 'where do I start?' panic.

While you do your research we've put together a useful page of home education resources to draw on while you find your feet

Arranging and Sitting Exams

Checklist-g6e820c370 1920

If you are happy you have the basics and are ready to get started then have a look at our Quick Start Guide

The Arranging and Sitting Exams page will walk you through the process.

Our IGCSEs, Exam Boards, and regional pages for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland (if relevant) are important for understanding the practical issues to consider.

Decide which subjects your child would like to sit - make sure you are aware of any practical components to the exams. Contact exam centres and find out if they can offer the subjects you want and if so which exam boards they can offer. If your child may need access arrangements to support them through exams; enquire about these in plenty of time.

When you know what your options are you can decide what and how to study - see our guide below.

When you are ready to enter for exams our making entries and sitting exams page will offer advice and support. Wondering what to take and what will happen 'on the day'? - check out our Exam Day page. Finally don't forget Results Day!

Studying for Exams

Session-1989711 640

Many people study successfully for exams without using courses. However, if you are looking for Distance Learning Providers, you will find a list and advice on choosing one on our Distance Learning Providers page. Do a search on the Home Education UK Exams and Alternatives Facebook Group for comments about providers and to ask for recommendations.

If you plan on studying independently, the subject pages have links to resources. You will also find the study skills page useful.

Some colleges provide opportunities for 14-16 year olds to study and sit qualifications.

Ready for revision? Find some revision hints and tips here.

Looking for past papers to practice on or confused by the labelling of papers? Check the past papers page.

Alternative Qualifications

Certificate-304775 1280

Not sure if GCSEs/IGCSEs are the right route? Explore our Alternative Qualifications page for advice and suggestions.

This link will take you directly to information on Functional Skills qualifications.

Vocational courses can be difficult to access as a home educator owing to ongoing assessments, 14-16 year old college schemes might provide an alternative path. Do be aware 14-16 schemes are not an option at all colleges. Provision will vary hugely depending on locality.

Post 16 Options

Penguin-2855062 1920

Our Post 16 Options page is there for the 'what happens next' questions.

There is advice on starting college on the main Post 16 Options page and you may find the IGCSEs and 16-19 College Funding page helpful.

Find information on post 16 qualifications including A levels, T-Levels and EPQs. We also have pages on Adult Education and the Open University for those looking at more alternative routes.

For employment options we have a page on Apprenticeships and links to Careers advice.

Looking to continue home education post 16? You'll find advice on the main Post 16 Options page and A-levels page. We also have advice on applying to University from home education.