We have designed courses with home educated kids especially in mind. We use books that have a general appeal but are informative to an adult level. These we buy bulk, to bring down the price. We used the Open University (OU) as our model. They have taken outstanding books or TV series like ‘The Blue Planet’ and written courses around them. Using the basic ‘entertaining’ book or series, we have then written explanatory materials and assignments similar to those used by the OU.

Courses are designed at 3 levels, level 1 uses multiple choice questions which can only be answered by close examination of the books/materials and very short answers to closed questions. Level 2 aims to develop short and medium length answer question skills and a more independent analysis of the materials. Level 3 develops essay writing skills and a broader view of the subject. We presently are developing courses at level 1 and 2 with level 3 in the pipeline for next year. A rough age range might be age 12-15 for level 1, 14-17 for level 2 and 15-18 for level 3 at the student and parent’s discretion. This progression is designed to prepare students for a Open University short course or foundation course.

Examples of level 1 and level 2 courses are available. All three history level 1 courses are based around early civilizations, around the Celts, the Vikings and the Egyptians. The level 2 courses look at issues such as Globalisation, the environment and the development of culture. Level three courses are presently being designed around other interesting subjects including alternative health, ecology, and religion.