Where to start? It's been a long time since I've been in any sort of education.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on guidance for returning to education after a long absence, specifically focusing on studying mathematics, science, and physics. Participants explore options for foundational education, resources for self-study, and the differences between educational systems in England and Scotland.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to return to education after a difficult period, highlighting a passion for physics and a lack of formal qualifications.
  • Another participant suggests online resources and emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in mathematics and science before pursuing university studies.
  • A different contributor notes that university physics is heavily mathematics-driven, contrasting it with high school physics, and recommends the Feynman lectures as a helpful resource.
  • One participant advises contacting the local careers advice service to create a plan for obtaining GCSEs and A levels, mentioning the possibility of part-time or evening classes.
  • There is a mention of differences between the education systems in England and Scotland, suggesting that the Scottish system may have equivalent options for further education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational education and resources for self-study, but there are varying opinions on the best approach to returning to education and the specifics of the educational systems in England and Scotland.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific details on the differences between the English and Scottish education systems and the absence of a clear consensus on the best resources or pathways for returning to education.

NinetyOne
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Hello guys, I'm new to the forums and am in need of some guidance.

I left secondary school in 2008 with beyond terrible GCSE's. All my school life I had been an exceptionally hard worker, and had been predicted A's in most of my GCSE's. Then something happened in my life that crushed me, changed me. I couldn't concentrate on anything. I spent my time playing highly technical computer games like starcraft to keep my mind busy.

Anyway, enough of that, now I've just turned 20, I'm looking to get back into education. Where do I start? I have no A levels and no GCSE's that any good university would consider. I know without a doubt that I want to study Maths, Science and Physics. These are the only subjects I truly ever enjoyed, and I really had/have a passion for physics most of all.

If you haven't guessed by now, yes I'm currently living in England, soon to be Scotland. I've been trying to self educate myself as much as possible until I get back to education.

What are my choices?

Thanks.

John
 
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Hey NinetyOne and welcome to the forums.

Mepris websites are very good, but just remember you will probably be starting a calculus based course in your first year of university and you are not expected to have mastered it, so keep that in mind.

Also an important thing to note is that physics is very mathematics driven in university unlike in high school where it may not very well be that way.

You might also benefit by reading the Feynman lectures on Physics which is a good companion for physics students.
 
A good first step in the UK would be the careers advice service at your local further education college. Work out a plan to get some GSCE and A levels, that fits with the rest of your lifestyle. You should be able to study part time or at evening classes if are working.

The education systems in England and Scotland are not identical, but I expect the Scottish system has something equivalent.
 

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