When watersports fan Griffin moved with his family to Portugal he was unfamiliar with the local schools and the education that they could offer him. 

Griffin attended several schools in Portugal but was unhappy about how they were run. He  decided that he needed an option for studying for his A levels abroad that was both tested and proven, and which met his needs.  

Discovering NEC’s Online A levels

After searching online for the options available to study for his A levels abroad, Griffin discovered the National Extension College’s (NEC) distance learning A level courses. Having previous experience of online learning during COVID-19, Griffin knew that distance learning was a way of studying with which he felt comfortable.

Why NEC’s Online A levels Worked for Griffin

Aiming to go on to study for a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at university, Griffin enrolled on NEC’s:

• International A level Physics
• International A level Maths
• A level Economics 

online distance learning courses. He says:

“NEC provided a convenient, streamlined platform for me. Something that had been lacking at the international schools. What I liked most was that I made my own hours. I could go as fast or as slow as I needed.” 

Griffin’s Top Tip for Online Learners

As someone now experienced in online distance learning, what is Griffin’s advice to anyone considering online learning as an option?

“Although online learning is great for those who want to go at their own pace, it inherently lacks a social network. My advice to anyone who does online learning is to find yourself a friend group, preferably people who also do online learning.” 

Having applied to several universities in the UK and Canada, Griffin hopes that his next step is to continue his student journey at university studying towards that Masters degree. 

Good luck with your future studies Griffin.

 

Interested in studying A levels online? 

• Find out more about the international curriculum and the online International A level courses you can study with NEC. 
• Explore NEC’s full range of A level courses at www.nec.ac.uk/course-categories/a-levels/.

Connect with other online learners 

As Griffin mentions, if you choose to study independently through online learning it is a good idea to find ways of interacting with other learners.

NEC’s Student Forums enable you to have discussions with other students on your courses, your tutors and NEC staff. When you enrol with NEC you will be able to access the forums via learn@nec. 

For more stories like Griffin’s, explore our Student Stories. 

Applying to university?

If, like Griffin, you are thinking of applying to university, you might want to watch our webinar: NEC Presents: Applying to University with Gemma Standen from the University of East Anglia.