We’re delighted to share the first in a series of guest posts by Izzy an NEC learner who is sharing her learning journey with us as she embarks on a Structured Fast Track A level in Physics.

Over to you Izzy. 

Hey,

I’m Izzy, and I’m 16 years old. Right now, I’m deep into my GCSE exams, juggling revision and last-minute cramming sessions. While I’m passionate about pursuing a future in musical theatre, I’ve always had a love for science, particularly physics. That’s why, starting this September, I’ve decided to take on the challenge of studying a Fast Track A level Physics through the National Extension College (NEC).

In September, I’ll be starting at a performing arts school full-time to study musical theatre. This is a dream come true for me, but I also wanted to make sure I have a solid academic backup plan. That’s where the NEC comes in. They offer A levels via learning online, which fits perfectly with my hectic schedule. This way, I can study whenever and wherever I can, fitting my learning around my travel, dance classes and performances.

I’ve just registered for the A level Fast Track in Physics, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m eager to see how well I can balance my intense performing arts training with my physics studies. It’s going to be an interesting challenge, but I’m excited to meet my A level tutor and the other students in my cohort. Although this is an online course, it’s structured similarly to a traditional A level, so I’ll have plenty of interaction and support while also hopefully getting an A level in just one year!

Reflecting on my decision-making process, it wasn’t easy to balance my two passions. Performing arts has always been my primary focus, but physics has a special place in my heart. I knew I needed a plan that allowed me to pursue both, and the flexibility of NEC’s distance learning programme was the perfect fit. This approach lets me keep up with my academic goals without sacrificing my commitment to dance and musical theatre.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is the flexibility of studying physics online. I’ll be able to fit my studies around my dance schedule, which means I can learn at my own pace. However, I’m also aware that this will require a lot of self-discipline and excellent time management skills. It’s going to be a balancing act, but I’m ready for the challenge and I am also excited to be blogging the journey so you can see how I get on.

Another aspect I’m excited about is meeting my tutor and the other students. Even though we won’t be in a traditional classroom, I’ll still have the opportunity to interact with other learners and build a supportive learning community. I think this will make a big difference in staying motivated and engaged with the course material.

The NEC has already provided access to some fantastic resources for early enrollers, including the introductory section, refresher topics, quizzes, and the “5 steps to getting started.” These have been incredibly helpful in giving me a head start and easing into the course material. I feel more prepared and confident about starting the A level Fast Track in Physics.

As I continue with my GCSEs, I’m also looking forward to the start of my A level Physics course with NEC. It’s going to be a new and exciting chapter, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Balancing my academic and performing arts commitments will be challenging, but I’m confident that with determination and support, I can succeed…

Thanks for reading, and I’ll keep you updated on my progress as I navigate this exciting journey!

Izzy A

PS – Feel free to share this post if you think it might help others or if you like reading about my A level Physics Fast-Track journey.

If you’re interested in Fast Tracking your A level studies with NEC, check out the information on their website.