As a young person in today's society, IT skills and knowledge play a vital role and is seen as a core skill, just like the ability to read, write and use maths.

Most employers and educators now automatically expect young people to be competent in the use and functionality of a computer.  Frequently adults, who missed out on the use of technology in their younger years, are now forced to seek further training in order to manage the demands of their job role, whilst others, end up falling a victim to the power of technology over their limited knowledge.

For young people there is no escape from what is known as the "techno age" where new gadgets and software develop at an extraordinary fast pace.

IGCSE ICT is a course that provides the foundation of knowledge that is needed to understand the uses of technology in society and how it is applied.  It aims to introduce the necessary skills that will place you in an advantageous position in your future career.

If you are considering an IGCSE programme with homeschooling.org.uk then it is important that you assess the level of ICT skills that you currently possess so that you have a plan to develop them.  Pretty soon, the world is likely to be dominated with a myriad of different computing technology, leaving it all too easy to be left behind.

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This is an interesting video which supports our mode of delivery for all of our homeschooling courses through online learning.

Are you intimidated by the prospect of homeschooling high school?

The goal of every good parent is to one day work themselves out of a job. Homeschooling parents generally feel a great deal of personal responsibility for their child's future success. We've put in the time and effort, and now it's time to see if our grand experiment was successful. Talk about pressure!

The good news is, you have likely been on this journey for years and you have all the tools you need to successfully homeschool high school. Begin by having a discussion with your teen about his or her goals for the future, and design a program that will help achieve those goals.

First, make sure your program meets your state's requirement for high school graduation. If your teen plans to enter the workforce immediately after homeschooling high school, you will also want to equip him or her with good interview skills, a strong work ethic, and any specialized training or licesning needed for the chosen field.

If your child wants to pursue college after high school, you will need to make sure he or she has at least 4 years of English, 3-4 year of math, 2-3 years of social studies, 3-4 years of science and 2-3 years of the same foreign language.

Applying for College

Almost every college will want a transcript of your student's high school years. A transcript is simply a document showing the courses your student took in high school, along with a grade for each course and an overall gradepoint average.

You can prepare professional transcripts for your teen directly from your home computer. One of my favorite resources for high school record-keeping is The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts.

Some colleges recommend that homeschoolers present a portfolio when applying, although it is far more likely that any colleges to which your child applies will only require a transcript. A portfolio may include examples of the student's work, high school reading lists and information concerning extracurricular activities. Think of a portfolio as a scrapbook of your student's high school career.

Homeschool Testing

The homeschooler's college application process is really not very different from the public school student. Most colleges require either the SAT or ACT before admitting a student. Check with the individual colleges to determine which test they require. Required scores for admission vary widely depending upon the college.

There are numerous SAT/ACT prep courses and online study guides available. It is advisable for your student to take the SAT and or ACT during their junior year so he or she will have time to take one or both tests again in the fall of their senior year.

Many students are able to boost their scores by retaking the exams. Be aware that studies have shown most students scores peak the second time they take the exams. Scores actually decline for most students when they take the tests for a third or fourth time.

Selecting a College

One of the most important decisions made while homeschooling high school is choosing a college. Don't make college decisions based entirely on the cost of the college. Very few people end up paying the entire cost printed on college websites. Financial aid and scholarships are available for the vast majority of students. Colleges have financial aid officers to help walk you through the application process.

Don't wait until your student's senior year to begin visiting colleges. This is something that can begin years prior to high school graduation.

If your student is interested in attending colleges more than a few hours from your home, you will want to come up with a game plan to visit college campuses. Let the colleges know you are coming and schedule a campus tour. At this time, you will also be able to sit down with an admissions officer, meet with professors in areas of interest for your student and discuss financial aid with a financial aid officer.

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. It is good to have a few options available.

Alternatives to Traditional College Experience

Online courses and community colleges are a great alternative to immediate entry into a four-year institution. This is a good option for the student who is trying to save money or create a proven track record before applying (or reapplying) to a four-year college. It's also a good option for the student who isn't quite ready to leave the nest.

Want to learn more about homeschooling high school? Visit Homeschooling for High School Students to find information about choosing curriculum, preparing transcripts, diplomas, graduation, prom, class rings and everything else you need to know in order to successfully homeschool high school!

by Carletta Sanders
www.successful-homeschooling.com

There are so many qualifications available for those aged 14 to 18, but how do you know you are choosing the right one? 

Reasons to study IGCSE qualifications:

• By choosing IGCSEs, you will be studying for one of the most up-to-date internationally recognised qualifications available.  In some countries IGCSEs are widely sought-after as it encourages vital educational skills which include: oral skills, investigative skills, problem solving, team work, recall of knowledge, and initiative.
  
  
• An IGCSE provides an excellent standard of education that is relevant in today’s society.
  
  
• IGCSEs are internationally recognised so your qualification travels with you.
  
  
• If you successfully complete an IGCSE programme you will be able to progress onto other qualifications.
  
  
• IGCSEs are delivered in over 130 countries (including the UK). 
  
  
• With the wide choice of IGCSEs that are available, this provides an opportunity for young people to tailor their learning to suit their strengths and to specialise in subjects that are right for them.  This will increase the chance of achieving a high final grade.
  
  
• IGCSEs are delivered by www.homeschooling.org.uk .
  

Dyslexia is a condition affecting the ability to read, spell and manage the comprehension of written information, and which also has an impact on an individual’s ability to organise.

You might therefore think that dyslexia would preclude individuals from pursuing a homeschooling course.  But nothing could be further from the truth.

Young people with dyslexia need not limit their learning options to a traditional educational establishment, such as a school or college. Whilst these establishments may provide a structured environment to learn in, it sometimes comes at the cost of sacrificing a learner’s flexibility.  They may also have to deal with the bureaucracy involved in getting the right help.

Homeschooling is an option that allows young people more choice and flexibility to pursue a curriculum that is more suited to their needs. They will also feel more at home knowing that the people involved in their learning understand their difficulties.

It’s important for the many people in the world with dyslexia and other learning difficulties to recognise that flexible opportunities for learning do exist - in addition to the more traditional methods. 

However, home educating a dyslexic does require consideration of some key issues:

Awareness – making your learning provider aware of what works best for you;

Supportive technology – exploring the software and/or hardware that your learning provider may have that can assist you with your learning;

Realistic choices – we all have limitations and it’s important that you recognise what yours are, so you are able to seek the right interventions.

by Michelle Mahoney