From Unschooling to University
My 17-year-old daughter, Charlotte, is now a university student. It’s hard to believe. When did she grow up?
Charlotte is studying her first unit through Open Universities. It’s part of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Design. She may go on to complete the whole degree. Or she may not. She’ll see. There’s no hurry. One unit at a time.
“So how was your first week as a uni student?” I asked her last Friday.
“Okay,” she replied. “I had a lot to learn. But I think I did alright.”
“Was it a satisfying week?”
“Oh, yes!”
At the moment, I have three university students. Duncan has almost finished his Masters of Teaching (Primary). Imogen will finish her Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Writing and Publishing in November. And Charlotte is just setting out. (I also have two other children who have studied at tertiary level.)
So as you can see, it’s quite possible for unschooling children to go on to university.
In this week’s podcast, I share some of what I’ve learnt over the years, as my children have transitioned from unschooling to university. In particular, I discuss the following questions:
Can homeschooling children earn a ‘score’ or qualification, equivalent to the HSC, the school leavers’ certificate?
How can unschooling children get into university?
Are unschoolers at a disadvantage when they attend on-campus universities?
Are unschoolers prepared for university learning?
What about essay writing skills?
What are the advantages of studying for a degree online?
I also talk about other things I’ve been doing recently:
Making unschooling videos
Creating a new blog
Facebook pages
And Imogen’s and my podcast plans
Show Notes
A Better Way to Get into University
Three years ago Callum applied to go to university. He didn’t have an HSC. Instead he’d spent his last homeschooling year studying three university units at home, through Open Universities. He used the results of these units to compete with school leavers (who had an HSC) to get into the degree course of his choice. And he was successful.
From Unschooling to Successful University Learning
Now Imogen is all set to continue university work. She wants to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Professional Writing and Publishing. But she doesn’t want to give up her music. So in her spare time, she’ll also continue her piano and singing lessons and exams. Writing and music… Imogen’s two big passions. What could be better than studying what you enjoy most? It looks like being a very good year.
Does unschooling prepare a child for university learning? It sure does.
Imogen’s Unschooling Plan to Get into University
Last year, at the beginning of her final year of homeschooling, Imogen thought carefully about what she wanted to do in the future. Having so many passions, it was a tough decision choosing one area she really wanted to focus on. But eventually, Imogen said, “I think I’d like to write,” and I replied, “Words can change the world.” She agreed. “I’d like to go to university and complete a writing degree.”
Imogen Talks about Unschooling and University
So Imogen began talking. She spoke about unschooling, what she enjoyed about it, the benefits of unschooling, family life, her passions including writing and music, how she got into university, how unschooling prepared her for tertiary study, and finally what she’d like to do in the future.
From Unschooling to University and Work (Part 1): an Interview
Do you think unschooling prepared you for life as an adult?
What skills did it give you?
Tell me about your university experience.
Did you have any trouble getting onto the course of your choice?
How did your interests and passions help you with your application?
How did you cope with uni work?…
University:
Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design)
Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)
Podcast: Unschool Writing, Essays and a Few Panicky Moments
Videos Bite-Sized Unschooling
My new blog: Out of My Catholic Mind
Music: 60’s Quiz Show by Podington Bear, (CC BY-NC 3.0)