National Extension College
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| Industry | Education |
|---|---|
| Founded | Cambridge, UK |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, UK |
| Products | Distance Learning Courses |
| Website | www.nec.ac.uk |
The National Extension College was set up in 1963 as a not-for-profit organisation for distance learning for people of all ages. It was originally founded as a pilot study for the Open University.
The College teaches around 20,000 learners a year on over 100 home study courses, and provides open-learning resources for organisations and training providers including schools, further education colleges, local authorities and NHS Trusts.
The National Extension College was founded by Brian Jackson and Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington, a British sociologist, social activist and politician.
A registered educational charity, the College works in partnership with organisations including The Open University, The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and learndirect.
The National Extension College offers a comprehensive range of GCSEs, IGCSEs and "A" levels, as well as a number of vocational and business courses.
Subjects covered at GCSE and IGCSE level include the sciences, English literature and language, foundation and higher maths, French and business studies.
"A" levels offered by the college include traditional subjects such as biology, business studies, economics, geography and philosophy, as well as more special interest topics including classical civilisation, critical thinking and environmental studies.
Other qualifications available from the NEC include courses leading to teaching qualifications, childcare diplomas, business and management qualifications and various courses in book-keeping and accounting.
The National Extension College produces its own learning materials, which are delivered both directly to home-based learners and via other organisations and training providers.
When a learner enrols with the National Extension College they receive a full set of course materials and a course handbook. They are also allocated a personal tutor, who is contactable by email and telephone. The personal tutor is responsible for marking the learner's work and providing feedback for the duration of the course. In addition to the personal tutor, each course has a dedicated coordinator whom each learner or their sponsor/employer can also contact for support or advice.
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