Hi,didn't do the English, but level 1 and 2 maths. I contacted my local college, went and got assessed by them, they then tell you what level you should go for. I was borderline so I went for level 1 just to boost the confidence.

You can do the courses through Learn Direct both online and in a classroom. I like the classroom as I wanted to have a teacher to explain when I got stuck, also you learn a lot from other students. It didn't cost me anything as return to learning government initiative. Also you meet new people a lot who were TAs and doing Early Years Degrees.

The level 1 course takes you through the basics, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, measuring, metric, decimals, fractions, volumne, time, but at a basic level.

Level 2 takes you over level 1 areas but in greater depth and then starts to introduce percentages, ratios, fractions, decimals and the conversion of these. area, using a calculator, measurments, conversion of money.

Sounds overwhelming but its done in stages, with tests at the end and you don't have to move on until you are ready, although they would like you to have completed the course in 2 years at my college. You can retest up to three times.

Although the level 2 does sound it covers everything, having moved onto the GCSE it really only gets you to the basic level for GCSE as it doesn't cover all areas.

Hope this was of help, I suggest you get onto your local college as they will be able to help. I would say that it is so popular at my college there is a waiting list to be assessed.

Hi Daisycat,
Thanks for information, really didn't what to have to do tests. I've contacting college and had a go on line, it gives you a good idea what will be on the actually tests. The english test said i was ready for level 2 but maths was level 1.

I would feel embarrassed if i was to fail supposed to be here to help the pupils. Cant make my mind up whether to do it or not, and then whether to do hlta, really confused at the moment. Dont really need hlta status to enable me to do my job. Just completed NVQ 3 so thought i would do something else while my brain was in gear

Clarky..i did the level 2 maths...a practice to see my weaknesses then lots of revision till i was ready to take the test..all online

there are practice tests you can try to see how you are doing, try some of those

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

also in my area now there are lots of HLTA roles being advertised at the higher level salaries, so i think the status is becoming recognised and paid for as such, though that doesnt help you if you dont want to change jobs.

Don't be put off by tests, you can have more than one go and you do practice ones first. Go on and do it, you never know when you might need it. I've checked my local college and university prospectuses out and you will be surprised how many want at least level 2 maths and english.

Give it a go, don't let on you are doing it at first so you haven't got everyone asking how its going.

Hi daisycat,

Might have ago. I've tried the test out on line and passed the English, but I'm rubbish at Maths. When I went in lesson I used dread them, but the teacher knew and we used to have a laugh about it. I hate failure I know how the pupils feel.

Will let you know if I decide to do it or not. Thanks for your input.

Clarky

That is how I used to be. I was helping a Y10 out with maths (pre-courses), the comment made was 'Cor, miss, you worse than me!' We both laughed and asked a top set student to teach us. Its all about teamwork, and it also boosted the Y10s confidence to see how I was struggling.

When I was studying GCSE I set up a revision class with my students and we used to help each other out. I must say it all got a bit competative, in a nice way, to see who got the better mark/grade doing practice papers. When I got my pass grade they cheered.