Walter Mann’s first experience of home schooling came when he was fourteen years old. He had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and during his first year of secondary education life had been made difficult. His parents saw the typical school environment was not going to be conducive to a good education and decided to try distance learning instead. So in July 2005 his mother, Rachel, contacted Oxford Home Schooling to enquire as to whether we could help him, specifically in the subjects of English and Biology at GCSE level.

Rachel spoke to one of our Student Advisers, Sue, who remembers the conversation clearly

“We spoke for about half an hour in which I found out all about Walter and his unique situation, we also discussed the elements in the courses which were most likely to require special attention, like the English Oral and the science coursework”

Rachel had this to say about the level of care afforded to him, and her, through the early stages of contact with us:

“The support and advice I received from my student adviser when I first contacted Oxford Home Schooling convinced me that here was an organisation which really cared about providing a first-class service to its customers.”

Walter started his studies in August and made good and rapid progress with his English GCSE.  He was tutored by Barbara Tilley who found Walter to be an enthusiastic student. 

“I spoke to Walter often throughout his English GCSE course and absolutely love him.  The nature of his condition made him very precise and well organised.  Walter was worried that he would struggle with creative writing, but his coursework was one of the most imaginative pieces of work I have ever read”

Walters Biology GCSE, wasn’t progressing as quickly,  At the end of the year it had become apparent to Rachel and Walters tutor, Ray, that a deferral of Walter’s Biology GCSE course would be preferable in terms of completing the course to the best of his ability. As this was Walter’s first deferral, Walter could defer without any additional cost and if necessary, receive updated course material.

Also in December, Rachel started the process of finding Walter an examination centre for English GCSE

“Oxford Home Schooling provided very clear guidance on submitting coursework and booking the aural test. I had plenty of help in finding an examination centre both from my Student Adviser and the Oxford Home Schooling web site.

In March and April Walter was working very hard on his English Coursework, Barbara, his tutor, was marvelous at this time, providing very clear and detailed help on the phone and boosting Walter’s confidence and his ability to carry out research

Both his tutors have demonstrated patience and expertise in dealing with his needs in respect of the Asperger’s Syndrome.”

 Walter achieved a Grade A* in his English GCSE and has come back to Oxford Home Schooling for two more subjects so he can enter his chosen FE course

Rachel’s final words on the subject are

“I would recommend Oxford Home Schooling to any parent wishing to educate their child at home.  Our LEA inspector was delighted that we were including Oxford Home Schooling in the provision  we are making for our sons education and is most impressed with his progress.”