Edexcel GCSE Astronomy (1AS0) online homeschool course
HomeMadeEducation offers a fully online, tutor-led homeschool course for GCSE Astronomy, suitable for students aged 12-17
Course Type: Online homeschool course
Level: GCSE / IGCSE
Subject: Astronomy
Ages: 12–17
Format: “Live” (weekly scheduled real-time lessons) or “Flexible / Recorded” (work at your own pace)
Exam Board: (Pearson) Edexcel
Duration: 1 year (designed to be completed within 1 academic year but can be extended to 2 years, or shortened to less than a year, as needed )
Course Overview: Many people are fascinated by the night sky and are interested in stories about our continuing exploration of our Solar System and Universe. This course has been developed to build on that interest and to give an introduction to the subject of astronomy. The course will enable students to understand our position in the Universe, the movements of planets and stars, the cycles in the night and daytime sky, and the way in which we use technology to observe and interact with space. Students will follow an incredible story of how scientists, from ancient civilisations to the modern day, have used their imagination and carefully recorded visual measurement to explore the Universe in which we live.
As part of an Astronomy GCSE you need to have two observations signed off with your exam centre, HME will support you with completing these in terms of knowing what to do as well as offering feedback and guidance with the write ups. However, it is your responsibility to complete these independently and arrange with your exam centre regarding having these officially ‘signed off.’ Not all exam centres offer this service so we strongly suggest communicating with your exam centre and potentially looking around at different centre options before signing up for this course to ensure you have a plan in place. We can facilitate all observations with Tutors and Exams centres and can develop a process with other exam centres too. (Our “Intro to Astronomy” short course is a good foundation course/taster course for this GCSE) This course does use a required textbook: GCSE (9-1) Astronomy – A Guide for Pupils and Teachers (5th edition) ISBN 978 0 9956483 0 2. There is no specialist equipment needed.
Learning Objectives: Qualification aims and objectives …
~understand the structures of the Earth, Moon and Sun; and how their interactions produce many of the astronomical cycles and phenomena of our natural world
~understand the Earth’s place within the Solar System and the universe; and the forces, which have shaped both our own, and other planetary systems
~understand the forces governing the life cycles of stars; and demonstrate a knowledge of how stars appear in the night sky
~understand how astronomers discovered the Earth’s position within our galaxy and the Universe; and understand current theories for the evolution of the Universe
~understand the challenges inherent in making observations in astronomy; and the ways in which technology has aimed to overcome them
~apply observational, enquiry and problem-solving skills, through the use of information from aided and unaided astronomical observations; and use these skills to evaluate observations and methodologies
~develop an informed interest in current astronomical investigations, discoveries and space exploration
~acquire knowledge and understanding of astronomy theory and practice, and the skills needed to investigate a wide range of astronomical contexts
~understand that the study and practice of astronomy are interdependent and iterative activities, and appreciate the links between astronomy and other branches of science
~develop an awareness that the study and practice of astronomy are subject to limitations by e.g. economic, technical, ethical and cultural influences
Who This Course Is For
Students aged 12-17
What This Course Includes
All tutor-led courses always: cover the required exam board syllabus; include weekly online tutorials, detailed support materials, tutorials that are recorded and available 24/7 for the duration of the course; weekly assignments (including a wide range of exam questions); personal and detailed homework feedback (including specific advice on improvements/exam skills); weekly online ‘live’ drop-in sessions for learners (just turn up to as many as you need) to discuss any topics/questions/issues; full tutor support. Materials are proprietary and specifically developed solely for our own learners. All courses are taught by subject experts who are current/former home educators, and all courses are designed and created by the person teaching the course.
How the course works
How Online GCSE/IGCSE Courses Work is a document that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page. And for more details about how exactly the “Flexible Timing/Recorded” format works … see this Formats page.
Course Tutor
This online Edexcel GCSE Astronomy homeschool course is taught by our highly qualified and experienced Science teacher, Lucy
Availability/Schedule
“Flexible / Recorded” … work at your own pace
Course Format Options
√ “Flexible / Recorded” (work at your own pace)
Exam Board & Syllabus
Edexcel GCSE Astronomy
Course Fees / Discounts / Payment Plans
This information can all be found within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page
How to Enrol
Please complete the little enrolment form below, or send Kate an email using the details below (in the event that your email gets lost in the ether, please do follow up with Kate if you haven’t heard back within 48 hours!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my child take the GCSE exam after completing this course?
A: Yes. This course prepares students for writing the GCSE Astronomy exam, at an exam centre local to you (please note that courses do not include exams/exam fees). Note that Observations must also be completed and submitted to your exam centre.
Q: What are the course fees?
A: Fees, discounts and payment plans are specified within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page.
Q: What are the ‘live’ courses days and times?
A: The ‘live’ course schedule is within the HomeMadeEducation Guidebook, that can be viewed and downloaded at the top of this main FAQ page.
Q: How do I find/book an exam centre?
A: You can view & download the HomeMadeEducation guide to booking exams here (main FAQ page)
Q: Does the course include exam skills / exam practice?
A: Yes, all tutor-led GCSE/IGCSE courses include weekly assignments that include a wide range of exam questions, which means that students get to practice and develop their exam skills over the full duration of the course
Q: Does the course include tutor support?
A: Yes, the course includes full tutor support which means: regular, detailed, personal feedback on assignments; tutor availability via email for the duration of the course; weekly live drop in “office hours” on zoom
Q: Does the “live” format have opportunities to participate and ask questions?
A: Yes, there are ample opportunities throughout the live tutorials for students to participate and ask questions
Q: Are your class sizes limited?
A: Yes, all class sizes are small and limited in number, to ensure an optimal level of support, personalisation, flexibility and engagement
Q: Does my child have to have their camera and microphone on, to join and participate?
A: No, neither are required for learners; webcams tend to give young people the heebeejeebies and so are not required and participation/questions/quizzes/etc. all use text (not voice) participation by young people
Q: Do you offer 1 to 1 tutoring for this subject?
A: Yes, subject to tutor availability
You can also find answers to other frequently answered questions here, on this main FAQ page
HomeMade Education provides flexible, tutor-led online homeschooling courses for students in the UK and internationally.
HomeMadeEducation is one of the UKs leading online schools, trusted and highly recommended with unsurpassed reviews, ratings and recommendations. Enabling students to achieve success through personalised, supportive, world-class learning — fully online.
Live lessons and recorded tutorials: Join live, timetabled classes, with lesson recordings (avail. 24/7) so that catching up on / reviewing previous lessons is easy, simply, and pressure-free.
Expert-led education: Learn with expert, subject-specialists that are all current or previous home educators, passionate about ensuring your child has the best chances of success
A flexible online option – an online educational program that recognises and nurtures your child’s individual needs with a personalised education.
HomeMadeEducation tutors have a wide range of degrees, including P.H.D. degrees, Masters Degrees, PGCE and teaching degrees. You’ll also find tutors with qualifications in SEND teaching, tutors that are published authors, tutors that are award winning designers, and tutors that are experienced exam board examiners. HomeMadeEducation tutors are all current or former home educators.
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