It is never too late to start afresh, work towards your dreams, and redefine your journey! The decision might be hard to make as adult learning comes with challenges to overcome, but it surely is rewarding too. As adults, deciding to go back to school might feel overwhelming and exciting at the same time.
Life as an adult is filled with commitments and responsibilities. Adding to it, the adult education will require your time and energy. This might feel stressful at this point, but when you are equipped with the credits, you will open doors for multiple opportunities ahead.
If you’re considering starting over as a mature student, you are at the right place. In this blog, we have made your research easier. With all the information you need to start adult learning, you will find it here. With further ado, let’s get started.
What is Adult Learning?
If you have been working for a couple of years as an adult but do not feel satisfied with the work that you are doing or the position that you’re in, then you can opt for adult learning. Adult learning is for mature students who want to complete their education or improve their credits to find a job that best fits their career goals.
A dream job that you might have thought of during your childhood, but couldn’t get because you had low credits, then adult learning is for you. Students can take adult education courses to complete high school and start over again.
Mature Students: Who Are They?
Mature students are those applicants who are over 19 years old and opt for adult learning. They do not have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) test. A high school diploma or OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) is attained by earning minimum credit scores in high school. While the GED test is a substitute for a high school diploma, it allows people who never attended school to achieve a high school diploma-equivalent credential.
Adult education is designed to permit applicants who failed to graduate from high school to be eligible for admission. Adult education admissions are based on mature students‘ skills and experience obtained after they leave school.
Who Can Attend Adult Education?
Mature students who can attend adult learning courses may fall under any of the following scenarios. These include:
- The age is over 18 years and they can attend either face-to-face or online classes.
- Was not able to complete high school for any reason and want to achieve the Ontario Secondary School Diploma now.
- Want to upgrade their credit scores to get admission to top universities or colleges.
- Have completed graduation but require credits in any high school course to meet the job requirements.
- Initially completed education outside Ontario, and now need specific course credits or a high school diploma for adults to pursue their goals.
- Enhance their knowledge and employability skills to showcase at the workplace.
Overcoming Barriers to Adult Learning
Mature students have several reasons why they feel that going back to school is impossible. But, trust us when we say that it is possible with the right approach. The factors that you think are barriers in adult learning are not the barriers anymore. Let us learn how:
Adult Responsibilities
As an adult, your commitments are greater since you have obligations towards your family, and probably a permanent job. When it requires so much time, effort, and resources to go back to school, it all seems too overwhelming. But considering alternatives such as part-time and virtual high school, obtaining your high school diploma for adults is now easy.
Self-Consciousness
Most adults are conscious about returning to the classroom. They worry that the school will be oriented toward young, high school graduates rather than older adults who have been out of school for years. But with a private school and small classes, you can be assured that your instructor will have plenty of time to give you the individual attention you need to acquire a high school diploma.
Language Issues
If English is your second language, then you might believe that it is difficult to go back to school and complete adult education courses whose medium of teaching is English. The immigrants to Canada might also face the same problem. To cater to this, schools also provide English classes for adults so that they can be well-versed in the language.
Financial Barriers
With the responsibilities of an adult, you have to manage expenses on your own. Mature students may feel the burden of paying huge fees in a private school to complete adult learning. However, some schools provide schooling at an economical cost and even offer financial assistance.
Benefits of Adult Learning
Are you still confused about choosing adult learning to enhance your career opportunities? If yes, then we have provided you with some from the long list of benefits. These are:
High-Paying Jobs
Once you have an OSSD diploma, you open up various doors for high-paying jobs for yourself. Employers are ready to pay more to individuals who have a strong educational background. Adult Continuing Education increases long-term earning potential.
Increased Confidence
Being equipped with the knowledge and skills boosts confidence in students. Learning something new enhances self-esteem and makes you achieve your career goals efficiently and confidently.
Personal Growth
When you go back to school, you may be able to explore your interests and hobbies. Adult learning gives you a chance to explore what interests you and even switch your jobs. Learning about your hobbies and interests will help you grow as a person.
Improved Job Security
Enhancing your knowledge makes you more valuable to employers. It helps adults to stay competitive in the modern job market. Adult learning reduces the risk of losing a job because of outdated knowledge.
Social Networking
Mature students with the burden on their shoulders forget to live life socially. When you go back to school, you make like-minded people your friends, which can lead to valuable professional connections.
Find Flexible Options for Adult Learning
Mature students can look for the appropriate adult learning program for them through research on available institutions and programs. Several options vary in location, price, duration of the program, and format. As an example, you can choose an institution or program that teaches:
- Weekday or weekend courses
- Courses that are self-paced or teacher-directed
- Learning online or face-to-face in a classroom
Adult Schools Near Me in Ontario
The decision to go back to school is hard to make because of the time constraints as an adult. It might feel difficult to manage daily chores along with completing a high school diploma for adults. But to take all your worries, we have the best option available for you to complete your adult learning.
With flexible learning options, we will provide you with adult education courses so that you don’t have to worry about your commitments and responsibilities, which you already have to fulfill.
At QW School, we offer credit courses in offline as well as online learning formats. To cater to your needs, virtual courses for adult learning are offered on a full-time and part-time basis during weekdays and weekends. We are a Ministry-inspected, licensed, and approved high school focused on guiding mature students in achieving credit courses to gain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
What makes QW School Apart?
- QW School provides the most needed Ontario High School credits for Grades 9 to 12, including an English Language program for adults.
- The founders of QW School have the aspiration to build a platform for an alternative school at an affordable price for all adult learners to reduce their burden.
- Students can thrive in their skills by taking desired courses that they wish to enhance their knowledge.
- We offer flexible time schedules according to our students’ requirements, and students can join courses anytime during the calendar year as and when they need.
- In our Ontario Secondary School programs, our students graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and have the chance to receive honors and/or compete for the Governor General’s Award.
Courses Offered to Mature Students
QW School offers adult learning programs to students who want to earn their high school diploma. The courses offered are:
High School Diploma for Adults
We provide high school credit courses for adult students. The high school virtual courses are offered for individuals who wish to earn their OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma). Adult education can provide you with the credit that you require to switch careers or for both University and College preparation.
In each class, our instructors focus on learning and personal growth strategies and processes, providing a unique opportunity to equip our students to lead intelligent, fulfilling, and engaging lives in today’s changing world.
We are inspected by the Ministry of Education to provide high school credit courses. The adult learning courses are available full-time and part-time on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. The reason is to accommodate mature students in completing their high school diploma in addition to other obligations. Admissions are open throughout the year, so you can earn credits anytime.
English Courses for Adults
QW Language School offers all types of English courses for mature students, which are convenient for their timings. The ESL classes (English as a Second Language) are available both online and offline. After the registration of students, they are provided with an English skill assessment. Based on their English level, students will be placed in suitable levels to further develop their skills.
Adult education courses offer learners a variety of assignments in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Adult learning operates in a communicative setting to utilize English more fluently and accurately. Once they are advanced, they can seek their desired job or get ready to enter college or university preparation courses in English and other secondary school disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I identify as a mature student?
If you are over 18 years of age and were not able to complete high school for any reason, then you are regarded as a mature student applicant. You can complete a high school diploma with the adult learning option.
- What are the study tips for a mature student?
To succeed as an adult, create a schedule to prioritize your education with other commitments. You can also incorporate your studies into your daily life to consider your skills. Write down the reason why you are learning and keep it in front of your eyes. Lastly, communicate openly and ask for help if needed.
- I am ready for adult education, what should I do next?
To begin your adult education, choose the best school available according to your needs. Look for learning options so that you can incorporate adult learning into your daily routine. Take a preliminary consultation session and apply for the courses that best suit you.
- Where can I take adult education near me?
In Ontario, QW School is a private high school that provides adult education courses. You can complete your high school diploma and even take ESL classes. QW provides flexible learning options so that you can complete your studies at your own pace.
- When do the admissions open for adult learning?
At QW School, admissions are open throughout the calendar year. You can apply anytime on the official website and start learning.
- How to register with QW School?
Registration is simple. Look for courses you want to apply for. Fill in the application form and provide the required documents. The last step is to pay the fee, and you are good to go. If you have any queries, you can email info@qwschool.ca.
Final Thoughts
Mature students might find adult learning full of hurdles. But with QW School, we have helped students overcome those barriers by providing flexible learning opportunities. Adult learning will help you complete your high school diploma even if you left school years back. Taking this step might look challenging at first, but the rewards that you earn will make you stand out in the crowd and help you achieve your dream job.
So what are you waiting for? Join QW School today to work towards your career goals. For further assistance, call us at +1 866-983-0192 or email info@qwschool.ca.