FAQs

YASS modules

What are YASS modules?

They are Open University modules at undergraduate level 1. They are not specially written for school or college students. View a full list of the YASS modules available.

When is the best time to start YASS modules?

The most popular start dates are February or May of Year 12 in England. Talented and gifted students have had plenty of time to settle into their AS studies by then. Short modules in February can run to April, or May modules to end of July, both avoiding school and college exams. If students opt to take a more substantial 30 or 60-point course which starts in February, they will be studying over the summer holidays. This has not proved to be problematic, and it demonstrates once again their commitment and self-motivation, but they need to be aware of the situation. Those students who choose to begin similar courses in October need to be aware that there may be conflicting demands at exam time in June.
 

What are Open University points?

These are higher education points. Usually you need 360 points make an honours degree on an undergraduate course in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In theory HE points from one university are transferrable but most universities have their own admission criteria. It is up to the individual student to ask their university if they want their Open University points transferred.

Registration deadlines are often weeks in advance of the module start date and sometimes fall during the school holidays. Why?

The Open University needs to print resources and allocate tutors to their 210,000 students and this takes time. The Open University calendar does not follow other academic calendars because most of their students are working adults.. The science short modules have some flexibility because The Open University assumes that a student registering near the deadline will most likely use the second submission date for the assignment.

I am very keen on IT. I think level 1 will be too easy. Can I study a level 2 Open University module?

YASS only offers level 1 modules. Remember that this is university level work and will not be easy, even for talented and gifted students. Regardless of your IT skills, the level 1 modules are the best introduction to distance learning and introduce you to time management and study skills. They also help you to get used to doing a lot of reading, either online academic papers or textbooks. If you satisfactorily complete your first module it may be possible to proceed to a level 2 module whilst still in school.

There are no Open University level 1 modules in Economics. What do you suggest?

Many Open University modules are multi-disciplinary. Any of the Social Sciences or Business Studies modules would be suitable. Similarly the 60 point Science module dovetails Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology.

Would MST121, Using Mathematics, work as an alternative to Further Maths?

One recent YASS student took A level Maths, AS further Maths and has gone on to university to study Maths. She found MST121 a good challenge. You can contact your regional adviser if you would like more specific module information.

For students and parents

Is there any evidence that YASS has a positive effect on a student’s chances of progression into one of the UK’s most popular universities?

Students can record their YASS success on the UCAS form but it’s often at interviews that they really score extra points. A YASS student was recently asked about his ability to work independently and was able to talk confidently about distance learning with The Open University. He also used his experience of The Open University discussion forums to support his ability to work as part of a group.

Can a gifted and talented 14 year old take a YASS module?

YASS is intended for students in years 12 and 13. As well as the academic rigour, the students develop study skills and independence more suited to a student contemplating progression to university. Open University modules are at NQF level 4 while A levels and Highers are at levels 3, making it logical for students to wait until year 12 before embarking on Open University study.

Is YASS available to students in FE colleges?

Yes it is.

Can my 16 year old daughter register for a module if her school is not involved in YASS?

There is nothing to stop your daughter doing so as the minimum age of entry to The Open University is now 16. However, we would strongly advise you to see if your daughter’s school would register her through YASS, rather than registering her as an individual. The school has the experience to advise your daughter about compatibility and workload. Far better that the school becomes formally involved with YASS and receives all the guidance about distance learning from The Open University. The school can then support and mentor your daughter and use the evidence on the UCAS form when she applies to university. As with other students who are studying full-time in another institution, we will require written consent from the school to confirm that they are happy for the young person to take on this additional commitment.

Should students have timetabled time in school and college to study the modules?

Schools and colleges are not responsible for delivering YASS modules although students are often allowed to work on the modules in school time. Open University study encourages students to work independently and to plan their study around other commitments, some choose to do it at evenings and weekends, on their lunch breaks or even on the bus on the way to school.

For schools and colleges

As the school YASS coordinator, do I have to monitor the students?

Yes. Once you’ve registered the students you need to check with them that they’ve received all their information, and help them to log on and navigate around The Open University site. After that you need to make sure they follow the calendar, use the online forums and keep in contact with their tutor. You will not receive any of this information direct from The Open University.

Will the Open University tutor let me know if a student misses an assignment deadline?

No. The contract is between the student and The Open University and for reasons of confidentiality, The Open University tutor will not contact the school or college - all the more reason to have regular meetings in school with the students.

Meeting the students regularly can be difficult. Any suggestions?

Well, in this technological age it’s easy to use email or a mobile. Keep photocopies of the registration documents and ask the students if they are happy to let you use these contact numbers.

One of my students is going to America for the summer holidays and is worried that this will prevent him studying an Open University module.

His Open University work is completely portable. There will be pdf versions of his module materials on his Open University home page and he can use the online facilities to check his calendar, send messages to his tutor, take part in online discussion, and probably submit assignments electronically.

How much time will the school coordinator need to spend on the scheme?

The school coordinators were asked this question in a recent evaluation and they generally averaged 1-2 hours per week, though there are clearly busy times when the scheme is marketed and students interviewed and registered.

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