A group of Manchester schoolchildren haven't yet taken their GCSEs - but they're already on their way to completing a degree.
The youngsters, aged 15 and 16, have just passed the Open University's You, Your Computer and the Net module, which is roughly equivalent to a term's work at university.
Even more remarkably, they have managed the mammoth task in the evenings after spending the day in the classroom working towards their GCSEs.
Their back-to-front approach is part of a drive to stretch the most able youngsters at south Manchester secondary schools.
Brendan Laverty, of Manchester's Excellence in Cities programme, believes the experience has taught the pupils important skills as well as encouraging them to pursue a university education.
Only 6.5 per cent of the city's youngsters currently go on to higher education. But to meet government targets that figure has to rise to 50 per cent by 2010.
Distance learning
Mr Laverty said: ''I think the best way of stretching the most able pupils is not by doing 10 or 12 GCSEs but by doing different types of courses, in particular distance learning.
''At first some were a little bit daunted. But others were encouraged because it gave them a big challenge.
''They have learned key skills and it has given them a real insight into higher education. We're extremely proud of their achievements.''
As part of the initiative, pupils were given laptop computers as well as ICT training and they were encouraged to work with teachers and fellow students on line.
The You, Your Computer and the Net course is worth 30 points towards an Open University degree. A total of 360 points is needed to complete a degree.
The course looks at the history of computers as well as the development of the Internet, new technology and e-commerce. Impressed assistant director of the Open University in the north west Jo Wiggans, said: ''I think this is a fantastic achievement.''
The successful students were Lucy Chitalo, from Levenshulme School; Ruth Cunningham, from Barlow School, Didsbury; and Amita Bhattacharjee, Dan Fisher and Ben Wilson, from Parrs Wood School, Didsbury.
Tweet