Online schooling and how it works
There is no doubt that recent times have forced many of us to rethink what education means to us. With widespread temporary closures of physical schools, more people than ever are starting to look for alternative school options to make sure that their children in primary school and secondary school can continue with their education with as little disruption as possible. Many parents have taken on the challenge of homeschooling their own children, but that comes with difficulties in many ways – including a lack of knowledge about the curriculum, a potential lack of discipline, and a blurred boundary between home and school. Because of this, more parents than ever before have been looking into the benefits of online schooling. If this is something you have been considering for your own child’s education, we have put together some information about what online schooling is, how it works, and what you can expect if you decide to sign your child up.
How online schooling fits with the UK education system
In the UK, although this fact isn’t widely known, there is no requirement for children to physically attend school and sit in a classroom. However, where children don’t go to school, it must be deemed that there is suitable provision at home for each child to learn effectively. In the past six years alone, there has been an increase of 65% in homeschooling, as parents start to see the internet as a key player in education thanks to the sheer number of resources that are now available.
Online education is a great option where parents feel that their child would benefit from studying in the home environment, but where they don’t feel entirely confident providing that education themselves. The lessons are delivered by teachers who have a wealth of experience in education, and who have specialist knowledge in the subjects they’re teaching. This means that should you choose to do so, you could take your child back to traditional education with the knowledge that they won’t be behind their peers. In fact, due to the specialised teaching staff, they are likely to be ahead of where they would have been if they’d remained in the classroom.
How the process of online schooling works in practice
We all know how a traditional school day works – children go into school, they are taught by teachers, they’re picked up at the end of the day, and they do a little homework each night when they get home. Really, online schooling is similar. Pupils who are taking online classes follow the national curriculum and will be taught via online sessions by teachers with many years of experience. Homework will be set and marked just like in traditional school settings, and pupils will be able to work with other pupils in groups, on various assignments and projects. Feedback will be given on a regular basis, meaning that parents will be able to see how their children are doing and exactly what they’re achieving. In many ways, attending an online school is just like attending a local private school thanks to the individual attention each pupil gets. If pupils and parents choose, exams can be sat in line with other schools, allowing access to higher education if this is the path the pupil would like to take.
What are the key differences between online school and physical schooling?
Of course, there are bound to be differences in the two types of schooling. However, most parents find that the differences between online schooling and traditional schooling lean towards online schooling when it comes to preference. The first thing to note is the fact that the school day is shorter with online schooling. This is because there is no commute, no changing classrooms between lessons, and no whole-school events like assemblies or similar. The time saved here allows pupils more time to enjoy hobbies at home, giving them the chance to broaden their horizons and mix with others of their age.
Not only this but if your child feels that they need a lesson to be explained to them again, they can have access to this whenever they like, as all online lessons will be recorded and available for viewing at any time. In addition to school lessons being available at any time, it is also available wherever you happen to be, so long as you have your laptop and an internet connection. This can be hugely beneficial if you like to travel a lot as a family and need your child to keep up to date with schooling wherever they are.
What are the main advantages of online schooling to consider?
Many of the advantages of online schooling have already been touched upon, and it is certain that the flexibility it offers when it comes to studying is what attracts many parents to the idea of giving online schooling a try. One group that we at Cambridge Home School are particularly popular with are expats – who may need to travel around a lot, and who need their children to get a stable education in spite of the necessary travelling. Not only is this possible with us, but it is also much cheaper than it would be to send children to a physical British school, and it allows families to stay together.
At Cambridge Home School, we are proud to have achieved 100% A-C grades, helping many of our pupils to go on to study at some of the most famous universities in the world, including Oxford and Cambridge. Our teachers are educated to at least MA level in their subjects, and many have received a PhD, which shows their commitment, and passion for what they teach. For our pupils, class sizes are small, which means they can get the attention they need, which just isn’t always possible in a traditional school setting.
There is no doubt that the switch to online schooling is a major decision to make, however with the information above you should now be able to see some of the key advantages. If you would like to learn more about what we can offer, or about how online schooling could benefit your child in general, please feel free to read over our blog or get in touch with one of our expert team if you have any questions.
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FAQ
Is it mandatory for children in the UK to attend a physical school?
No, in the United Kingdom it is not a legal requirement for children to be physically present in a school setting. However, they must receive an education that is considered to be effective and suitable.
What are the main factors encouraging parents to opt for online schooling?
Parents are increasingly considering online education for reasons like flexibility, the expertise of teaching staff, and the potential for small class sizes. Online schooling can also be more convenient and cost-effective for families who travel frequently, such as expats.
How does online schooling actually work in practice?
Online schooling mimics many aspects of traditional education. Pupils follow the national curriculum and are taught by experienced teachers via online sessions. Homework is assigned and marked, and students can collaborate on assignments just like they would in a physical school setting.
Are there any unique advantages to online schooling?
One major advantage is that lessons are recorded and can be revisited whenever the pupil feels the need. Online schooling also offers a shorter school day due to no commuting or whole-school activities, giving students more time for other pursuits.
How does the quality of online schooling compare to traditional schooling?
Online schools like Cambridge Home School boast high academic achievements, including 100% A-C grades. The teachers are highly qualified, often holding MA or PhD degrees, ensuring quality education. The small class sizes mean that students receive more individualised attention compared to traditional settings.