Online School UK
Online schooling is very firmly a product of the 21st century, although distance learning long predates the rise of the Internet. In fact, the history of distance learning began in 18th-century Boston when a shorthand teacher called Caleb Philips first started mailing weekly lessons to his students.
However, it’s clear that distance learning has evolved dramatically in the digital age. The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly accelerated this transformation, raising awareness of online education as an innovative alternative to traditional schooling.
With the advancement of technology, society as a whole has gradually changed to place a greater emphasis on individualisation and flexibility of services, and online schools are education’s answer to this trend. So exactly how does online school differ from traditional school?
What is an online school?
Online schools offer students the chance to access a full education from home, usually with a combination of self-study (asynchronous) lessons and live (synchronous) lessons in a virtual classroom. Unlike tutoring agencies, online schools offer the chance for students to join an online community of learners, and unlike homeschooling, the onus is on teachers rather than parents to provide the education.
Much like in a traditional school, students enrol into the online school, and the school provides the study resources, a timetable of classes, and qualified teachers. The self-study aspect of online school means that a proportion of work is completed at a students’ convenience, and the scheduled group classes means there is still a sense of studying together with peers. An online education can be accessed from anywhere with a good internet connection, which enables a level of flexibility that traditional schools cannot match.
How does online learning work?
A typical approach to teaching and learning in online schools is ‘flipped learning’ programmes, with students working through self-study materials to become familiar with a topic before attending live lessons to consolidate and extend their understanding.
For example, at Highgrove Online School, GCSE students complete three half-hour self study lessons per week and attend two 45-minute live lessons, while A-level students work through five 45-minute self-study lessons and also attend two live lessons per subject per week.
Classes at Highgrove are small (up to ten students at A level and 12 at GCSE), and teachers are available to students for one-to-one support when needed. Students learn to take responsibility for their own education and have more control over their schedule than in a traditional school.
At Highgrove Online School, Learning Coaches have weekly individual meetings with students to support them as they develop into independent learners. They also attend a Skills and Mindset course, teaching the micro-skills needed for successful independent learning, such as time management and avoiding procrastination. Thanks to the support on offer, students progress towards their academic goals successfully.
Differences between online and traditional schools
There are several differences between online and traditional schools concerning the learning environment, interaction, schedule, and pace, as well as extracurricular activities.
Traditional schools tend to supervise the vast majority of learning in classroom lessons, whereas there is a greater focus on independent learning in online schools. While there will be some scheduled lessons, online learning programmes will normally include an element of interactive self-study materials to be completed at a time and pace that suits the student. The schedule in online school is more flexible, with fewer fixed appointments. On the other hand, traditional school requires fixed schedules and expects students to progress at the same pace through their studies.
When it comes to the learning environment, lessons in online schools take place in virtual classrooms. Many online schools use purpose designed software which allow student interaction on whiteboards, polls and quizzes, as well as interaction via break out rooms, group chat, direct message, microphone and video streaming. While traditional schools offer face-to-face interactions, in-person discussions and the chance to get hands-on experience in a science lab, online schools have alternative forms of interaction, such as science simulations, and collaborative working with all students solving problems simultaneously using an infinite scrolling whiteboard.
Finally, extracurricular activities such as in-person sports, clubs, and events that we associate with traditional schools are swapped for virtual clubs, online competitions, and webinars in an online learning environment. Students attending an online school full-time will be encouraged to get involved in sporting activities local to them, or might be involved in exercise sessions such as online yoga or weights classes.
What are the Benefits of an online school?
Personalised learning is just one of the benefits that online school offers. Students in a traditional classroom often have different learning styles and needs, but are expected to progress at the same pace through their studies. Online schooling enables students to tailor education according to their individual needs, working through their self-study lessons as quickly or slowly as they need to. At Highgrove Online School, the one-to-one support available from teachers means each student can get exactly as much additional help as they require.
The lower number of fixed appointments for online study makes virtual schooling particularly well suited to students who want to fit their education around other commitments. For example, some students at Highgrove Online School are young performers or athletes with already packed schedules. Having an option to build their own schedule enables these students to progress towards both their professional and academic goals smoothly.
The flexibility of being able to take your lessons from anywhere you want also makes online schooling attractive for families who plan to move during the course of their child’s education, or who don’t live near a local school that meets their requirements. It allows international students to access a curriculum outside that of their country of residence, and also means that older children who make friends in their online school can take study holidays to visit those friends during term-time. The international nature of online schooling also exposes students to a diverse range of classmates and helps them develop into well-rounded and intellectually curious global citizens.
The data rich environment of online schooling can help teachers identify students who are struggling more easily, and intervene from an early stage. There is also more visibility of learning to parents, who can easily see their child’s progress and can observe lessons and check on the quality of online teaching far more easily than in a traditional school.
However, the greatest long-term advantage for most students is likely to be the development of their ability to work independently. Being in an environment where they are expected to engage in significant independent learning and are given support to do so helps students develop into more effective independent learners. As they go on to university and the workplace, this essential skill sets them up for success in their future life.
How Highgrove overcomes challenges of online schooling
Lack of social interaction, which is frequently a concern in online schooling, is tackled in several ways at Highgrove Online School.
First, following one of the oldest traditions of the British education system, each student is assigned to a House. The Houses meet weekly, led by a House Tutor and a student elected as Head of the House. This system provides structure, a sense of belonging, and social connections, extending beyond the classroom. We pride ourselves on our students developing long-lasting friendships with their classmates from all over the world.
Furthermore, small class sizes and our ‘cameras on’ policy enable our students to get to know each other and the teachers. Break-out rooms are used for discussions regularly, which further strengthens relationships. Adding extracurricular activities and one-to-one weekly meetings with learning coaches, it becomes clear that our students don’t lack social interaction.
Why choose Highgrove Online School?
Our academic team, with a superior track record in A Level results, is in the top one percent of UK independent schools.
Small classes and our flipped learning pedagogical model are designed to develop independent learners and critical thinkers. Our teachers are always available for support, but students are the ones responsible for their own learning. This approach also solves the issue of self-discipline, which is often challenging in an online learning environment.
Highgrove is ideal for students who need more flexible timetables, such as young athletes and performers.
In addition to our GCSE and A level courses, we offer a wide range of elective courses which provide either stretch and challenge or breadth and interest to students. The community aspect of our school is also really important to us, with our house system, student council and student-led clubs and societies providing rich and varied opportunities for students to make friends and develop a support network.
In the words of a satisfied parent:
“Beyond the convenience and flexibility, online schools like Highgrove provide a nurturing environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. Our experience with online education has brought our family closer. It allowed us to be actively involved in our son Tray-Sean’s education and share in his growth and achievements. This is why I’m looking forward to my daughter Yasmine joining, as I know what to expect from Highgrove and their staff.”
Sabrina, mother of Tray-Sean and Yasmine
Join us
Online schooling is not only an alternative to traditional schools but also the future of education and learning.
Take a look around and learn more about Highgrove Education. If you already know online schooling is the right choice for you, read about entrance requirements and apply here.
