Homeschooling is an educational trend that has experienced an unprecedented surge in recent years. Amidst the rising class sizes and depleting resources in traditional schooling systems, an increasing number of parents are choosing to educate their children at home. This article delves into the ins and outs of homeschooling in the UK, answering the burning question: “how does home schooling work in the UK?” It also introduces Heaven Learning Academy, a prominent online school providing homeschooling to students worldwide following the British curriculum.
Homeschooling: An Overview
Homeschooling refers to the process of educating children at home, either full-time or part-time, instead of a formal institutional setting. Parents shoulder the responsibility of educating their child or employ a homeschool tutor. This unique educational approach provides a highly personalized learning experience, allowing students to study at their own pace and style.
Why Do Parents Choose Homeschooling?
Rising Class Sizes
With increasing class sizes and dwindling resources, many students struggle to get the attention they need in traditional schools, leading parents to consider homeschooling as a viable alternative. The one-on-one environment of homeschooling ensures personalized attention, fostering a better learning experience.
Concerns about School Environment
Bullying and social anxieties associated with crowded schools can also steer parents towards homeschooling. It allows children to learn in a safe and comfortable environment, free of peer pressure and negative influences.
Customizable Curriculum
Homeschooling offers the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to suit the child’s interests and learning style. Parents can accelerate their child’s learning process, focusing on their strengths and working on their weaknesses at a pace that suits the child.
How Does Homeschooling Work in the UK?
To begin homeschooling in the UK, you must first formally remove your child from their current school by writing to the headteacher. The school is obligated to accept if you plan to homeschool full-time. However, it can refuse if you wish to homeschool part-time.
Once your child is out of school, you can decide on your homeschooling approach. You can either adopt a relaxed method or opt for structured learning with the help of a homeschool tutor. Parents are not obligated to follow the national curriculum but must ensure their child is in full-time education from the age of five.
Homeschooling with Heaven Learning Academy
Heaven Learning Academy is an online school catering to students aged 7 to 18 (years 3-13). It follows the British curriculum and offers a wide range of subjects, including unique offerings like Food Technology at KS3 and KS4 and B-Techs in Health and Social Care, IT, and Business.
Admission Requirements at Heaven Learning Academy
Admission to Heaven Learning Academy doesn’t require any specific ability or exams. It operates on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. However, children with a Statement of SEN or an Education, Health, or Care Plan must be admitted to the school named in the Plan.
Tuition Fees at Heaven Learning Academy
School fees are due on the first day of each term. Families can choose between an annual payment contract plan or a Pay As You Go contract. While the exact tuition fees are not detailed on the site, the annual contract covers a single academic year with the option to spread the cost over three terms or ten monthly installments.
Technical Requirements for Online Learning at Heaven Learning Academy
To study online at Heaven Learning Academy, students need a laptop/tablet/iPad, a printer, and an internet connection.
Exams at Heaven Learning Academy
Students at Heaven Learning Academy sitting for International GCSE and A-Level exams are required to sit them at a reputable exam center. The school assists in finding a local exam center, but it is the student’s responsibility to register and pay the fees directly to the center.
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
Pros
- Personalized Education: Homeschooling ensures a highly personalized learning experience, addressing individual learning needs, goals, and areas of weakness.
- Flexibility: Homeschooling offers flexibility in learning schedules, allowing students to study at a pace that suits them.
- Consistent Education: Homeschooling provides consistent and integrated education, fostering an in-depth understanding of the student’s needs.
Cons
- Socializing Is Different: Homeschooled students might experience different socializing patterns, leading to possible feelings of isolation.
- Potential Strain on Parent-Child Relationship: Homeschooling can put a strain on the relationship between parents and children, blurring the lines between parenthood and tutoring.
Conclusion
Homeschooling, despite its challenges, offers a unique opportunity for personalized learning. It provides a safe and flexible environment that nurtures the child’s individual learning style and pace. With the aid of online schools like Heaven Learning Academy, parents can provide a comprehensive homeschooling experience that helps their children excel, both academically and personally.