Immersive learning and flexible qualifications: the support, innovation and personalization of online education are helping students who have had negative experiences in traditional schools
Moving to any new school can be challenging, but enrolling in an online school is a completely different experience. For James, starting at King's InterHigh was a little daunting at first, but it quickly turned into the best school he's ever attended. "The first few weeks are a little different, but once you get used to it, I think it's even better than a physical school," he says. King's InterHigh, an online school, uses advanced technology to create a flexible learning experience for students from all over the world.
Once James enrolled at King's InterHigh, which follows the British curriculum for students aged seven to 19, he says he was immediately supported. "It's very welcoming," he says. James is taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma online because his family didn't want him to keep changing schools because of relocation. He says his initial anxiety quickly disappeared. "They have welcome meetings where they explain everything," he says. Students at the school can also sit GCSE and A-level exams.
One of the benefits of an online school is the ability to create an inclusive and welcoming space for a wide range of students. “There are students from all over the world,” says James.
Online learning means that young people living in rural areas, those facing mental health issues, or students who need a quieter learning environment are not left behind.
Classes at King's InterHigh are offered in three time zones – the UK, the Middle East and South East Asia. The UK schedule has three terms that follow the traditional rhythm of British private schools, but there is also the flexibility to start at any time of the year – which is useful for families who move frequently or for students who are struggling and need to change schools quickly. Classes are held in real time and recorded, making them available to watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for greater flexibility.
Studying online in this way can be particularly positive for students with special educational needs. James, who has dyslexia, says he has found King's InterHigh very supportive. "We have a special department and the teachers are usually very understanding. If I need more time, I just tell them and they arrange the lessons so that I have that extra time."
Former student Lucy, who has Tourette syndrome and autism, says she felt welcomed and supported at King's InterHigh. In fact, starting there was “the best thing that ever happened to her.” Lucy had struggled at the beginning of high school, where she was bullied. “I felt like I was completely incapable of learning,” she says. But at this school, the flexibility to review lessons at her own pace, along with the support of teachers, helped her enjoy learning, go a year higher in English, and make lots of new friends. “King's InterHigh changed the way I looked at learning,” she says. “It was amazing – I loved it so much.”
Other students and parents have had similar experiences. Joanne Smith turned to King's InterHigh after her daughter faced bullying and mental health issues at another school. "She was attacked at school and it was very traumatic for her," says Smith. But at this school, her daughter was able to feel safe.
As an online school, teachers make lessons engaging and immersive by using interactive tools, such as moderated virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as bringing content to life with Q&A and polls. “We have completely different options online,” says James. “The teacher can create a poll with options and, instead of just one student answering, everyone has to answer, and the teacher gives immediate feedback.”
In addition to helping with the learning process, the digital environment also equips students with life skills that are useful outside of school. “Especially now that the world is advancing and we are all using computers, I think online students will have an advantage because they are more accustomed to using technology,” says James.
Many students find that the unique opportunities offered by an online school like King's InterHigh boost their confidence and school experience. For Lucy, it was the only place she could function. "I went to about six high schools in total, and King's InterHigh was the only one where I was able to succeed," she says.
James believes the high quality of teaching and global perspective gave him a better education. “I can take lessons from anywhere,” he says. “My learning has completely improved.”
