Sarah Bacon of Wendover Online School shares the benefits of international online learning
Families are increasingly able to travel during their children’s school years, thanks to the growing freedom to work from anywhere and the development of digital communication tools. Fortunately, the world of education has developed too. Now, established online schools like Wendover give families everywhere the freedom to choose a bespoke British education.
A British education while you live abroad
Expat families can struggle to find the right education for their children whilst they live abroad. For those who value a British education, or want to be able to move smoothly back into British schools at some point, online school can be the best option.
- Boarding school in the UK: can be an expensive choice and may require commitment to full school years. Your children may also be too young or simply prefer not to board.
- British school abroad: private schools increasingly offer a full British School abroad, though this may only be an option in major expat communities.
- International school abroad: available more widely, but many offer an American rather than a British education.
- Local school abroad: the quality of education may depend on understanding the language, and the type of education offered.
Each option has its benefits, but the overwhelming desire to provide some consistency in education leads many parents to opt for a British education with an online school. With online lessons your child can continue their studies from anywhere. Whether your family relocates multiple times, or travels extensively for holidays, they can log in to our live online classes with teachers who know them.
The value of relationships in education
It can be hard for children to relocate, especially if it means moving to a new school. On top of emotional factors, students will need to build relationships with new teachers.
At Wendover we believe that a strong relationship between teacher and pupil is key to effective learning. In our small classes of up to 6 pupils, our expert teachers quickly get to know their students. They understand the way each student learns, can work at their pace and provide personalised lessons giving the help they need. Trusted teachers are also well-placed to instil the confidence that powers learning for life, and to watch out for the emotional wellbeing of their students.
British education for international residents
Many families living abroad choose a British education for their children because of its reputation across the world. For international families, online learning can be a more cost-effective and practical option that studying full-time at a bricks-and-mortar school in the UK.
Founder Sarah Bacon says Wendover is seeing more and more international families seize the chance to receive personalised online lessons following the British curriculum.
“Students from Primary through to GCSEs and A level log on from abroad for live lessons with our expert teachers. It gives them an excellent British education and prepares them well if they intend to join schools or universities in the UK in the future.”
Helping smooth your way to education in the UK
For those abroad who plan to start (or return to) school or university the UK, Wendover Online School offers further benefits:
- We teach a full British curriculum, so you can adapt smoothly to UK school or college education.
- We offer revision and catch-up classes, so you can tackle any areas where you lack confidence.
- We can help you prepare for common entrance or pre-tests if you want the best chance of attending the boarding school, state school or university of your choice.
- We can also offer additional courses at GCSE and A level if you choose to supplement your overseas education with Wendover.
Timetabling for time zones
You may be wondering how live online lessons work in a world of different time zones. There is a careful balance to be struck, but at Wendover we benefit from a flexible timetable which allows us to allocate teachers and students times which work well for both.
Timetabling lessons is relatively easy for families in countries on similar time zones to the UK such as in Europe and South Africa. For those in different time zones (such as in the middle East) we aim for 1:1 lessons at times that suit both student and teacher. This works particularly well for short-term top-up lessons, or for bespoke lessons in additional subjects.
A thriving international school
An online school also offers students wonderful opportunities to gain a global perspective. Wendover has students of over 30 nationalities, so Assemblies and tutorials can include a rich variety of experience. Online teaching also allows us to choose the best teachers, wherever they may be. Our school is a truly international community: a great preparation for adult life.
“Online education works terrifically for families living or travelling internationally,” concludes Sarah. “We instil a joy of learning alongside high quality teaching and pastoral care. Our students love the experience, and our parents are proud of the results.”
