This blog is from one of COBIS’ Supporting Associates.

Written by Mariana Marques – Content Manager, Inspired Online Schools

Rooted in a legacy of academic excellence, the British curriculum has shaped the educational experiences of millions of students not just in the UK but around the globe. Renowned for its emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and well-rounded development, this framework equips students with the skills they need to succeed in their preferred areas and become engaged citizens.

But what if a new wave of technological innovation could support international British schools in delivering this curriculum in a new, exciting way? The integration of online education can be transformative, enabling these schools to provide the British curriculum in a manner that caters to students' diverse passions, goals, learning preferences, and support requirements.

Diving into the world of online education

Online schools like King’s InterHigh have been around for almost two decades, pioneering the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning for students worldwide. Yet, not everyone is familiar with online schooling, so common myths and misconceptions may arise.

Online education refers to delivering classes or academic support entirely online. Using advanced platforms with communication, collaboration, and organisation features, online schools offer increased flexibility and adaptability, not just to students, but to schools too. There are various ways British international schools can integrate online learning into their teaching. They include:

1. Broadening Subject Offerings

One of the most significant advantages of integrating online education is expanding subject offerings quickly. While British international schools often provide a solid foundation in core subjects, there may be limitations in specialist areas. These could be temporary gaps due to staffing or resource constraints, such as limited access to facilities or subject-specific materials. Additionally, specific subjects, particularly those in emerging fields like Computer Science and Media Studies, may face industry-wide recruitment challenges, making it difficult for schools to find expert teachers.

Online education can bridge this gap by providing access to a broader range of subjects so schools can quickly expand their curriculum and offer more subjects to meet student demand. The best part about online education is that, due to it being entirely virtual, the availability of services is almost immediate, so schools can quickly implement new courses and adapt to changes.

2.    Personalised Support

Another key benefit of online education is its capacity for personalised learning. In traditional classroom settings, lack of capacity may make it challenging for educators to address their students' diverse learning paces and fully provide for their needs. With access to online provision students with additional learning needs can benefit from even greater levels of personalisation, and the technology itself can support their learning needs. In addition, online schools can facilitate access to SEN professionals,  academic, and well-being support in the form of dedicated courses, workshops, and mentoring. Schools that offer hybrid provision by partnering with an online school, have easy access to this additional SEN support, providing additional capacity and alleviating pressures on the on-site school counsellor.

3.     Innovative Learning Experiences

Integrating online education opens the door to innovative learning experiences that can enhance student engagement and understanding. Online schools allow for a range of interactive and immersive learning opportunities, such as virtual reality (VR) field trips, simulations, and gamified learning environments. These experiences can make complex subjects more accessible and enjoyable, encouraging students to explore their interests in-depth.

For example, a history class could involve a virtual tour of ancient Rome, where students can interact with the environment and learn about historical events in real-time. These innovative approaches cater to diverse learning styles and promote critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, the variety of communication methods and the emphasis on self-directed learning inherent in online education helps students build valuable skills for success at university and beyond.

4.     Access to Qualified and Experienced Teachers

British international schools may face challenges recruiting expert educators for niche subjects or specialised areas. Online education can alleviate this issue by providing access to a broader pool of teachers with the necessary qualifications and experience. Online schools also offer a quick enrolment time, so if a school has an urgent or unexpected requirement, they can provide continuity to their students with qualified, subject-expert teachers within a few days without disrupting their students’ timetables or learning journeys.

In addition, online schools place a strong emphasis on safeguarding, with measures such as secure online platforms, real-time monitoring of interactions, and staff trained in online safety protocols. These practices ensure that students can access learning in a protected environment, where their wellbeing is continuously supported.

A Collaborative Path Forward

Online education offers British international schools a transformative opportunity to expand educational offerings, enhance personalised learning, and augment their teaching resources as and when needed, with ultimate flexibility. By integrating online learning, schools can create a more inclusive and engaging educational experience that meets their students' diverse needs.

As British international schools evolve and adapt, embracing online education will strengthen their ability to provide a high-quality, holistic learning experience for all.

If you’d like to learn more about how online learning can support your school, please join us for our upcoming COBIS webinar on 13th November at 1pm: '4 Ways That Online Provision Can Enhance Your School Offer,' presented by Catriona Olsen, Executive Head of King’s InterHigh, and Rufus Sanders, Senior International Business Partnership Manager at Inspired Online Schools.