The concept of homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom. It is a viable option for parents who have chosen to provide their children with an alternative form of education outside of the standard school system.
To many, homeschooling gives the opportunity to teach children in a tailored and well-structured environment. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how homeschooling works in the UK.
Overview
Homeschooling has numerous benefits in the UK and around the world. Most noticeably, parents have an opportunity to personalize their children’s learning experience and ensure they can learn at their own pace.
Furthermore, homeschooling in the UK grants parents the right to keep their children away from problematic environments such as overcrowded classrooms, aggressive or disruptive peers and teachers with different expectations. Moreover, research has also suggested that homeschooled children may stand out in academic achievement compared to their peers in a school setting. These are just some of the advantages of homeschooling in the UK.
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
The advantages of homeschooling in the UK are numerous, yet it is important to consider both the positives and negatives of this method of education. One of the main advantages of homeschooling is the ability for children to learn at their own pace.
This allows them to take their time to understand and comprehend concepts without being rushed through lessons or having to keep up with classmates. Moreover, it presents an opportunity for children to explore and concentrate on topics of their own interest without having to adapt to the needs of the whole class. On the other hand, there are also a few cons associated with homeschooling.
For example, as the parent is usually responsible for teaching duties, it can be difficult to prepare good lessons, motivate and challenge the student. Moreover, homeschooled children may lack socialization with other children outside of their own family and could be ill-prepared for the potential challenges that come with entering the real world such as team projects, working with colleagues and difficult interview questions, particularly if they are kept in a sheltered and protected learning environment. Additionally, some parents might struggle to balance full-time work and homeschooling.
Preparing to Homeschool
When considering homeschooling in the UK, there are a few steps that parents need to take before they start this alternative form of education. Firstly, parents should ascertain what educational resources they have available to them at home and make sure that these are adequate for their child’s abilites. Secondly, parents should also establish a routine with specific study times and plan ahead with their lessons.
Moreover, a good and appropriate timetable should be drawn up to ensure the student is able to fit in the necessary hours for each subject and to plan in activities such as music and sports. Finally, parents should also have good plans for the use of technologies such as computers, laptops and tablets for science, maths, geography and coding.
Choosing a Curriculum
Another important decision for parents to make when homeschooling in the UK is which curriculum should be followed. There are a variety of choices such as the national curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Whilst the majority of homeschoolers might choose to follow the national curriculum, there are actually other curricula available, some tailored to the student’s abilities and interests.
Parents can actually decide which topic or subject they want to focus on with their child and select the curriculum accordingly. Furthermore, it is important to note that many homeschoolers tend to follow a hybrid approach, meaning that they draw on several curricula depending on what works best for their child.
For instance, they might opt to use the national curriculum for English, maths and science then use the IB for history, geography and French. Whatever curriculum parents are choosing to follow, it is important to keep in mind that academic achievement is only one form of learning and should not be the sole focus of a homeschooling program.
Exams, Assessments and Record Keeping
Whilst the assessment process for homeschoolers in the UK might differ from that in a regular school, parents are still required to keep records of the student’s educational progress and achievements. Parents should introduce record-keeping protocols such as recording grades and keeping portfolios of work as well as other form of evidence such as photos and videos from school trips or field trips.
Homeschooled students in the UK will still have to complete examinations and assessments just like any other student. For instance, if the student wishes to take the GCSEs examinations then the parents should register the child with the examination board and provide evidence that the child has met the necessary criteria and completed the necessary assessments. Furthermore, if the student wishes to progress onto higher education then homeschoolers must ensure that they pass the standard entry examinations.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities are essential for homeschoolers as they allow students learn in a more holistic manner and develop a wider array of skills and interests that cannot be learnt in a classroom. These activities may include sports, music, art, drama, clubs and societies. Whilst the emphasis should be placed on the academic achievements for homeschoolers, the importance of extra-curricular activities should not be underestimated as they can be a great way for the student to socialize and expand their knowledge.
Legal Requirements
The legal requirements for homeschooling in the UK are relatively straightforward. According to the Department for Education and Skills, “ parent’s are legally responsible for ensuring that their child or children receive a reasonable standard of education suited to their ability and age.
” This means that parents need to be providing a suitable education in terms of the quality and content, provide materials and resources, teach the classes and assess the student’s progress. Whilst there’s no need to register with the local education authority in the UK, parents are required to ensure that their children are receiving a good education by following a curriculum and keep records of the student’s progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling can be a great option for parents who wish to provide their children with a tailored learning experience outside of the standard school system. It presents numerous benefits such as the student being able to learn at their own pace, increase self-learning and having access to a range of extra-curricular activities.
However, there are also a few drawbacks which must not be overlooked. Whilst preparing to homeschool in the UK is relatively straightforward, it is essential that parents are aware of the legal requirements and that their child is receiving a good standard of education.