Even though the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us, the sense of belonging that came from working, learning and making friendships online will remain with us forever.
South Africa’s online schooling sector is booming, and Curro Online is meeting this demand head-on. The revolutionary teaching model was initially launched by Curro Holdings, one of our country’s leading independent education providers, in 2020, during the height of COVID-19, to help struggling parents find a quality teaching solution for their children.
Fast forward three years, and the pioneering online-schooling model is enjoying growing popularity thanks to its enhanced CAPS curriculum, which focuses heavily on preparing learners from Grades 4 to 12 with the skills required for a technology-driven future.
“Parents opt for Curro Online for several reasons. For some it is because another Curro-managed school is too far from where they live, or they may be relocating abroad and don’t want the move to interrupt their child’s learning.”
“For others, the school closes to them may not offer Independent Examination Board (IEB) examinations, or their child simply prefers the flexibility of working on their own, rather than being surrounded by other learners.”
“Whatever the reason, Curro Online is happy to be able to provide an alternative learning solution that aligns with the needs of an ever-changing world. Curro Online provides learners with carefully planned online lessons that are interspersed with the usual things learners associate with school. like after school clubs and video chats with friends and teachers,” says Faith Njau, Executive Head at Curro Online.
An online school with structured classes
For a self-disciplined Grade 5 learner like Jenna Kershaw, Curro Online lets her experience a high-quality education from the comfort of her bedroom.
During her packed school day, Jenna gets to enjoy live lessons with qualified and dedicated teachers scheduled according to a structured timetable. All her lessons are recorded, and she can also access digital material and recorded lessons online at any time of the day.
The live lessons take place in small classes, and teachers track learners’ progress daily, providing feedback, additional support, and parent meetings as and when needed. Just like a traditional school, online and in-person extramural activities as well as regional school fun days are held throughout the year.
“I love the small classes as everybody gets an equal amount of attention from the teacher but the best part is I get to sleep later, play with my pets in my garden more often and my mom makes me pancakes with Nutella after each exam. She loves joining in our assemblies and it’s so nice to have her and my dad so involved in my school day,” she says.
Reducing parental pressures
An online learning model like Curro Online has plenty of benefits for parents too. Not only are their children guaranteed to receive a quality, holistic education, but they also have access to an educational psychologist for virtual consultations, if needed.
More importantly, though, this model also absolves parents of any teaching and supervisory responsibilities that usually come with an online schooling system.
“For us, Curro Online is a fantastic opportunity for our daughter to attend school and still do all her extra murals. Jenna used to miss classes when she was invited to a dance rehearsal at short notice but this is never a problem anymore. She is thriving because Curro Online sees her as an individual with her own special talents and gifts,” adds Tracy Hardcastle, Jenna’s mother.
With flexibility at its very core, Curro Online provides sporting learners like Jenna, as well as those with special learning needs, with an additional level of support and the liberty to continue learning around their changing lifestyles.
Curro Online enrolments for 2023 and 2024 are now open. Email [email protected], call 087 284 7018 for more information or click here to book a spot for the next informative webinar.
Also read:
Curro launches CurroPM – an alternative to the traditional school schedule
Picture: Supplied
