Frequently Asked Questions
Why us?
Our British online school revolutionises remote education. With an easy-to-use platform, flexible academic programmes, and adaptable schedules, we provide a learning experience that can often exceed that of traditional schools.
Globally, schools are embracing technology to meet evolving educational standards. It is anticipated that within the next few decades, online education will become commonplace. At IWS, we lead by prioritising online teaching.
Our teachers are adept at delivering Live Online Lessons with great enthusiasm and proficiency. We also employ sophisticated and reliable technology to ensure our virtual classrooms meet every need of our pupils, including round-the-clock access to recorded lessons to support independent study.
In this respect, we are advancing faster than many educational institutions that are just beginning to embark on this digital transition.
IWS places great value on the educational experiences that occur beyond the classroom walls. Thus, we offer numerous opportunities for group interaction through a variety of clubs, extracurricular activities, and online social gatherings. This approach allows each student to connect with others across the globe, fostering a sense of belonging to a vibrant community that extends beyond the end of the school day.
Are you accredited?
Where are you based?
How does your online school work?
Our trained teachers employ a range of teaching aids to support learning, such as high-quality video cameras, interactive whiteboards, screen sharing, live presentations, and lesson recordings. Students at IWS can join classes through a safe online link. Teachers use various methods and activities, including quizzes, presentations, and group work, in their lessons.
The use of modern technology makes learning enjoyable for students and enhances their educational journey compared to conventional methods. This also boosts their learning as they study from home.
Does online learning isolate students from their peers?
Many parents worry about whether online learning will allow their child to socialise properly.
At IWS, we encourage our international students to interact with one another by holding various clubs, social gatherings, and events throughout the school year. We also offer a summer camp, a student council, and additional activities for students to enjoy in their spare time.
Furthermore, students enrolled in the same courses often work together on group tasks and projects. These collaborative efforts help develop communication skills and leadership abilities. All activities in our online classrooms are recorded and supervised to ensure the safety of our students online. We also provide training on how to use social media responsibly to maintain a safe environment for all student interactions.
I reside outside the UK; is this educational approach acknowledged in my country?
Every country has different rules about what kinds of education can take the place of traditional classroom learning. So, we suggest that parents check if homeschooling is allowed in the country where they plan to live or work before applying to our school.
Please also remember that our lessons follow the standards of the English education system, and our staff are experts only in this system.
Are lessons taught in any other languages, other than English?
When does the academic school year start?
Who Teaches at IWS?
Our teachers are all certified with ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ from the UK’s Department for Education. We thoroughly train our staff and perform live demonstrations prior to their official start to guarantee the highest quality education for your child.
They utilise the Cambridge curriculum to guide lesson planning and to devise annual assessments that track educational progress.
What IGCSE subjects do IWS offer and teach?
How many Subjects can an IWS student take?
IGCSE students can take as many courses as they want. However, we advise IWS students to select core packages depending on their key stage.
These are as follows:
- Key Stage 3: 3 Core Subjects
- Key Stage 4: 5 Core Subjects
- Key Stage 5: 2 Core Subjects
Our students can take as many subjects as they would like to expand their academic profile. However, we advise you to carefully consider the time and energy required for preparation before selecting the number of subjects that you or your child will study. This way, you can avoid being overwhelmed by end-of-term assignments and tests at a later stage. It is crucial not to overextend oneself when assimilating new information.
Can students only study three subjects instead of opting for the core package?
Is there a difference between IGCSE vs GCSE?
Yes, GCSEs are only applicable for UK learners while IGCSEs are designed for international learners. The key differences lie in the relevancy of the topics taught at each key stage. For example, non-native speakers might not read the same English literature texts as students in the UK due to the difference in language proficiency. Likewise, topics discussed in History and Geography may vary due to cultural differences.
You can contact us at admissions@staging1.iwsonlineschool.co.uk for further details.
Do IWS course materials need to be purchased?
How many lessons are scheduled each week?
The number of lessons you get each week depends on the package you choose. Here’s what you can usually expect:
For KS3 (core), there are 9 lessons a week.
For KS4 (core), there are 15 lessons a week.
For KS5 (core), there are 8 lessons a week.
How long is each lesson?
How Do Live Lessons Work for Different Time Zones?
How Many Students Are There in Each Class?
Is it possible for students to miss a live session?
Online learning offers great flexibility. Our students can watch recorded lessons at any time if they’re unable to attend a live class.
If your child is going to miss a lesson, please let us know in advance or as it happens by using the Parent Portal. This helps our teachers to catch up with these students in live sessions later, making sure they’re on track with any missed work.
Are the sessions conducted live or online?
Is Attendance compulsory in Live Lessons?
Can Students Talk to IWS Teachers in Private?
Yes, IWS students can correspond with subject teachers and the Senior Leader of Learning (SLOL) request assistance. Our teaching faculty ensure that urgent queries are addressed as soon as possible.
However, teachers overlooking multiple classes might take longer to reply than others. Students are requested to wait patiently and send a follow-up email if they don’t receive a response within seven school days.
Is disciplinary action undertaken by teachers upon a student’s misbehaviour in class?
Our online learning management system allows teachers to enforce firm boundaries for students who misbehave in class. IWS teachers are able to mute microphones and restrict access to general chat and private chat to prevent students from causing interruptions. If the students continue to misbehave, teachers have the right to stop them from accessing the virtual classroom until they apologise and promise to be on their best behaviour in future lessons.
IWS students understand the consequences and must maintain class decorum at all times.
I Missed the IWS Open Event. Can I View the Event Online?
Can Parents Track Academic Progress at IWS?
Yes, each of our parents is given their own account on our Learning Management System. This enables them to see their child’s progress academically and informs them of the many school related activities that we host each week. In addition to this, parents are able to review teacher feedback and commentary on assigned work to track their child’s performance in class.
Moreover, teachers communicate with parents through term meetings and may work closely with parents to overcome any learning challenges or disciplinary problems encountered during school.
Can IWS parents initiate conversations with the teaching faculty?
Can students interact with each other?
Yes, our students are assigned to small groups for their weekly classes. This enables them to get to know one another in an engaging classroom setting that often utilises group projects to encourage collaboration.
In addition to this pupils also attend assemblies and can join a wide range of extracurricular clubs which will see them learn, collaborate, compete and enjoy the company of their peers.
Apart from this, parents can allow IWS students that are aged 13 and above to sign up to our social media platform (Yammer). This virtual network allows them to form friendships outside the classroom in an informal, relaxed setting. In addition to this, we have a student council that meets regularly and organises different events during the academic year.
What is the process of enrolling students?
Do prospective IWS students need to submit documents before enrollment?
Certainly, parents or guardians are required to upload the following documents for their child’s application to IWS:
– The child’s birth certificate or passport.
– Proof of address, which can be a bank statement, driving licence, council tax bill, or a recent utility bill.
Please ensure that the utility bill or bank statement is current to verify its validity. We cannot process applications without this. After approval, parents at IWS will need to sign an electronic contract to confirm enrolment. There is no need to scan or print this contract.
Do you enrol students who live outside the United Kingdom?
Does the IWS accept students who are not fluent in English?
Our teaching staff consists of UK-qualified, English-speaking teachers. All our online courses, including modern languages, are taught in English.
Consequently, we anticipate that applicants to IWS have a fundamental grasp of English to participate in our classes effectively. International students not fluent in English can enhance their language abilities quickly through regular engagement in our online classrooms. Moreover, we provide English as a Second Language in our curriculum to assist international students.
Can I join in Year 11, even if the IWS curriculum is different from that followed by my previous school?
You can join our Year 11 programme if you were previously studying for the same board exams (e.g., CAIE) at a different school. This is because IGCSE courses span two years, with key foundations laid in Year 10.
Students switching from a different board must catch up on Year 10 content. This involves independently reviewing missed lessons using our educational materials, such as PowerPoints and additional resources, while also focusing on Year 11 subjects for upcoming exams.
We advise starting our IGCSE programme from Year 10 for comprehensive support from our UK qualified teachers over the two-year course. The IGCSE curriculum is structured for delivery over two years, making it more practical for both students and staff to follow this timeline.
What are the requirements to study A levels?
To study A-levels, students who completed their IGCSEs in KS4 must have at least five IGCSEs with grades ranging from A* to C. It’s important that they achieve strong grades in the subjects they wish to pursue at A-level.
Students who are new to the CAIE system must have equivalent qualifications in relevant subjects. Additionally, we advise arranging a meeting with an IWS career advisor.
This helps in selecting A-level subjects that match your academic interests, strengths, and future career aspirations. Choosing appropriate courses can enhance your learning experience at our online British school.
This guidance also ensures that students are well-prepared for their higher education journey.
Will the education system be recognised in my country?
I have a child with a medical condition/ a learning disability, and they need one-on-one care from their instructor. Is there a place at IWS for students with particular requirements?
Yes, IWS provides inclusive and stimulating education opportunities for students with special needs. In our online environment, if your child misses a class, they can easily catch up by watching recorded lessons on the student portal. Moreover, they can seek additional assistance by reaching out to subject coordinators through a private chat room whenever needed.
This approach allows students to get the extra help they need without feeling self-conscious in front of their online classmates.
Do the benefits of online learning apply to students with ADD/ADHD?
Yes, students with ADHD or on the autism spectrum can benefit greatly from our online learning. They have access to both live lessons, which help with social interaction, and a library of recorded lessons, which they can watch at their own pace. This flexibility makes learning easier for them.
Our UK-trained teachers offer one-to-one support when needed. Also, IWS teachers keep an eye on student interactions to ensure a respectful environment. If any student misbehaves or bullies, especially towards those with special needs, teachers can control private chats and mute microphones to maintain order. They can also set it so that only they can see students’ written responses, which helps every student to participate without feeling anxious.
In this way, our students with special needs can enjoy a learning environment that integrates them with other learners, without feeling isolated.
We take this part of our teaching very seriously and follow official ‘Statements of Special Educational Needs’ guidelines to support your child effectively.
Can my child continue at regular school?
Is our internet connection strong enough for online learning from London?
Our British online school suggests having an internet speed of at least 4 Mbps for uploading study materials and assignments. For downloading, a higher speed, around 8 Mbps, is recommended.
Families can test their internet speed using FAST or a similar local service that provides this facility.
How Do I Pay the School Tuition Fees?
Parents enrolled in our Mainstream School will be billed for tuition fees at the beginning of each term. These fees can be paid in instalments or as a single total amount. For Supplementary lessons, we usually operate on a monthly subscription basis. For further information, please reach out to the Admissions team.
Payments can be completed through bank transfer.
When Are Tuition Fees Due?
Do the Tuition Fees Cover the External Cambridge Examination Fee?
Are there any provisions for Sibling Discount ?
Yes, siblings are eligible for the following discounts:
- 2 siblings – 5% for each student;
- 3 siblings – 10% for each student;
- 4 or more siblings – 15% for each student;
How do you assess progress and how do you know if a child is struggling?
Does IWS Organise Mock Exams?
How Do IWS International Students Sit IGCSE, AS and A-Level exams?
Students in Years 11, 12, and 13 may take their examinations at a regional exam centre endorsed by the Cambridge Education Board. Our international students are registered under our school and provided with the necessary information to prepare for and sit their board exams.
The board also provides support to assist learners with special needs.
Please reach out to the Admissions Team for more information.
Do I have to travel to the UK for exams?
No, exams can be taken at approved regional exam centres worldwide. These centres ensure that Cambridge qualifications are accessible globally.
Regarding access arrangements for board exams, the specifics depend on the centre where the exams are taken, as each centre has its own procedures.
IWS does not arrange access for CAIE exams. You should contact your local exam centre directly for any necessary support. For more information on this, feel free to get in touch with our Exams Team.
What is the IGCSE exam board in your school?
We are officially authorised to offer Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).
CAIE programmes are renowned for providing excellent preparation for university, careers, and life overall.
Which exam boards does IWS use for A-Levels?
How many board exam papers do the students sit for each subject?
Will I receive a certificate after I finish my A-level Courses which are accepted by British universities?
Do Students receive any certificate at the end of the school year, and is it a government-issued certificate and valid in the UK?
IWS students in secondary classes are provided with termly school reports. As an institution accredited by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) board, our academic results are recognised by the UK government and educational institutions in other countries. Cambridge qualifications are acknowledged by over 1900 institutions in more than 81 countries.
Students taking IGCSE and A-level exams will receive a globally recognised certificate from the CAIE, similar to other students who sit for these exams.
Can IWS qualifications be used for university applications?
Yes, we provide accredited IGCSEs and A-Level courses that are recognised by universities worldwide.
However, as various international education boards have different requirements, we highly recommend consulting with individual universities in advance to avoid any issues during the application process.
Do IWS students receive a ‘transcript’ if they wish to change schools or apply to universities?
Can IWS students leave before completing their IGCSEs? Are these students eligible for admission to other schools?
If your child leaves IWS before finishing upper secondary classes, they will not receive any official certificates or qualifications.
Nevertheless, IWS will issue a letter of registration for the new school your child is moving to. This letter will contain key details such as the Key Stage, grade achieved, and the length of time the child was enrolled at our school. You can view individual progress reports through the Parent Portal.
As IWS adheres to the UK national schooling system, your child will be eligible for admission to schools that follow the same or equivalent curriculum.
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