The top questions we are asked

At InterHigh, we are frequently asked lots of questions by prospective parents and pupils, many of whom are unfamiliar with what an online school is and how it works. Below are answers to the most popular questions we are asked.

1. How does it work?

Each day pupils login to their own dashboard to access all areas of the school. When it’s time to enter a lesson, the pupil clicks on the relevant subject tile and joins the classroom, where fellow pupils and a subject teacher will be waiting. The teacher delivers the lesson through an interactive teaching area and is visible to the class via a webcam. Students are able to interact in lesson through a microphone and keyboard, this also provides them with the option to have a one to one conversation with the teacher throughout the entire duration of the lesson. After class, pupils can complete homework or revisit topics of the lesson by re-watching the lesson recording or downloading the lesson PowerPoint. If a pupil needs to contact the teacher after the lesson has finished, they are able to send them an email at anytime.

2. What support do you provide pupils?

InterHigh has its very own pastoral care team that are available throughout the school day. Our pastoral support team are available on request and provide a confidential channel for pupils to discuss all aspects of their lives, whether that be matters inside or outside of school. As a parent, we encourage you to pass on any concerns about your child to the team for them to look into the points raised in a private and delicate manner.

3. Is online schooling recognised?

To date, the only country to officially recognise the existence of online schools is New Zealand. Many other countries class online education as a form of home schooling which means it is therefore legal as an alternative form for mandatory education. In years to come, it is highly likely that further countries will follow and officially recognise online schools as a genuine form of education.

4. We are based outside of the UK, can my child still attend?

Of course, InterHigh can be accessed worldwide. We have students from every continent in the world benefiting from our flexible form of education. Please remember it is important to have a sufficient internet connection to attend our school. Please click here to see our computer requirements page for further details.

5. Can I enrol my child mid-way through the school year?

Yes, we accept enrolments throughout the year. For exam years (11 and 13), enrolments past the first half term will be considered on a case by case basis due to the amount of work and time there is left before the start of formal examinations.

6. How long does enrolment take?

Our enrolment process takes between 1 to 2 weeks. At peak times this is likely to be longer due to the increased volume of submitted registration forms.

7. Do you have experience in working with children with SEN issues?

Yes, our staff have years of experience working with SEN students. Ever since InterHigh opened in 2005, the school has provided a supportive and comfortable environment for students with SEN to learn in their own home, in a setting that has reduced distractions from a traditional classroom. To find out more about the range of SEN we have experience with, please contact us.

8. What about the social side of school?

Being an online school, the biggest challenge we have faced is providing students with a school life that promotes and encourages social interaction. InterHigh has managed to achieve this through a mixture of traditional and advanced methods. Upon joining, each student at InterHigh has the option to create their own school social media account. On our social media platform pupils can take part in discussions, join groups, ask questions and even collaborate on school work with fellow classmates. Pupils can also join a range of after school clubs such as art, science and chess, which provides a great way of getting to know fellow students that share similar interests. Finally, being an online school doesn’t mean we don’t have school trips! Students have the opportunity to attend two school trips a year. This year, students went on a tour of the Harry Potter, Warner Bros studios, and also attended an action packed outdoor activity weekend at PGL Liddington. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for the pictures.

9. I live outside of the UK, where can I sit examinations?

Depending on the country of residence, international students who live outside of the UK can usually sit their examinations without travelling. At key stage 4 (iGCSEs), all of our subjects are with the international exam board Pearson Edexcel and at key stage 5 (AS/A Levels), 14 of the 18 subject choices are with the international body Cambridge International. The two exam boards have a useful search facility to see where your nearest exam centre is located.