Online education: a path to unlocking student potential beyond traditional schools
Many talented children face challenges in education, and it’s not always about low academic performance. Often, it’s a loss of motivation because the curriculum doesn’t fit the individual student. Gifted children “outpace” it and start to get bored in class, while those who need more time get lost and fall behind. Afisha.London magazine asked Anna Kunitzina, Head of the Cambridge Accredited online school Bruton Lloyd Academy, to discuss alternative approaches and common difficulties for capable children in schools, as well as offer solutions for unlocking each student’s potential.
Why do children lose motivation to study?
Each child is unique, so the traditional school curriculum may not be sufficient to engage every student and make learning enjoyable. Active, capable children often get bored in class because they quickly understand the tasks and find solutions. Their intellect demands more intense challenges and a faster pace. Why hold back the potential of such students with a program that is clearly “weak” for them? At the same time, there are equally talented students who need more time to absorb material or require different conditions: a teacher’s patience, predictability, and specific types of assignments. When their needs are met, these children truly blossom. We shouldn’t stifle their potential just because the program isn’t suitable for the “average” child.
Why do capable children receive poor grades?
Several key factors hinder productive learning and the potential of children in school. One of the main problems is teacher burnout and lack of connection with students. When a teacher loses enthusiasm and cannot find an approach to the children, it negatively affects the quality of education.
Another important factor is large classes and standardized programs. In such conditions, it is difficult for teachers to give enough attention to each student, and a uniform approach does not consider individual characteristics of children.
Photo: Kindel Media / Pexels
Motivation problems among students also play a significant role. If a child does not see the meaning in the material being studied or does not understand how to apply the acquired knowledge, their interest in studying quickly fades.
Finally, ignoring personal reasons and neurodiversity can seriously hinder the learning process. Every child is unique, and what works for one in a group may be completely ineffective for another.
What should be done and which programs to consider?
The British education system is considered one of the most flexible and democratic in the world. One of the key features of this system is the possibility of building an individual educational track. Students can choose subjects that are most interesting and important for their future careers, which increases their motivation and performance.
The British system also actively utilizes the possibilities of online learning. This allows children who find it difficult to attend regular school to receive quality education from home, and with Bruton Lloyd Academy — from anywhere in the world. Children, for whom the traditional school program is too simple, will receive the necessary load and learning format to avoid boredom and complete tasks corresponding to their level. At the same time, they will achieve the same A-levels or iGCSE results as in any international private school.
Photo: Bruton Lloyd
Particular attention at Bruton Lloyd Academy is given to the size of study groups. Small groups and individual lessons allow teachers to better understand each student’s needs and adapt their teaching approach. The academy also has a specialized approach for children with special educational needs. Students with ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions are provided with optimal learning and development conditions.
Finally, the cost of such education is significantly lower than that of a boarding school.
Case Study: Yana, 17 y.o.
Yana, a talented and hardworking student from Moscow, aspired to study medicine at university. At the time of contacting Bruton Lloyd Academy, she was attending a school in Moscow but knew she couldn’t directly enter her desired UK program upon graduation. She would need to spend an additional two years on A-levels or IB, as direct entry to UK medical faculties from schools outside of the UK or through a Foundation program is not possible. Another option was not completing her studies at her school in Moscow and move to the UK, but her parents did not consider this option.
How did we develop an educational strategy for Yana?
Yana began studying Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics A-levels online at Bruton Lloyd Academy. Concurrently, she completed her day school in Moscow to obtain her diploma. After a year of completing sessions delivered by our dedicated teachers and completing the first year of the A-level program in all three subjects, she successfully completed and passed her entrance exams and was offered a place at a leading school in England. This school specializes in preparing students for studying medicine and medicine-related course at university. This is a very rare case of a school accepting a student midway through the program: the A-level program lasts for 2 years, whilst Yana completed her first year studies in an online format. Without the support of the Bruton Lloyd Academy, this would hardly have been possible. In addition to delivering lessons to Yana and ensuring she is on track to achieving her desired predicted grades, we handled all communications with the school throughout the year, such as providing regular progress reports and feedback from our teachers, liaising with the school throughout the admissions process, arranging interviews and assessments amongst other things that were imperative to ensure it is a smooth sailing process for our student.
Photo: Julia M Cameron / Pexels
Advantages of a personalized approach
A personalized approach in education helps address many challenges faced by capable students. It alleviates the lack of enthusiasm in classes for those who quickly grasp the material, allowing them to progress at their own pace and delve deeper into topics of interest.
For students who need more time to understand the material, a personalized approach reduces anxiety and pressure. They can work at a comfortable pace without fearing to fall behind classmates. The ability to focus on subjects that interest them increases students’ motivation and helps them better prepare for their future careers. This is especially important for high school students who have already chosen a profession.
Adapting the program to the individual characteristics of each student allows for the accommodation of various learning styles, personal interests, and even specific learning needs. This creates optimal conditions for unlocking each child’s potential.
Case Study: Artyom, 16 y.o.
Artyom, a teenager with ASD and ADHD, faced significant challenges in learning through a standard day school program. To unlock his potential and grasp the material, Artyom always needed more time than others. He found it difficult to navigate large groups and build relationships with classmates.
What did we offer Artyom?
Artyom enrolled in the Bruton Lloyd Academy to study the iGCSE program. His chosen subjects were: Mathematics, English, Economics, History, and Sciences (Double Award). For the first year, he studied individually with our tutors and showed excellent results: this approach provided the necessary sense of calm and predictability that was lacking in a traditional school. In his second year, Artyom was able to join our small group lessons, and this experience also proved successful. Our classes are conducted in small groups (maximum of 6 students), which allows for the consideration of each student’s unique needs to be addressed while maintaining live interaction during the lessons. All our teachers knew Artyom well and understood how to work with his specific needs to help him develop his abilities.
To reduce the stress and anxiety of quickly approaching exams, we ensured Artyom has the best possible exam arrangements. In addition to booking Artyom in for all his exams with a British Council Centre in suitable location for the family and liaising with their representatives in the run up to and for the duration of the exam period, we arranged for Artyom to be tested by an Educational Psychologist in England an official document outlining Artyom’s exam requirements. This is a very important document that specified the amount of extra time he required to complete his exams amongst a number of recommendations for exam arrangements for this candidate. As a result, Artyom was granted the 25% extra time on all his exam papers and Artyom was allowed to complete his exams with a human reader. All exams were completed in a separate exam room, which allowed Artyom to focus on his papers and complete them without any added stress and anxiety of a large exam hall.
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels
Online education: new opportunities
Online learning opens new perspectives for students. One of the main advantages is the ability to obtain an internationally recognized diploma without leaving one’s home country. This is particularly valuable for those planning to pursue further education abroad. The online format provides access to highly qualified teachers from around the world, allowing children to learn from top specialists in their field, regardless of geographical location.
A flexible learning schedule enables students to combine their studies with other activities, whether it’s sports, creativity, or part-time work. This helps develop time management and self-organization skills.
Case Study: Arina, 15 y.o.
Arina and her parents opted for homeschooling over public school in Russia, aiming for a European university without a specific program in mind.
Educational path for Arina
Arina combines homeschooling with Russian teachers and an online A-level program at Bruton Lloyd Academy. She studies Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics at A-level and academic English with our teachers.
Regardless of her university choice, the international A-level certificate enables Arina to apply to top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group universities in the UK and Ivy League univerisites in the US. Additionally, our English classes help students achieve high IELTS scores.
King’s College Chapel in Cambridge. Photo: Chris Boland / Unsplash
The British education system and individualized teaching at Bruton Lloyd Academy provide new opportunities for capable children who can’t reach their potential in traditional schools. Our tailored programs ensure optimal conditions for exam success and university admission. Recognizing each child’s uniqueness, a personalized approach is essential for unlocking their talents.
For more information about online education, see our interview with Anna Kunitzina on Youtube:
About Bruton Lloyd Academy
Bruton Lloyd Academy, with 18 years of history and accreditation from Cambridge Education and UCAS, employs experienced British educators. Achieving admission to prestigious universities globally is attainable with Bruton Lloyd Academy, regardless of where you may be bases in the world. Learn more about our program and schedule an individual consultation through the link.
Contact Information
Address:
Bruton Lloyd Academy
43, Berkeley Square,
Mayfair, W1J 5AP, London, UK
Contacts:
Email: blschool@brutonlloyd.com
Landline: +44 207 493 5875
WhatsApp: +44 7597 066462
Cover photo: Julia M Cameron / Pexels
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