THINK back to when ‘zoom’ simply meant the sound of a rocket and ‘remote’ was merely an object for siblings to squabble over after school. That simpler world of desks, dormitories, and muddy rugby boots can seem like another era, a source of nostalgia. In early January, schools once again had to pivot—in some cases, within 48 hours— to an online curriculum. Yet amid the inevitable disappointment and disruption, the principal of Harrow School’s new virtual sixth form was looking forward to the seamless start of the new term.
Harrow School Online welcomed its first pupils last September, but its genesis was pre-pandemic; the principal, Heather Rhodes, spent three years perfecting its teaching methods and pastoral care. Mrs. Rhodes fizzes with enthusiasm as she expounds on the benefits of wholly online education. ‘It is increasing access to exceptional education and opening up choice for students,’ she explains. ‘It’s moving away from that one-size-fits-all approach, offering greater flexibility and better-individualized learning.’
The school’s 30 pupils work through selfstudy courses at their own pace, then come together for ‘live’ lessons. Students can book a 15-minute individual session with a teacher whenever they want. Staff are unique to the school, although Harrow’s heads of the subject are involved in recruitment and quality assurance. ‘There is the chance to learn at the pace directed by the student—rather than the speed of their class,’ adds Mrs Rhodes, ‘plus a data-informed smart approach to teaching, so the lessons are really focused.’
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tales as old as time
By appointing writers-in-residence to landscape locations, the National Trust is hoping to spark in us a new engagement with our ancient surroundings, finds Richard Smyth
Do the active farmer test
Farming is a profession, not a lifestyle choice’ and, therefore, the Budget is unfair
Night Thoughts by Howard Hodgkin
Charlotte Mullins comments on Moght Thoughts
SOS: save our wild salmon
Jane Wheatley examines the dire situation facing the king of fish
Into the deep
Beneath the crystal-clear, alien world of water lie the great piscean survivors of the Ice Age. The Lake District is a fish-spotter's paradise, reports John Lewis-Stempel
It's alive!
Living, burping and bubbling fermented masses of flour, yeast and water that spawn countless loaves—Emma Hughes charts the rise and rise) of sourdough starters
There's orange gold in them thar fields
A kitchen staple that is easily taken for granted, the carrot is actually an incredibly tricky customer to cultivate that could reduce a grown man to tears, says Sarah Todd
True blues
I HAVE been planting English bluebells. They grow in their millions in the beechwoods that surround us—but not in our own garden. They are, however, a protected species. The law is clear and uncompromising: ‘It is illegal to dig up bluebells or their bulbs from the wild, or to trade or sell wild bluebell bulbs and seeds.’ I have, therefore, had to buy them from a respectable bulb-merchant.
Oh so hip
Stay the hand that itches to deadhead spent roses and you can enjoy their glittering fruits instead, writes John Hoyland
A best kept secret
Oft-forgotten Rutland, England's smallest county, is a 'Notswold' haven deserving of more attention, finds Nicola Venning
