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.’
Denne historien er fra February 24, 2021-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Denne historien er fra February 24, 2021-utgaven av Country Life UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Kitchen garden cook - Apples
'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'
The original Mr Rochester
Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre
Get it write
Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution
'Sloes hath ben my food'
A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright
Souvenirs of greatness
FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.
Plants for plants' sake
The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson
Capturing the castle
Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker
Nature's own cathedral
Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods
All that money could buy
A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages
In with the old
Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery
