Whether we are ready to admit it or not, digitalization is the future, and we can already see the changes brought by it in our day-to-day lives. If, up until not long ago, traditional schooling required a brick-and-mortar school with classrooms and uniforms, now schooling can be as diverse as the learning needs of students.
Hybrid schools are proof of the fact that digitalization is here to stay. While some families might be hesitant to try out a new form of education, others are in a constant search for escaping the rigidity of traditional schooling – bearing in mind that the learning needs and teaching styles that have been forever used in brick-and-mortar schools might be outdated here and there. Or just not meeting everyone student’s needs and expectations.
So what does the hybrid learning model look like?
At Spark Hybrid High School, the hybrid learning model is a mix of online and offline learning split into an 80/20 formula. Digital learning accounts for 80% of the Spark experience, while in-person learning accounts for 20%. While the split for hybrid schools might differ from school to school, one thing is for sure – today’s families need and appreciate it as it allows them to have unique lifestyles without compromising their children’s education. That being said, Spark Hybrid High School has no typical day or week. Because of the flexibility the hybrid learning model offers, students can personalise their learning schedule as they see fit. Want to complete that maths tutorial from your backyard at 9 PM? Totally fine. Have to be in a different country for a sports competition? No worries, tutorials and meetings can be moved around so they fit around YOUR schedule and needs.
The difference between hybrid and traditional schools
Traditional schools usually have an admission period around summer, when students can register for the upcoming school year. Which usually also starts at the end of summer or the start of fall. At Spark Hybrid High School, the admissions period is as flexible as the learning environment – meaning students can enrol at any time of the year without having to rely on admission periods. The mix of active and passive learning styles allows students to customise their learning by choosing when, what, where and how they learn. They also have the flexibility to take their Cambridge International Examinations whenever they feel ready, with varying yearly exam schedules. When it comes to the subjects they learn, students at Spark can choose between any of the 55+ Cambridge Self-paced courses created around how their brains learn. The subjects can vary from Geography to Law or Computer Science, and students are usually guided at the beginning of their high school journey to discover the subjects that match their interests and goals best. In traditional classrooms, teachers often must progress through the curriculum even if students haven’t fully understood the material. The hybrid model, however, allows students to slow down their learning when needed and advance in other subjects when they can.Advantages of Hybrid Schooling
Some of the main advantages of hybrid schooling are:Freedom to travel and see the world without location boundaries
Flexibility to create your own schedule
Opportunities to interact with colleagues from around the world
The chance to focus your schooling around the subject you find useful
Power to prioritise between schooling and passion
Different approaches to learning
Personalised learning approach tailored to your needs
More focus on you as a person rather than just one of many students in a classroom
Tailored schooling plans that match your future goals
In the same context, the advantages that were listed above might also serve as disadvantages to some. For example, some families with rigid work schedules might prefer to know precisely when and where their teenager will be at all times during school. Spark is here to be the solution for those overwhelmed by rigidity and tradition. They aim to break the boundaries of traditional classrooms and embrace future readiness – to offer a safe place for those who dare and want to learn differently
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How do you know if hybrid fits your needs?
If you feel like you might be trapped in your educational journey and would like to test out different approaches to learning, a hybrid educational model might be a fit for you. Here’s what one of the Spark students said about the flexibility offered by the hybrid schooling model: “…What I like most about Spark is the freedom to study at my own level, which is crucial for any kind of performance. The fact that I can choose what subjects to study helps me focus more on my most important passion, mathematics. Spark also allows me to learn things applicable to real life and focuses on developing every student as a whole.” Alexandru D (also known as Tashi) – year 11 Spark Student Apart from the full-time high school experience, Spark also offers Cambridge Accredited Courses (with or without a tutor) for those who would like a taste of the hybrid learning environment but are not ready to commit. Make the first step towards an international education today and invest in a future paved with quality knowledge at Spark.
