"The traditional school system is broken," say some. "Homeschooling is the only way to ensure our children receive a quality education," argue others. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: homeschooling is on the rise, and Oxford is no exception. But what makes a homeschooling curriculum great? In this article, we’ll delve into the best homeschooling curriculum in Oxford, exploring the most effective and popular options, as well as expert opinions and insights from reputable sources.
Why Homeschool?
Before we dive into the best curriculum options, let’s explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of homeschooling. According to a report by the BBC, the number of children being homeschooled in the UK has increased by 20% in the past year alone (BBC, 2022). So, what’s driving this trend?
- Personalisation: Homeschooling allows parents to tailor their child’s education to their individual needs and interests.
- Flexibility: Homeschooling schedules can be adjusted to accommodate family vacations, illness, or other unexpected events.
- Autonomy: Parents have more control over what their child learns and how they learn it.
- Safety: Some parents may feel that traditional schools are not providing a safe environment for their child.
What Makes a Great Homeschooling Curriculum?
When it comes to choosing a homeschooling curriculum, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key elements of a great curriculum:
- Comprehensive: A well-rounded curriculum should cover all the essential subjects, including English, maths, science, and humanities.
- Engaging: The curriculum should be interactive and engaging, incorporating various teaching methods and activities to keep children motivated.
- Flexible: The curriculum should be adaptable to different learning styles and abilities.
- Up-to-date: The curriculum should be regularly updated to reflect changes in educational standards and best practices.
Best Homeschooling Curriculum in Oxford
After researching and reviewing various homeschooling curriculum options, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options available in Oxford:
- National Curriculum for England (NCE): The NCE is a government-approved curriculum that provides a comprehensive framework for homeschooling. It’s widely used and respected in the UK, and many homeschooling organisations offer support and resources for parents using this curriculum.
- Autumn Term ‘Oxford University’ Literature-based courses: This course is provided by Oxford university’s departments for outreach in the local communities. A free interactive learning experience with excellent and well-known literature. It’s enjoyable and educational.
- Five in a Row (FIAR): FIAR is a literature-based curriculum that uses award-winning children’s books to teach various subjects, including maths, science, and social studies.
- Ambleside Online: Ambleside Online is a free, online homeschooling curriculum that offers a rigorous and well-rounded education based on the principles of Charlotte Mason.
Homeschooling Organisations and Support
Homeschooling can be a challenging journey, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Here are some organisations and resources that offer support and guidance for homeschooling parents in Oxford:
- Oxford Home Educators (OHE): OHE is a local organisation that provides support, resources, and networking opportunities for homeschooling families in Oxford.
- Homeschooling and Special Needs (HASN): HASN is a UK-wide organisation that offers advice and support for parents homeschooling children with special needs.
- The Home Education Centre (HEC): HEC is a UK-based organisation that provides homeschooling resources, courses, and support for parents and carers.
Tips and Tricks from Experienced Homeschoolers
We spoke to experienced homeschoolers in Oxford to gain insights into their approach to homeschooling. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:
- Create a routine: Establish a daily routine that includes both learning and leisure activities.
- Use flexible scheduling: Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate unexpected events or changes in your child’s learning pace.
- Join a community: Connect with other homeschooling families to share resources, ideas, and support.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a viable and increasingly popular option for families in Oxford. By choosing a well-structured and engaging curriculum, and seeking support from organisations and other homeschooling families, parents can provide their children with a high-quality education that meets their individual needs. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: homeschooling is here to stay.
Resources
- BBC (2022) ‘Number of children being homeschooled in the UK increases by 20% in a year’. Available at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-61241369
- Oxford University (n.d.) ‘Autumn Term Oxford University Literature-based courses’. Available at: www.outreach.ox.ac.uk
- Five in a Row (n.d.) ‘About FIAR’. Available at: www.fiarguy.com/about-fiarguy
- Ambleside Online (n.d.) ‘Welcome to Ambleside Online’. Available at: www.amblesideonline.org
- Oxford Home Educators (n.d.) ‘About OHE’. Available at: www.oxhomeeducators.co.uk/about
Note: The article was checked and sourced with articles from Google page 1.
