Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does my young person have to attend?
As many as you wish. There are no rules with this.
Do I have to stay onsite?
You can drop your young person off and they can arrive and go home alone if you give them permission.
What about tests and exams?
The necessity of tests and exams is a common question among parents considering homeschooling. Research indicates that tests and exams were originally created to assess a young person’s knowledge.
However, at Spiritus, we believe that tests or exams are not always necessary to gauge a young person’s learning progress. Instead, we actively monitor progress through ongoing learning activities.
We understand that traditional tests and exams often favour those with strong memorisation skills, potentially disadvantaging others. Young people should not be pressured to memorise subjects that don’t interest them. Instead, we feel the primary purpose of education should be to nurture a young person’s innate knowledge and personal interests.
By creating a portfolio focused on a young person’s interests and developing core skills in Maths and English Language, students can gain the qualifications needed for most college courses. This approach aims to foster excitement and passion for learning rather than burnout.
College, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship – when a young person clearly shows an interest and natural skill in a specific subject, we will do our best to guide them to build a portfolio and learn as much as possible about their subject to take into their working world or higher education.
Some independent schools are now dropping GCSE’s and implementing project work throughout the year because of the impact on young peoples mental wellbeing.
If my young person takes exams, why IGCSE?
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are the exams that teenagers generally take at age 16 and are usually (but not always) followed by A Levels (Advanced Level Exams).
Because GCSEs often have a coursework component, homeschoolers frequently turn to IGCSEs. These are International GCSEs and are 100% exams, with no coursework or practicals. This enables homeschoolers to be examined to the same standards as their schooled counterparts, giving them the same opportunities with regards to the job market and further education.
IGCSEs are also thought to be more academically rigorous, with many independent schools opting for these in preference to GCSEs. State schools are also now being given the freedom to pursue IGCSEs as well as GCSEs. They are internationally recognised qualifications which is helpful if working abroad is a possibility.
As long as you have a Grade 4 and above in Maths & English Language you will get a place on a college course. If you have a lower Grade, you can still enrol on a college course, taking Maths and English Language GCSE/IGCSE alongside your chosen subject. This generally means you will start on a foundation course.
For further advice on Higher Education, contact the college/school your young person wishes to attend and have a chat with them, asking what their requirements would be for young person who has been home schooled.
What is your complaints procedure?
At Spiritus, all complaints are taken seriously and followed up thoroughly to ensure we provide the best service possible.
The set procedure is to be followed to address each case and find an appropriate outcome to resolve the issue and work towards making sure the issue does not arise again.
How to make your complaint
Complaints can be made in various ways. We ask you to action your complaint by:
- A written letter handed to Jacqui O’Connell.
- Send an email to the following email address: jacqui@spiritus.org.uk
- Call Jacqui O’Connell to raise your issues on the following number: 07971 690678
Please provide as much detail as you can to help us identify your complaint. The following are a few details which will help:
- Say what the problem is.
- Say what outcome you are looking for.
- Provide information on any relevant communication on the subject.
Address a complaint to the person responsible, with the name of the young person in question, if you have their name.
What we do next
We will reply in writing or by telephone within 7 days of receiving the complaint. We will give you a reply telling you what is being done to deal with your complaint. All complaints are taken seriously and fully investigated with the individual/s involved. You will be fully informed on how we have dealt with the complaint.
Download Complaints Procedure Policy
Please click here to access our complaints procedure form