Questions about joining an online school?
Everything you need to know...
Subjects & Academics.
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What GCSE subjects do you teach?
There are SIX core subjects for Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils at Minerva's Virtual Academy. They are Maths, English Literature, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Pupils can also take up to three additional GCSEs, choosing from Business Studies. Geography, History, Computer Science, Psychology, French and Spanish (if you wish to study these languages in Y10 you must have studied them previously). Please note these options may not be available for all year groups.
What exam board do you follow?
We follow the iGCSE exam board, set by Cambridge Assessment and Pearson Edexcel. iGCSEs are becoming one of the most popular exam boards in the UK. You do not have to be a British National, nor reside in the UK, to achieve these qualifications.
Is it possible to study subjects that aren’t on the list?
Absolutely. If you would like to take additional GCSEs or A Levels, we can arrange 1-to-1 private tuition through our sister company Minerva Tutors, and you will be able to work towards these exams outside of Academy hours. We currently have pupils studying for GCSE Mandarin, and A Level French (in this case the pupil is already more advanced than iGCSE French). Private tuition can also be arranged for any pupils who need extra attention and help for subjects they find challenging.
What A Level subjects do you teach?
Our A Level programme will begin in September 2022. Please email admissions@minervavirtual.com and we will be happy to give you all the details.
How are the subjects taught?
The subjects are taught through a mixture of live group lessons with other pupils and a teacher, and self-learning through our Virtual Learning Platform. Pupils work through most of the material on their own, but are also supported by a personal mentor, who ensures they stay on track and remain motivated.
What about exams?
Pupils of the Academy sit official exams and receive official results just like at "normal" school. The difference is they will need to be registered as a "private candidate", usually through the pupil's local council, and will be visiting a local exam centre to sit them when the time comes. We help organise this, but it's worth noting entering that each exam also comes with a separate entrance fee.
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Emma G, Parent, Nov 2020
'My daughter was struggling at a mainstream school during years 9/10 school. But I noticed during the lockdown period last year she was less stressed, less anxious, and she always had a love for learning which I had not seen before. She was predicted 7 and 8s, but something was preventing her from thriving in the mainstream.
Towards the end of lockdown last year, there came a point when my daughter was developing bad anxiety and started becoming anxious about returning to school. It was from this point that I thought about online schooling. I found Minerva online and was extremely impressed by the website, the tutors and the Principal’s communication. It was everything that I thought would work for my daughter.
The course input on the core gcse are exactly the same, having had my daughter leave one term in on her gcse this was very daunting as a parent.
The communication is outstanding between parents and the senior team. The range of gcse is also important too, and most importantly the teaching is excellent.
A bonus is the assemblies and the well-being sessions. No other online schools offer this. A critical part that is offered right now to all children. A bonus!'