Live Virtual Classroom Lessons: How do they work?

In the evolving world of education, more families are discovering that high-quality schooling doesn't have to be confined within physical walls. For children aged 5 to 18, live online classrooms can deliver a full, interactive, and engaging education.

Here's how live classes work in practice, and what it means for your child's learning journey.

The Core Philosophy: Synchronous, Flexible, and Personalised

One of the foundations of our online school is the value that students benefit most when they engage in live, synchronous lessons, but within a framework that preserves flexibility and personalisation. Here at Cambridge Online School & College International, we offer:

• Live classes taught by qualified and experienced teachers, scheduled at UK times

• Small class sizes comprising 10 or fewer pupils per group to ensure more personalised attention.

• An easy-to-navigate online platform that provides a hub for classes, lesson recording access, homework, class resources, and access to the help desk/direct teacher support.

• Options for part-time or full-time enrolment, and the ability to attend classes live or on demand.

What a Typical Online Class Day Looks Like

The layout of the live lesson will depend on the subject and teacher, but below are some consistencies which will be present across classes.

1. Scheduled Live Lessons

Students and teachers log in at designated times, using the online platform. The class proceeds much like in a physical classroom:

• The teacher delivers instruction via video, screen sharing, and interactive tools.

• Students listen, ask questions, and sometimes respond live via mic or chat.

• The teacher may use digital whiteboards, polls, break-out rooms, annotated slides, or shared documents.

• Camera and microphone use are optional (to reduce pressure), but are encouraged for those who are able to.

Because our class sizes are kept small, the teacher can monitor individual participation, check understanding, and respond to questions more easily, creating a more tailored lesson structure that focuses on individual support.

2. Interactive Tools and Engagement

To keep students engaged and active, teachers often incorporate:

• Breakout rooms for small-group discussions or peer work.

• Live quizzes or polls for instant feedback.

• Annotation tools or shared documents so the students and teacher can write, draw, or edit together.

• Chat, "raise hand", and audio cues so students can ask questions without interrupting.

This interactivity is crucial, especially for younger learners, to maintain attention and allow formative assessment during class.

3. Homework, Assignments, and Self-Study

After the live session, students will usually be set regular follow-up work to build their understanding:

• Exercises or worksheets to reinforce the lesson.

• Reading, problem sets, or project tasks.

• Opportunities for asynchronous discussion or reflection.

• Catch up on recorded lessons for students who missed the class or need to review.

The learning platform functions as a repository for course materials, past lessons, notices, and assessments, making it a centralised "home base".

4. Feedback, Support, and Tailored Learning

Because classes are small, teachers can provide more personalised feedback and support:

• Individual feedback and grades on assignments.

• Extra help and support if needed.

• Opportunities for students to ask questions outside of classes if they need further support.

• Monitoring of in-class and outside of class progress, enabling early intervention if a student is struggling with any of the course material.

Our online school also emphasises support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), adapting learning where required to ensure every child can enjoy learning.

Age-Specific Considerations: From Primary to Sixth Form

Primary School (Ages 5 to 10)

• Younger students need more structure, shorter segments, and more variety.

• Lessons are tailored to be fun, interactive, and engaging so children can look forward to learning and get the most out of their studies.

• Live classes tend to be shorter than secondary and sixth form, with most classes being 30 minutes at a time instead of an hour. This helps with keeping children focused and splits up their day into shorter segments.

Secondary School (Ages 11 to 16/KS3 and IGCSE)

• Students develop their independent study skills through guided practice and discussion, preparing them for further study.

• Greater use of subject-specific tools such as IXL for English and maths.

• Assignments reflect exam practice, and formative assessment becomes more frequent. This is especially present for those studying their IGCSE years (ages 14 to 16).

Sixth Form/A-Level (Ages 16 to 18)

• Classes are more focused and advanced, often with deeper discussion, research tasks, and critical thinking.

• Students will be supported with their exam preparation, using mock assessments, past papers, and exam-style questions.

Our online school enables students to progress seamlessly from primary through sixth form, using curricula aligned with UK and Cambridge/Edexcel standards.

Tips for Parents and Students to Make the Most of Online School

1. Set up a comfortable, distraction-free workspace with good lighting, reliable tech, and minimal noise.

2. Stick to a routine with consistent times for logging in, breaks, and studying to consolidate momentum.

3. Encourage active participation by prompting your child to ask questions, use chat, and join breakout rooms.

4. Review recorded lessons and use these to reinforce learning or catch up.

5. Communicate regularly with teachers, whether in class or for additional support outside of lessons.

6. Encouraging social interaction, if possible, through extracurricular clubs and in-class discussions.

7. Monitor screen time and wellbeing to ensure students take breaks and time to rest.

How Are Live Classes Accessed?

Upon enrolling into our online school, you will receive a welcome pack containing all of your logins, including one for our state-of-the-art online learning platform. Within this platform, you can find your lesson schedule/timetable for all of your classes. On the scheduled date and time of your virtual lesson, you will select the subject and join the live classroom. We also have a welcome meeting recording that provides insights into how the platform is used and its features, which we recommend watching beforehand. Our online classes are kept small, with each having 10 or fewer students present. This provides students with a more personalised learning experience. We believe this allows students to excel in their education, as with fewer students, they have more opportunities to ask questions, in turn helping them progress in their subjects.

What You Need & Lesson Schedules

In order to access the online live lessons, you need a device with an internet connection. Whether you use a laptop or tablet, you will be able to access your virtual classes, although for the easiest way to participate, we recommend a laptop. You will also usually require a pencil/pen, paper, and additional equipment such as a calculator for maths, or art supplies for creative subjects. Lessons are scheduled at set weekly times based around the UK time zone, and students can catch up on any classes they miss via recordings at any time. This provides flexibility around students' other commitments.

Contact Us

If you would like to get in touch about our online live lessons, or you have an enquiry, please contact us via our email, or use the contact form or chat box on our website.

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