What do we mean by homeschooling?
In the UK, it is mandatory for children to receive education, but parents can choose to home-school their child instead of sending them to a formal school. The terms “home-schooling,” “home educating,” and “elective home education” are used interchangeably by the government, but some home educators distinguish between “home-schooling” as a temporary measure, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and “elective home education” as a more long-term choice. During the pandemic, many parents home-schooled their children, but this was not typical of the education received by home-educated children, who usually participate in activities outside the home. Statistics indicate that 90% of parents home-schooled their children at the start of 2021, and 50% reported negative effects on their well-being as a result (Woffindin, 2022).
The responsibility of homeschooling
Unlike traditional schooling, the parents of homeschooled children bear the sole responsibility for their child’s education. As a result, they are accountable for both the curriculum and the teaching methods used to impart knowledge. In addition to sourcing their own educational materials, many homeschooling parents opt to hire tutors or use online resources, which have become increasingly available since 2020. However, it’s crucial to note that homeschooling parents are subject to monitoring by local authorities to ensure their child is receiving a sufficient education. Failure to meet educational standards may result in an Education Supervision Order or a School Attendance Order being issued to parents or carers (Woffindin, 2022).
Advantages of homeschooling
・Effective, individualized learning
Homeschooling provides a significant advantage as it allows you to tailor your child’s education based on their individual interests, abilities, needs, and learning preferences, enabling you to prioritize physical activities, delve deeper into their areas of interest, or grant them a break if they are ill. Personalized education leads to higher levels of engagement in children, and it helps them discover their strengths and develop as individuals.
・Achievement without stress
Despite the necessity of following the curriculum for homeschoolers who plan to take GCSE or A-Level exams, there is no compulsion to solely focus on test preparation. Homeschooled children are not subjected to constant mock tests and evaluations, giving them the freedom to pursue subjects they are interested in in addition to the mandatory curriculum. This approach could result in reduced stress levels and lower chances of experiencing burnout.
・Flexibility for your whole family
Homeschooling offers the flexibility to learn from any location and at any time, enabling families to relocate frequently, especially those in the Armed Forces or those with a passion for traveling. Homeschooling schedules can easily be adjusted to accommodate work shifts, appointments, and holidays outside peak seasons. Additionally, if a family member falls ill, homeschooling provides the opportunity to spend more quality time together (Sword, 2020).
Disadvantages of homeschooling
・Socialization difficulties
The perceived major drawback of homeschooling often revolves around concerns regarding a child’s social development. Homeschooled children miss out on the everyday social interaction that comes with attending traditional schools. The absence of daily interaction with classmates may make it challenging for a homeschooled child to form lasting friendships, and the limited exposure to larger groups of people hinders their ability to hone social skills with a diverse range of individuals.
・Miss out on big milestone events
Many adults who attended traditional schools can reminisce about the momentous occasions during their school years, including graduation ceremonies, school dances, and other notable events that create lasting memories. Unfortunately, homeschooled students do not have the opportunity to participate in these large-scale celebrations that are typically filled with happiness and enthusiasm, which can cause them to feel excluded and left out.
・It can be expensive.
Homeschooling parents bear the financial responsibility of their child’s education, which can encompass various expenses such as purchasing school books, computers, and educational outings. Furthermore, if a parent chooses to leave their job to homeschool their child, the resulting loss of income can be a significant financial burden. Additional expenses may include increased grocery bills and out-of-pocket costs for pre-university exams, which can add up over time (Butler, 2022).
Conclusion
According to a recent study conducted by the National Home Education Research Institute, a staggering 78% of peer-reviewed studies on academic achievement indicate that homeschooled students outperform those attending institutional schools by a statistically significant margin. Therefore, opting for homeschooling can be an optimal decision to maximize a child’s academic potential (Horn, 2022).
To have a successful homeschooling career, parents should think carefully. Homeschooling has pros and cons; it affects children’s lives.
Reference
Butler, A. (2022). 4 Disadvantages of Homeschooling | GoStudent. [online] insights.gostudent.org. Available at: https://insights.gostudent.org/en/4-disadvantages-of-homeschooling [Accessed 17 April 2023]
Horn, E.V. (2022). Student Opinion: Homeschooling may be the fastest-growing educational trend. [online] The Liberty Champion. Available at: https://www.liberty.edu/champion/2022/10/student-opinion-homeschooling-may-be-the-fastest-growing-educational-trend/#:~:text=A%20recent%20study%20from%20the [Accessed 17 April 2023]
Sword, R. (2020). The Homeschooling Debate | Is it Right for My Child? [online] The Hub | High Speed Training. Available at: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/the-homeschooling-debate/ [Accessed 17 April 2023]
Woffindin, L. (2022). Is Home-schooling good or bad? [online] CPD Online College. Available at: https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/is-homeschooling-good-bad/ [Accessed 13 April 2023]
