Exceptional Learning. Wherever Our Students Are.
Online learning at Horizon International School is designed to ensure continuity of education when students are unable to attend school in person. Our approach maintains the highest standards of teaching and learning, while preserving the routines, relationships and sense of community that define a Horizon education.
We remain committed to ensuring that every student continues to feel supported, engaged and able to make meaningful academic progress, with wellbeing at the heart of the experience.
Mr Stephen Quinn
Principal, Horizon International School
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Key Adaptations to Online Learning
As we return to in-person learning, we remain clear that the quality of our online provision will not be compromised. We have therefore made a number of deliberate adaptations to ensure that students who continue to learn remotely experience the same continuity, structure and high standards expected of a Horizon education.
- A dedicated online timetable - Students will follow a purpose-built timetable designed specifically for online learning. While closely aligned to the in-person curriculum, lessons are structured to maximise focus, clarity and engagement, and are delivered by dedicated online teachers.
- Dedicated teaching staff - We have mobilised and carefully deployed staff to support this model, ensuring that online learners are taught by teachers assigned specifically to this provision. This allows for a consistent, high-quality experience without compromise to either cohort.
- Continuity and familiarity - Wherever possible, students will continue to engage with familiar staff and maintain a strong connection to the school community, ensuring a sense of stability and belonging.
- Adapted timings for a global context - Recognising that many of our online learners are based overseas, we have introduced greater flexibility in the timing of lessons. This ensures improved accessibility and a more responsive approach to different time zones.
- Strengthened connection and engagement - We are committed to ensuring that all students remain connected to the life of the school. Online learners will have regular opportunities to interact with teachers and peers, alongside continued pastoral support, helping to maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.
Following a student or family request to remain on the online learning programme, the school will provide all relevant information directly, including timetables and logistical arrangements. This will be shared by the appropriate senior leader or school contact.
Our Approach to Online Learning
Online learning is designed to maintain continuity of learning, relationships and routine, while adapting effectively to the home environment. Our approach ensures that academic quality remains central, relationships with teachers stay strong, independence develops over time, and wellbeing is prioritised.
Families can expect a structured and balanced experience:
- Structured routines - Learning follows the school timetable, where possible
- Clear guidance - Weekly overviews outline expectations and key learning
- Balanced learning - A blend of live lessons, recorded input and independent tasks
- Regular interaction - Ongoing teacher support, feedback and check-ins
- Wellbeing focus - Time for offline learning, movement and reduced screen fatigue
The Cognita Holistic Education Approach
Our online learning is shaped by Cognita’s global expertise, drawing on experience from more than 90 schools across 21 countries. It is designed to deliver a balanced education where academic challenge sits alongside wellbeing, personal growth and a strong sense of community.
This holistic approach brings together a broad and rich curriculum with digital learning, student voice and opportunities to develop future skills. Through a blend of live teaching, independent learning and targeted support, students build confidence, stay engaged and continue to make meaningful progress beyond the classroom.
Continuity. Quality. Confidence.
“Our online learning approach, developed across Cognita schools, ensures students benefit from strong routines, high-quality teaching and meaningful connection with their teachers. By combining a research-informed model with flexibility for different age groups, we maintain continuity and excellence.”
Ian Wallace
Director of Education, Cognita Middle East
A Typical Online Lesson
Online lessons follow a clear and consistent structure, reflecting effective classroom practice while adapting to learning from home.
Each lesson balances teacher explanation, independent thinking and interaction. It typically begins with the teacher introducing the learning and modelling the task (Explain), followed by students applying their understanding independently or in small groups (Try). Teachers then check understanding, provide feedback and offer support where needed (Support), before concluding with a review of key learning and next steps (Reflect).
During lessons, students may listen to explanations, work independently, collaborate with classmates and receive feedback. Time is also built in for thinking, writing and practical activity, helping to maintain engagement while reducing screen fatigue.
Types of Online Learning
Online learning is delivered through a blend of five key approaches, each designed to support engagement, progress and flexibility, as outlined below.
These sessions are delivered in real time via MS Teams and follow the student's usual timetable. Teachers provide direct instruction, clear explanations, modelling, and questioning to check understanding. Lessons include a range of activities such as tasks, practice questions, and projectbased work.
Learning that does not take place in realtime. Students complete tasks, watch recorded lessons, or engage with resources at a time that suits them, within a set timeframe provided by the teacher.
Students review materials such as short videos, readings, or explanations before a live lesson. This allows lesson time to focus on discussion, application, and deeper learning.
Teacher-directed tasks that students complete independently outside of live lessons. These may include written work, reading, practice questions, or project-based activities aligned with the curriculum.
A collection of recorded explanations, lesson resources, and supporting materials available on the learning platform. Students can access and revisit these at any time to reinforce understanding or catch up on missed learning.
Online learning is adapted to each stage of the school, ensuring students experience the right balance of structure, support and independence.
Early Years
A balance of short live check-ins, practical activities and independent tasks, with a strong emphasis on creative, offline learning to avoid extended screen time.
Primary School
A blend of live lessons and independent work, guided through core subject teaching, recorded explanations and structured tasks and projects.
Secondary School
A structured timetable aligned to the school day, combining live lessons, independent work within lessons and regular subject guidance and feedback.
Examination Cohorts
A predominantly live timetable with direct subject instruction, supported by focused exam preparation and revision guidance.
Technology Requirements
Students will need access to suitable technology in order to participate in online learning.
This includes a device with reliable internet access and the ability to access the school’s learning platforms.
Guidance is available to help ensure students can access lessons, resources and assignments without difficulty.
| Year Group | Platform |
|---|---|
| FS to Year 2 | Seesaw |
| Years 3 - 6 | Seesaw / Microsoft Teams |
| Years 7 - 13 | Microsoft Teams / other subject specific platforms |
Attendance & Engagement Expectations
Students are expected to approach online learning with the same commitment, focus and respect as they would in the classroom, following clear expectations for attendance, participation and conduct throughout the school day.
- Join lessons on time and ready to learn.
- Engage actively and listen carefully.
- Use microphones and chat appropriately.
- Keep cameras on where possible.
- Work purposefully during task time.
- Ask for help when needed.
- Submit work on time.
- Follow digital safety and behaviour expectations.
Supporting Learning and Wellbeing
A supportive home environment plays an important role in helping students remain focused, organised and confident during online learning.
Supporting your child at home
Simple routines and a structured environment help students stay organised and ready to learn.
- Maintain a consistent daily routine.
- Provide a quiet learning space.
- Encourage organisation and independence.
- Balance online and offline activities.
Wellbeing and student support
Maintaining wellbeing is essential to ensure students remain motivated, connected and confident.
- Encourage regular breaks and movement.
- Promote appropriate participation.
- Follow digital safety expectations.
- Contact the school if needed.
Parent FAQs
We understand that parents may have questions about how online learning will work and what to expect on a day-to-day basis.
These FAQs address common queries around timetables, lesson access, attendance, communication and technical support, providing clear guidance to help families feel informed, confident and well prepared.
Please expand the section below to view the full range of questions and answers.
Online learning is designed to maintain continuity of learning, routines and relationships, using a structured and balanced approach adapted for learning from home.
Students in different time zones should attend live lessons as frequently as possible. All lessons will be recorded and available in the Learning Library for any student unable to attend or if they would like to revisit the lesson at a future date.
Yes. Learning will follow the school timetable as closely as possible to provide structure and consistency.
Students will follow a structured day that includes live lessons, independent learning, breaks and regular check-ins.
Students will engage in live lessons, independent tasks, flipped learning, recorded resources and tutorial or mentoring support.
Teachers monitor progress through submitted work, assessments, lesson participation and ongoing feedback.
Lessons follow a clear structure: teacher explanation, independent or group work, teacher support and reflection.
No. Lessons include time for independent work, thinking and practical activities to reduce screen time.
No. Learning is adapted by age, with younger students focusing more on practical activities and older students having more live teaching.
A predominantly live timetable with direct teaching, exam practice and preparation.
A largely live timetable supported by independent study, specialist guidance and academic mentoring.
Progress is monitored through submitted work, assessments, lesson participation and teacher feedback.
Attendance is based on participation in live lessons, engagement in tasks and completion of work.
Students are expected to attend lessons on time, participate respectfully, complete work and follow school behaviour expectations.
The school follows a staged process, starting with teacher contact and progressing to pastoral and leadership support if needed.
You can support your child by maintaining routines, providing a suitable workspace and encouraging organisation and independence.
No. Teachers lead learning. Parents support structure, routines and positive learning habits.
You should contact your child’s teacher, tutor or pastoral leader so appropriate support can be provided.
Teachers may pause the lesson and direct students to continue independent work until it is appropriate to resume.
Students should be appropriately dressed, work from a suitable space and engage positively during lessons.