Customer Story: British International School Al Khobar

• Significant Improvement in Student Performance: BISAK saw a notable increase in student achievement, particularly in attaining high grades, after implementing GCSEPod.
• Data-Driven Approach: Doubling their GCSEPod usage coincided with a rise in student achievement, highlighting the platform's effectiveness.
• Targeted Interventions: GCSEPod proved valuable for underperforming students, providing them with supplemental work and personalized learning paths.
• Evolution of a Learning Platform: Originally a revision tool, GCSEPod has grown into a comprehensive edtech platform with features like assessments, practice materials, and progress tracking.
• Remote Learning Option: GCSEPod's accessibility and versatility were crucial during remote learning, allowing for lesson planning, homework assignments, and assessments.
• Empowering Teachers and Students: GCSEPod offers a range of features that benefit both educators and learners. Teachers gain a user-friendly platform for managing instruction, while students have access to high-quality content, self-directed learning tools, and engaging delivery methods.
• Long-Term Implementation: BISAK recognises GCSEPod's value and plans to continue using the platform as an integral part of their educational strategy.

Significant Student Engagement Drives Achievement

Nearly 13,000 Pods across 23 subjects were watched by BISAK’s Year 9-11 students, representing a substantial increase from a previous academic year. Working in tandem with BISAK's exemplary teaching and the dedication of its students, GCSEPod played a major role in helping the school achieve a significant improvement in student performance on recent exams. Lee says:

We saw a notable rise in the number of students achieving high grades. It's difficult to attribute all the success solely to GCSEPod, but when I reviewed the viewing history of a top-performing student, it was clear the platform played a valuable role.

I know firsthand, both as a teacher and as deputy head, that we witnessed a substantial increase in student achievement. This improvement was particularly evident in attaining the highest grades.

Data-Driven Approach and Targeted Interventions Yield Results

Various strategies contributed to our academic success last year. However, I'm a strong believer in the power of data. In our case, the data showed a clear correlation: doubling our GCSEPod usage coincided with a rise in student achievement.

For students needing additional support, GCSEPod became an integral part of our intervention program. Throughout the year, we offered targeted interventions to underperforming students in Year 11, and GCSEPod was a key component. We closely monitored their platform usage and assigned them relevant supplemental work based on their activity. Additionally, the introduction of GCSEPod assessments and pre-made exam materials proved to be a valuable resource for our students.

It’s weird here. A lot of our students love exams and want to know their results and be able to quantify how they did, so something like GCSEPod where they can monitor their own learning and results, especially for those students who are either underperforming or doing exceptionally well, is of massive benefit to both us and them.

BISAK has been using GCSEPod for seven years, and Lee Marsh, a longtime advocate since his own experience with the platform in England, has witnessed its remarkable transformation. Originally conceived as a revision tool, GCSEPod has matured into a comprehensive edtech platform encompassing a vast array of subjects.

Lee highlights the platform's continuous development, including features like pre-made assignments, a unique assessment system, practice workbooks, and personalised learning paths. These features address knowledge gaps and make learning accessible, concise, and readily available. Lee explains: 

The past year presented challenges with remote learning. However, GCSEPod proved invaluable. It became a multi-functional tool for lesson planning, homework assignments, and even assessments. The detailed reporting function allowed us to monitor both teacher and student performance and identify areas for improvement.

BISAK strategically implemented GCSEPod across different year groups. Year 9 students were introduced to key GCSE topics, while Year 10 utilised the platform for homework, revision, and internal assessments.

Lee emphasises the platform's user-friendliness and its impact. He says:

GCSEPod's positive impact is reflected in our statistics. The platform's league table added a touch of friendly competition, which ultimately boosted usage and reinforced GCSEPod's value as a learning tool.

Empowering Teachers and Students: A Multifaceted Resource

Unquestionably, GCSEPod has been a game-changer! The platform's accessibility – available anywhere, anytime, on any device – proved particularly valuable during remote learning.

Beyond accessibility, Lee highlights several key features that make GCSEPod an indispensable asset for BISAK.

• Comprehensive Content Library: "The ever-expanding range of high-quality content across various subjects is invaluable for teachers," Lee explains.
• Seamless Integration: "The platform's efficient connection to exam boards saves teachers time and ensures they have access to relevant materials."
• Streamlined Workflow: "Creating assignments, assigning resources, and monitoring student progress is incredibly easy with GCSEPod's integrated management system."
• Actionable Insights: "Detailed reports empower department heads and school leaders to track student and team performance, facilitating informed decisions."
• Promoting Independent Learning: "Students can revisit specific topics, review materials, and practice independently, fostering self-directed learning."
• Engaging Delivery: "The concise and engaging video lessons cater to different learning styles, eliminating the need for note-taking for some students."

GCSEPod empowers both teachers and students. It equips teachers with the tools they need to effectively manage instruction and provides students with a user-friendly platform to take ownership of their learning.

A Foundation for Continued Success

Looking ahead, Lee remains committed to promoting GCSEPod. While acknowledging that replicating the record number of Pod views from the previous year might be a challenge, he emphasises the platform's enduring value:

GCSEPod has become an integral part of BISAK. We recognise its immense contribution and its place in our school's long-term strategy.

If you'd like to see the impact that GCSEPod can make for your school, then schedule your live demo.