OneSchool Global: Taking an innovative approach to GCSE teaching and learning across the globe
OneSchool Global challenges traditional pedagogy, encouraging self-directed learning across their 120 campuses. Here we speak to Luke Clark and Bethany Sloan, two digital learning coaches at the Colchester and Lancaster campuses, to find out more about how the software has made a difference to pupils and teaching staff.
How we work
In 25 years, OneSchool Global has grown from a single campus with just two teachers and 60 students, to operating in 20 countries with over 9000 students - taking an innovative approach to teaching and learning.
Unlike traditional schools, learning is not restricted to a time or a place, with campuses equipped with a range of resources and ‘learning zones’ that encourage independent and self-directed study.
Since implementing GCSEPod it’s been instrumental in helping students to access the tools they need to thrive.
The short videos and assessments provide students with the perfect opportunity to personalise their learning experiences, as well as tracking and reviewing their progress over time.
Digital backpacks
Since taking on the role of digital learning coach, we’ve been focused on developing digital backpacks for our students. These involve a range of different tools, enabling students to work not only on their studies but also their critical thinking and vital collaboration skills needed later in life.
More recently we organised a GCSEPod championship, which saw a significant spike in usage among students. Adding this element of competition has also enabled us to reward pupils who might not necessarily be top of the class academically - something that is really important to us at OneSchool Global.
These pupils were then featured in the school newsletter, giving them a real boost in confidence.
Usage reports
The ability to track usage over the course of the academic year has also enabled us to see which subjects students are engaging with.
Between September 2022 and January 2023, the greatest usage appeared for History - with over 10,000 (10,069) total streams and downloads of pods.
Geography and English Literature were also heavily used during this period, with a usage of 4,832 and 4,425 respectively. The ability to also view the most watched pods within each subject, has enabled teachers to identify the topics pupils are engaging with, enabling them to tailor lessons accordingly.
In addition, we can analyse the staff and students utilising the software most frequently, as well as the days and times they are logging in. We found that students were most motivated on Monday and Wednesday with 62% of overall usage taking place in-school.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that usage will increase in the run-up to summer exams and hope to run another championship to ensure enthusiasm remains both amongst staff and pupils.
