What is a Hybrid School

These is some mystery of what is a hybrid school. This is a growing innovation educational model that combines traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. This allows for a more flexible and personalized learning experience for both primary and secondary aged children, catering to their diverse needs and continuing changing lifestyle in today's world.

Whilst hybrid learning has existed since the early 2000s, it was not until the pandemic when schools were forced to move learning remotely that this has more recently began to gain traction with increasing advances in technology and realisation that effective learning does not have to take place within the four walls of a physical school.

In a hybrid school, students attend classes in a physical building normally 1 or 2 days a week where they partake in those subjects and activities which require a physical presence e.g the creative subjects and P.E while engaging in online learning during the remainder of their weekly schedule. This blend of in-person and virtual education can enhance student engagement and accommodate various learning styles and needs, making it easier for educators to personalise learning for each student.

One of the key advantages of hybrid schooling is its ability to leverage technology to facilitate learning. With the integration of AI digital tools and resources, students can access a wealth of information and educational materials beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. This access promotes agency and self-directed learning, encouraging students to take ownership and responsibility for their educational journey. Additionally, hybrid schooling can help bridge the gap for students who may face challenges in a conventional classroom setting, such as those who suffer with anxiety, bullying, neurodivergent or other personal and family circumstances that make full-time attendance at a physical school difficult. It also enables parents to have a greater involvement in their child's learning and affords flexibility in the families' daily schedule.

Hybrid learning also bridges present school challenges with recruiting specialist secondary teachers and delivering those subjects which have limited student demand which would otherwise prove uneconomic in the wake of current budgetary restrictions.

Moreover, hybrid schooling fosters a greater sense of community among students and teachers than can normally be acheived in an online school given their attendence at a physical space every week enabling students to connect with their peers and educators to support learning, to develop essential life skills, to enjoy socialisation with their friends and to attend after school activities.

In summary, hybrid schooling represents a forward-thinking approach to education that acknowledges the evolving landscape of learning. By merging the benefits of in-person instruction with the flexibility of online education, hybrid schooling not only meets the needs of today’s learners but also prepares them for a future where adaptability and technological proficiency are essential.

Mont21hub is the first UK hybrid primary school for children aged 7 to 11. To learn more and to explore further the benefits of this type of education for your son or daughter, visit www.m21hub.org