FAQ

Teachers and Teaching Methodology

What qualifications do the teachers have?

Every educator at Minerva’s Virtual Academy brings credentials from leading British schools, with many holding advanced degrees and serving as examiners. What unites them beyond qualifications is their dedication to online education and ability to unlock each student’s potential through personalized approaches.

How does a teacher differ from a mentor?

While teachers focus on delivering academic content and building subject knowledge, mentors provide individualized guidance that supports personal development. This dual structure ensures students receive both rigorous instruction and the emotional support they need to thrive throughout their educational journey.

How does the combination of online lessons and independent learning work?

Minerva’s Virtual Academy employs a flipped classroom model where students first engage with material on the Canvas platform at their own pace—watching videos and completing assignments—before attending live online sessions. These sessions deepen understanding through discussion and practical application, after which students return to the platform to consolidate their learning before moving forward.

How does Minerva’s Virtual Academy develop student abilities?

The curriculum adapts to each student’s capabilities, offering enrichment tasks on the platform that extend beyond core requirements. Personal mentors help set ambitious goals—whether achieving top marks, pursuing advanced study, or accelerating through material—and provide ongoing support to reach them.

Flexibility and Support for Athletes

How do athletes manage their studies?

Through the flipped learning model combined with personal mentorship, young athletes gain control over their schedules. This approach prioritizes independent work, allowing them to balance training demands with academic commitments without sacrificing performance in either arena.

Is the program suitable for professional athletes?

Elite athletes benefit from schedules designed around their sporting obligations. This flexibility enables them to maintain intensive training regimens while pursuing a complete British education, ensuring neither pursuit compromises the other.

Can students start mid-year?

Multiple entry points throughout each term accommodate families with non-traditional schedules. This flexibility reflects Minerva’s Virtual Academy’s commitment to making quality education accessible when circumstances demand it.

What does a typical school day look like?

Each student follows a personalized schedule that weaves together group lessons, independent study, mentor check-ins, and enrichment activities. While the week includes several scheduled classes, students maintain flexibility in arranging their independent work—most begin mornings with two or three live sessions, then complete assignments with mentor support throughout the day.

Is there support for English language learners?

A dedicated EAL team works with students developing their English proficiency, while the curriculum itself builds fluency and confidence. Support ranges from one-on-one sessions to small group work, ensuring language development happens alongside academic progress.

Wellbeing Support at Minerva’s Virtual Academy

How is wellbeing support organized?

Each student works with a personal mentor who conducts weekly check-ins and monitors both academic progress and overall wellbeing. Trained to recognize when additional support becomes necessary, mentors send families bi-weekly reports detailing not just achievement but also the student’s emotional state and engagement.

Who comprises the mental health team?

The team brings together professionals with diverse backgrounds in mental health, wellbeing, and education. Each member offers specialized expertise that supports students, families, and staff members throughout the community.

How does Minerva’s Virtual Academy ensure child safety?

A dedicated safeguarding team oversees child protection, with all staff receiving regular training. Everyone knows how to identify signs of harm, report concerns appropriately, and support any child facing or having experienced danger.

Practical Questions

Is British citizenship required for enrollment?

No citizenship requirements exist for taking GCSE exams online at Minerva’s Virtual Academy. Students of any nationality from any country can enroll—the only prerequisites are reliable internet access and the motivation to learn.

Are school trips mandatory?

Trips remain optional, though some students find them valuable for enriching their educational experience. Families always retain the decision about participation based on their circumstances and preferences.

Who handles the home learning environment?

Families organize their home learning space independently, which includes securing necessary equipment, obtaining supplementary materials, and arranging any additional support their student might require.