For athletes at school, the benefits of online high school can be especially significant. 

With the ability to balance their training and competition schedule with their schoolwork, online high school provides a unique opportunity for learner-athletes to excel both academically and athletically. 

Whether you're a learner-athlete just starting high school or close to graduating but looking to take your game to the next level, online high school may be the perfect fit for you. Here’s why.

TL;DR

1. You can create your own schedule
2. You won’t need to miss school days
3. You can learn from anywhere in the world
4. You will broaden your horizons
5. You will practise important life skills

1. You can create your own schedule 

At UCT Online High School, our curriculum has been designed using our principle of "structured flexibility". This means that you’ll be given an overall structure to work within, such as a weekly focus and set assignments, but can pursue your studies in your own time. 

This gives you the ability to plan school work around your training and competition commitments, without having to worry about missing school or falling behind in your studies. 

It also means you can save time by working through sections of work that you already understand well, and focus your efforts on the pieces where you need more support. 

2. You won’t need to miss school days 

Many learner-athletes have to miss a lot of school days at brick-and-mortar schools because of training and travelling for competitions – sometimes even internationally. This can put you at a disadvantage academically.

With online high school, you are able to stay on top of your studies while training and travelling.

Learners at UCT Online High School are also supported by dedicated Support Coaches, who offer a safe space to discuss and work through any difficulties you may be experiencing. 

‍

‍“Thanks to a bunch of really awesome people including my Support Coach at UCT Online High School, I have been able to train, race, and travel while keeping up with my school work,” says Amber Hindmarch, Grade 11 learner and road and track cyclist.

‍Take a look at how Amber was able to achieve more in cycling with UCT Online High School.

‍

3. You can learn from anywhere in the world 

With online high school, you can attend classes and access your educational resources from anywhere – so long as you have an internet connection. 

This flexibility means that you can continue to learn and grow in a familiar online environment, even if you move to a new city or country.* 

This is especially beneficial if you need to relocate for training or competitions (as well as for families who frequently travel or live abroad). 

‍*Make sure you know which exams you’ll write in person as you’ll need to travel back to South Africa.

4. You will broaden your horizons

The ability to attend school from anywhere gives you the opportunity to experience different cultures and languages, especially for learner-athletes who’re travelling and competing on a global stage.  

This is a major benefit for any learner wanting to broaden their perspective and prepare for a globalised world. 

‍

‍“What I like most about UCT Online High School is the flexibility I have to plan my day around my activities,” says Kirsty Goodall, Grade 11 learner and figure skater.

‍Take a look at how Kirsty was able to achieve more in gymnastics with UCT Online High School.

‍

5. You will practise important life skills

Learning online helps you to develop skills you’ll need for success in both your future studies and your career. As an online learner you can practise things like time management and self-discipline because you’re able to manage your own schedule.

Find out more about the benefits of online high school

If you want to learn more about the experiences of our amazing learner-athletes, our Learner Spotlight series shines a light on their incredible accomplishments, highlighting how they’re taking their passions to the next level. 

If you’re interested in becoming a learner at UCT Online High School, you can contact us or submit your online application today.