More Flexible than Distant

Distance education still evokes images of kids on a remote farm navigating their education online but the number of people who are unable to attend school physically has grown and for a raft of situations and scenarios.

Distance education serves a diverse group of students: elite athletes training at national or international levels who need an adaptable schedule, students with medical conditions who require learning from home and of course rural and remote families who don’t have access to a local school.

The cohort of people that accesses distance education also includes home-schooled students looking for structured support while maintaining family involvement in their education and young entrepreneurs and creatives balancing their studies with business or artistic pursuits.

ACCVO principal Caleb Peterson says his school removes geographical and logistical barriers, allowing them to receive a full education without sacrificing their other commitments.

ACCVO blends live teaching sessions, structured independent study, and personalised support. Students engage in a combination of live online lessons with teachers (scheduled throughout the week) and independent study with teacher recorded explicit teaching and set learning objectives, tasks and assessment.

Students make regular check-ins with teachers to discuss progress, set goals, and access academic and pastoral support sessions each morning.

“This structure ensures students remain connected while still having the flexibility to learn at their own pace,” he says.

The school encourages a sense of community and intentionally encourages the soft skills that come with a face-to-face format.

“Community is at the heart of ACCVO. We foster connection through live classes and group discussions that encourage collaboration and active participation, Participation in Connect Clubs - Chess, Robotics, Coding, Lego, Band, Art, Photography and the list goes on.”

Faith-based lessons, Chapel services and online assemblies and dedicated pastoral care feature in school life.

“Our teachers are intentional about getting to know each student. Through class sizes, personal feedback, and regular video chats, they build strong relationships that go beyond academics.”

As with any school, student motivation and engagement are key focus areas. The difference with ACCVO is that they've built a model that helps students stay accountable without feeling isolated.

The school offers a clear structure: students follow a guided learning path with regular milestones and check-ins.

Parents are active partners in their child’s education, keeping communication strong and that starts with a rigorous enrolment process.

“Our teachers use interactive methods to keep students involved and excited about learning - for example we send each student a package of Science equipment to enable participation in practical experiments, live with their peers and teacher or in their own time but with support of their teachers.

“If a student is struggling with motivation, our teachers and education support staff work closely with them to identify barriers and implement strategies for success.
“Ultimately, when students feel seen, supported, and challenged in the right way, they develop self-discipline and a love for learning.”