Year 7 Online Schooling UK | Distance Learning Year 8 UK

Welcome to Middle School Igniting the Spark Curriculum & Subjects Teachers, Mentors & More A Typical Day at MVA Beyond Academics FAQ Admissions

Book Year 7 & 8 Discovery Call

Welcome to MVA Middle School

We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Middle School (Years 7 & 8) in September 2023. MVA's newest and youngest students will benefit from the same award-winning home education as their older peers, but with a distinctive element: a pioneering, bespoke curriculum that has been designed specifically for their age group.
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All that's needed is an internet-connected device, a place to study from, and our team, led by Mark Edwards, former Deputy Head at The Dragon, will guide your family through two years of structured, world-class British home education.

What is "Middle School" at MVA?

Why choose MVA for Year 7 & 8?

Igniting the Spark

Our award-winning teaching approach combines cutting-edge virtual learning technology with the very best teachers and mentors from some of the UK's top schools.

Flipped Learning

Helped by their personal mentor, students study independently on our interactive Virtual Learning Platform (VLP) before heading into class to enrich their learning with our brilliant subject teachers.

The Four Pillars

Beyond lessons, the "Four Pillars" ensure we're always delivering a broad and highly-stimulating education for every child in our care:

Virtual Learning Platform
Live Lessons
Mentoring
Community & School Trips

Curriculum & Subjects

Our Middle School curriculum for Years 7 and 8 is truly one-of-a-kind. Taking advantage of Key Stage 3's flexibility, we've engineered a programme of study that ventures beyond traditional limits. Alongside the foundational curriculum, students will encounter a diverse array of topics like the Mandarin language and the principles of Artificial Intelligence.

We've shaped our Middle School curriculum with two guiding principles:

To equip Year 7 & 8 students for future learning in Year 9 and beyond, into GCSEs and A-Levels.
To foster a forward-looking, progressive mindset that equips them with skills for a rapidly changing world.

Students will explore Inner Core & Outer Core subjects and engage in our innovative “Carousel” system, sampling a variety of subjects without a year-long commitment.

Here are the subjects our Middle School students will be studying:

Inner Core Subjects (total = 4.5 hours live lessons per week)

English (Cambridge Lower Secondary)
Maths (CLS)
Science (CLS)

Outer Core Subjects (total = 3.75 hours live lessons per week):

Global Perspectives (CLS)
History (Independent Schools Examinations Board)
Digital Literacy (CLS)
ONE Language chosen from - French, German, Spanish (ISEB)
PSHE (CLS)

Carousel Subjects (total = 0.75 hours live lessons per week in the Autumn Term):

Art & Design (CLS)
Classical Civilisation (ISEB)
Computing (CLS)
Music (CLS)
Language Taster (offered to all in the Autumn Term): Mandarin

How does the Carousel work?

All students will have 3 weeks each of Art & Design, Classical Civilisation, Computing & Music in the Autumn Term.

They will then be able to add ONE of these subjects to their timetable from the Spring Term onwards as part of their package (i.e. with no additional cost).

If they wish to add more than one subject from the carousel, additional charges will apply.

Teachers & Mentors

Our Middle School students are guided by a dedicated team of teachers who ensure every day is filled with remarkable learning experiences.

They'll also be introduced to their personal mentor, who will guide them on their educational journey.

"We're building a group of young people who can really make a difference..."
‍_{Katy, MVA Mentor}

Meet Our Teachers & Mentors

A Typical Day at MVA

Imagine a school day where you have the freedom to learn, explore, and grow at your own pace, but with the structure and support to ensure you never fall behind. That's exactly what a day at Minerva's Virtual Academy's Middle School looks like.

You'll also have free time to join extracurricular activities like After School Clubs and respond to creative challenges set in our weekly Assemblies. The unique Wellbeing Programme offers an exploration into life skills, relationship-building, and the management of mental and physical health.

This is an example Year 10 Timetable, showing Monday to Wednesday only

As term progresses, you'll encounter the joys of Enrichment Week and School Trips, where your child will be invited to explore new places and cultures and to solidify the friendships they've made online, in person. Each day you'll celebrate achievements, share experiences, and build a sense of belonging and community that will stay with you for years to come.

Beyond Academics

At MVA, our diverse range of extracurricular activities provides opportunities for students to discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the MVA community.

After School Clubs
Student Interest Groups
World Changers
Wellbeing Programme
Drop-In Sessions
After School Tutoring
Guest Speakers
School Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about Middle School. Please get in touch with us if you have more!

What is the structure of the Middle School curriculum?

Our Middle School curriculum is well-structured and balanced. It includes Inner Core, Outer Core, and Carousel subjects, providing a varied and comprehensive education. The curriculum is designed to give students a well-rounded foundation while also offering the flexibility to explore different subjects of interest. This helps students grow academically while also nurturing their curiosity and creativity.

How does MVA's Middle School prepare students for the future?

MVA's Middle School curriculum not only provides a solid foundation for further academic studies but also helps students develop essential life skills. It teaches them to think critically, work collaboratively, and act responsibly. Through our innovative learning approach, students learn to become independent learners and thinkers, which are valuable skills in today's rapidly changing world. Moreover, our focus on forward-thinking subjects like Artificial Intelligence and global perspectives prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Who runs the MVA Middle School?

The MVA Middle School is expertly led by Mark Edwards, who brings years of educational experience from his previous position as Deputy Head at the prestigious Dragon School. Mark works alongside Lawrence Tubb, the Headmaster of Minerva's Virtual Academy, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality educational experience across all levels of the school.

Do I need to be British National to study GCSE online at MVA?

Absolutely not! Minerva's Virtual Academy is a global institution and we welcome students from all nationalities. Our award-winning education is delivered online, allowing students from all over the world to participate. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a commitment to learning.

How hands on do I have to be as a parent?

One of the benefits of MVA is that it encourages independent learning, allowing students to take ownership of their education. However, parental involvement can vary based on the child's age and personal needs. In the Middle School, it is helpful for parents to be somewhat involved - ensuring that students are keeping up with their work, attending their lessons, and addressing any issues or concerns they may have. That said, our dedicated team of teachers and mentors are always available to support students and address any concerns.

What is the "Carousel" system?

The "Carousel" system is unique to our Middle School curriculum. It offers students the chance to sample a variety of subjects without committing to a full year of study. This allows them to explore their interests and talents before deciding which subjects to pursue further in their later years of study.

What if my child needs extra support?

At MVA, we are committed to supporting all of our students' needs. If your child requires additional assistance, whether that's with their academic work or their social and emotional well-being, we have measures in place to help. Each student is assigned a personal mentor who is there to guide them both academically and personally, and we also have dedicated support for students with SEND and SEMH needs. Should your child need one-on-one academic tutoring for any subject, we can arrange this through our sister company, Minerva Tutors.

How do I enrol?

We be delighted to welcome your child to the MVA Middle School! Head to Admissions and book a Discovery Call. If you've already made up your mind then our Year 7 & 8 Enrolment Form should take no more than 20 minutes to complete!

Welcome to Middle School at Minerva's Virtual Academy