Frequently Asked Questions : Online Education by Boston
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Online Education by Boston
Which membership options qualify?
This benefit is available to Reality Plus, Reality Core, Reality Club, as well as members with Wealth Bonus Lifestyle benefits.
What is Online Education by Boston?
Online Education by Boston is an online distance education provider for learners who are studying towards the National Senior Certificate qualification (the NSC) or Cambridge Lower Secondary.
Boston Online Education offers Sanlam Reality members three options to access the benefit:
- Through the supplementary schooling platform
- The replacement schooling platform and,
- The social and emotional learning platform
How can I access the platform?
You can access the platform by logging in here.
Can I track a learner’s progress?
Yes, if you are registered as the child’s parent/guardian, you can.
Do I need data to access the platform?
Data is needed to access training materials and to watch the videos. The amount of data is relative to the amount of content being consumed.
What should I do if I do not receive my registration email?
Call 0860 732 548/9 and select Online Education by Boston
OR
Email sanlamqueries@bostononline.co.za Please quote your Sanlam Reality membership number so that we can keep track of your query.
What is free supplementary schooling?
It is a digital platform that provides South African high school learners with free educational content for Grades 8 to 12 based on the CAPS curriculum. There are video lessons, quizzes and e-books to provide learners with the tools they need to learn.
What is the CAPS curriculum?
CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) is the curriculum developed by the South African government, for the purpose of achieving the National Senior Certificate.
Boston's CAPS is authorised by SACAI (South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute) which is the assessment body that is provisionally accredited with Umalusi (the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education Training) for all South African Grades 10 – 12 distance education.
Does the supplementary schooling platform replace normal schooling?
No, it does not. The free supplementary schooling platform offers you additional resources to assist you with your schooling journey.
What educational tools does the free platform provide?
Online Education by Boston uses video lessons, quizzes and e-books to provide free content for Grades 8 to 12 students on the CAPS curriculum. Learners can also earn badges as they complete lessons and quizzes to encourage them in their progress.
What subjects are offered by Boston Online?
The following subjects are offered by the platform:
What is the replacement schooling platform?
The comprehensive Online Education by Boston package is the complete online schooling solution for a successful pathway to matriculation. Boston Online provides students with timetabled live online classes, video lessons, e-books and diagnostic tools to analyse results.
Does the replacement schooling platform replace normal schooling?
Yes, it can. The complete Online Education by Boston package will provide you with the lessons, tools and exams required in order to complete your online homeschooling.
What is included in the discounted course fees?
Online Education by Boston provides students with timetabled live online classes, video lessons, e-books and diagnostic tools to analyse results.
Who can access the Social and Emotional Learning Benefit (SEL)?
The Social and Emotional Learning Benefit is available to both students and adult members.
Does Online Education by Boston offer the Cambridge curriculum?
Yes, they do. Cambridge qualifications are recognised and valued by universities all around the world, including in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond.
What is the Social and Emotional Learning Benefit (SEL)?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy communities.
Online Education by Boston has developed a holistic programme that is designed to enhance and infuse the following competencies:
a. self-awareness
b. self-management
c. social awareness
d. relationship skills
e. responsible decision-making
This is achieved through an interactive, engaging online course which provides students/learners with the knowledge and theory of the above in the form of videos, e- books, projects, assessments etc. Parallel to the theory, participants are then provided with the opportunity to engage within an eco-system of daily tasks/tools/functionalities that enhance the theory/five competencies listed above. These are tech functionalities which have been designed and tested within Boston to enhance such competencies. Examples:
A. Journals
B. Time-tabling tools
C. Debating and peer groups
D. Gamification
E. Decision making tools
F. Reflection tools
The holistic eco system involves activities, reporting and engagement at multiple different levels.
What happens after I enrol?
After enrolling at Online Education by Boston, students will receive a welcome pack with a contact session timetable, course pace setter and Boston Online email and login details to the online platform. They will have access to their assessment programme and assessment weighting, as well as to the online platform. In addition, students will receive free access to the new Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) educational benefit.
Are the teachers at Online Education by Boston equipped to teach online?
The Online Education by Boston teachers are all SACE-registered and -licensed teachers and experts in their fields of specialisation. With experience and prowess, our teachers not only deliver online education but take full advantage of the benefits and enhanced tools that only exist through online learning.
How do I find out more about what the Cambridge curriculum covers?
You can complete an enquiry form here and a Boston Online learning consultant will contact you with all the relevant information.
Which Cambridge curriculum is available to Sanlam Reality members?
Sanlam Reality qualifying members have access to the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum framework that covers Stages 7 to 9, which relate to the approximate age range 11-14 years. However, if the student starts school later, you can use the stages more flexibly to meet their needs. The Lower Secondary Checkpoint (LSC) course prepares students for successful completion of their Cambridge programme.
What examination body will acknowledge Online Education by Boston?
If you enrol for the replacement schooling platform through Boston Online, the CAPS online learning platform is authorised by SACAI (South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute). SACAI is the assessment body that is provisionally accredited with Umalusi (the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education Training) for all South African Grades 10 – 12 distance education.
Which subjects are offered for the Lower Secondary Checkpoint of the Cambridge curriculum?
Online Education by Boston offers English, Science and Mathematics for the Lower Secondary Checkpoint level.
The aim of the Cambridge LSC is to provide a foundation for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level.
Will the examinations be recognised by Cambridge International?
Yes. The English, Mathematics and Science Cambridge LSC exams are marked in full by Cambridge International. Teachers mark the work and Cambridge moderates the marking.