ConnEct: Home Learning

Case Studies

Jacob's Experience

Jacob has not attended a mainstream school since 2004 since diagnosed with ME. Derbyshire Hospital and Home Education Services referred him to SVS (now ConnEct) n Year 9 after a lack of success with home tuition due to being isolated in the Derby shire Peak District.

Although clearly ill he managed to gain a B grade in his GCSE English and three other subjects. Jacob then completed A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Computing. His blended learning programme included distance learning online, telephone tutorials and face to face tuition.

The modular style of A levels has proved to be a successful way for Jacob to sit examinations in January and June each year. New Mills School has supported Jacob every year with access to examinations and his local peer group. Retaining social contacts and encouragement from his parents has helped Jacob to become a keen sailor and cyclist. He has also passed his driving test.

Jacob's health is generally poor in winter, making him most productive between March and December. He has worked regularly through the Easter and Summer vacations.

In the past two years Jacob’s health has steadily improved and he was looking forward to going to university in October 2010 subject to successful exam results.