Questions parents and schools ask us
Everything you might want to know before getting started. If your question isn't here, call us on +27 87 537 7255.
Two simple routes in
Independent schools
- Fill in the contact formWe arrange a free demonstration of the platform.
- RegisterOnce forms and fees are in, we book free online induction training for all staff.
- Go liveYour school is set up and you can start enrolling learners.
Home schools
- Fill in the contact formA home school academy consultant calls to book your demo.
- RegisterThey help you register your home school with SwitchedOn.
- Start learningAs soon as payment comes through, your child is working on the platform.
The details
Daily routines, technology and placement tests.
What about handwriting? Is everything done on the computer?
Younger children are encouraged to write notes and projects on paper, and written questions can be handwritten instead of typed. All work is presented online, but schools can ask learners to complete projects, science experiments and other manually graded work in writing.
How long should a learner spend on the platform each day?
For best results, about 4–6 hours a day over a five-day school week. Each 10-unit course is designed to take a year, which works out to two learning activities per subject per day. It fits comfortably alongside other activities or tuition.
How long does each subject take per day?
Roughly 45 minutes per subject, completing two assignments. Assignment length varies, as does each learner's pace, so build in comfortable breaks for snacks and meals.
What are the minimum technical requirements?
The platform is designed for low-tech entry points, so hardware and software costs stay affordable. We recommend using Firefox. Download the technical specifications
Where do I find the placement tests?
Type "tests" into the Course Assignment screen. Watch the placement test video
Which placement tests should I assign?
Maths and Language Arts. These are concept subjects where mastery of earlier work is essential. The other subjects are content-based, so learners begin them at their chronological grade or reading level.
Are there any additional costs?
No. The fee includes access to every subject on the SwitchedOn Education platform, including high school electives and career and technical courses.
See SwitchedOn in action before you decide.
We'll show you exactly what learners, teachers and parents see each day, how placement and reporting work, and what it takes to get started.
