Home Ed Courses for Ages 13-17

As home education in the UK and Europe continues to grow and diversify, now is an exciting time to embark on this educational journey for your teens. Home ed courses for ages 13-17 help build a strong secondary education that will serve them well in the future. At Arise, we offer courses that support both the UK exam mode and the USA qualifications model ( high school transcript) as proof of education. Keep reading for exciting ways to help your teens excel in their high school years.

In fact, the options available for upper secondary high school home education have never been better! With the uncertainties of the upcoming school year on the horizon, parents of high school students may be pondering how to prepare effectively. Having a basic grasp of a typical high school curriculum, whether for UK Exam prep or for the USA qualifications model, can serve as a valuable roadmap for planning ahead, even when the future feels a bit unpredictable!

Prioritize the Core Four Subjects in High School

It’s important to concentrate on the Core Four high school subjects, and then you can supplement with electives and extracurricular activities.

The term ‘Core Four’ is an American term, but it also suits British academics for this age group well. It includes English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

The specific focus might depend on whether you are choosing to follow the UK exam model or the type of transcript you are working on for the US qualifications model. Keep in mind your student’s post-high school plans, whether that’s vocational training/apprenticeship, college, or university —each path requires slightly different considerations in your student’s learning plan.

If you and your student don’t have decisions finalised for which model you want to choose (UK exam of USA Qualifications) or if higher education, apprenticeships, or vocational training are the way to o go…. that’s OK, keep good records and enjoy the teen years continuing to home educate with a solid foundation in English and Maths and a variety of other subjects that maintain the joy of learning in a christ centered, Christian home education learning environment..

Live, Online Home Ed Courses for Ages 13-17

Links below will highlight live online classes at Arise, as we aim to design courses that align with a standard course of study that meet UK exam prep requirements or can be used as proof of education on an American high school transcript. for each age group. However, we encourage you to select the curriculum or classes that are the best fit for your family. While we’d love for you to consider our online classes, our goal with this blog post is to assist you in creating an outstanding learning plan or transcript for your high schooler, regardless of whether our classes align with your plans.

Typical High School Curriculum Overview

In America, high school is viewed as a four-year program for students typically aged 13-17. Our article for early secondary home education (ages 11-13) will help you learn how to prepare well for the upper secondary years discussed below.

The sections below will help you identify what classes fit well within each subject area. Below, classes are listed with a common four-year (upper secondary) course progression. Remember to focus on the Core Four and expand from there:

English/Language Arts

• Pre iGCSE  Grammar & Writing 
• British Literature & Composition Year 1: Shakespeare, Austen, and  Medieval & Romantic Era Poetry
• British Literature & Composition Year 2: Dickens, CS Lewis, Victorian & Modern Era Poetry
• Additional literature and writing for A Levels based on career/university choices.  

English may also encompass spelling, vocabulary, short story writing, speech and rhetoric, poetry, etc.  Classes should increase in difficulty with more complex writing styles and techniques, as well as more complex literature.

Understanding Arise Home Education’s Approach to English Exam Prep.

Uniquely, our goal at Arise Home Education is to equip teens for an exam, but not to sacrifice the Christ-centred approach to education.

Arise Home Education offers excellent preparation courses for the Cambridge iGCSE English Language exam, which lays a strong foundation for Literature study and advanced study of English. They do so in a Christ-centred way, with world-class literature at its very heart. Read more.

Math

• Pre-iGCSE Maths ( Pre-algebra in America)
• GCSE Maths Year 1 (Algebra I and Geometry part 1)
• GCSE Maths Year 2 (Geometry part 2 and Algebra II)
• Scottish Higher Maths (Trigonometry and some Pre-Calculus)
• AS/A Level Maths Year 1 (Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus)
• A Level Maths Year 2  (Calculus and beyond)

Keep in mind that students need 3-4 years (depending on higher education/ career choices) of Math increasing in difficulty for US qualifications. Personal Finance is often a good choice to fulfill the requirements when math is not a strong subject for a student.

Science

• Pre-iGCSE General Science (overview of Biology, Chemistry & Physics for 10-13 year olds, but is eligible for US high school credit for older students with learning differences)
• Intro to Astronomy (overview of Astronomy for 10-13 year olds, but is eligible for US high school credit for older students with learning differences)
• Cambridge Combined Science (high school level overview of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, for students not needing a single subject-focused science course)
• GCSE Astronomy 
• iGCSE Physics
• iGCSE Biology
• iGCSE Chemistry
• Anatomy & Physiology or other advanced sciences

Keep in mind that GCSE and iGCSE sciences are 2-year subjects laying the groundwork for Scottish Highers or AS/A Level sciences for those needing advanced science classes for university admission or apprenticeships. Look for Year 2 classes here.

For those following the US qualifications for a high school transcript, count both years of the GCSE, indicating part 1 and part 2 of these high school-level courses.

History/Social Studies

• World Geography
• British History Year 1: Tudor & Georgian Eras
• British History Year 2: Victorian & Modern Eras
• U.S. History (required for those choosing the US Qualifications model)
• Government & Economics (required for those choosing the US Qualifications model)

History may also include other periods or areas, such as Ancient History, Church History, etc., for those following the US Qualifications model.

Once you have these foundational subjects planned, it will be much easier to incorporate electives, enrichment courses, and extracurricular activities.

Typical Upper Secondary Course of Study: Electives and Extracurricular Activities

Foreign Language

Students can choose from various Ancient or Modern Languages. Studying any world language is beneficial for understanding grammar and developing skills for learning other languages. Critical Languages like French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, and even Scottish Gaelic provide a unique variety that may align with other goals or subjects for the student.

Physical Education

Music

A broad introduction to music is an excellent opportunity to explore during the high school years. Continued study of music theory, voice lessons, or instrument instruction will enrich their homeschool experience (and their lives!).  If your student takes private lessons, is involved with a high school-level community choir or band, these may be eligible for US high school credit.

Art/Humanities

Provide your tweens and teens with a foundational understanding of Art and Design, Photography, or Speech and Drama, while ensuring they are learning from a Christ-centered perspective, and give opportunity for students to learn how to use their creative talents to express themselves in a God-honouring way

Bible/Apologetics

Life and Computer Skills

Basic knowledge of Computer Information Systems, PowerPoint, video editing, internet safety, and accountability is essential. Our live online classes integrate the basics for all students.  A fun introductory life skills class is Basic Home Cookery, where they will learn kitchen basics for cooking, recipe reading, nutrition, and the importance of good hygiene while cooking and cleaning up. Upper secondary students also benefit from a Career Prep & Life Skills course.

Vocational & Career Interests, including Entrepreneurship

Given the fast-evolving job market and gig economy, it’s crucial for students to explore vocational and career options as part of their life skills and personal finance education.

Electives in the typical course of study can vary widely. Encourage students to pursue their interests, whether in art, drama, biblical studies, photography, music, electronics, or other subjects. Additionally, provide a diverse reading list that includes short stories, novels, plays, and poetry.

High School is also a wonderful time for students to discover new interests, so help them seek out unique activities and experiences.

Incorporate Community Service in Your Homeschooling

A well-rounded high school curriculum should also feature Community Service—aim for at least 15 hours a year. Community Service is a wonderful avenue for tweens to look beyond themselves and understand the needs of others. Find a local charity, get involved in ministry at church, or care homes.  Doing this as a family is an enriching opportunity to continue learning together, supporting your community, and making great memories. Creativity can go a long way in finding service opportunities.

It’s essential to educate your students about internet safety and how to protect themselves from addictions, including pornography and online predators. Teach them how to manage their social media use responsibly. Becoming addicted at a young age can have serious consequences. Classes like Apologetics, Logic, and Debate, while these can be used for English Language Arts credit, are an excellent way to help teens understand their foundations for Christianity from an intellectual perspective, give opportunity, along with classes like Life Skills, to evaluate their current activities and make deeper commitments to live a God-honouring life.

Other Electives or Enrichment Courses

Electives for students ages 11-13 should be varied, introducing students to different opportunities and challenges. At this stage, students transition from experience to interest to strategy, particularly if they want to pursue their interests and are motivated to invest in them. Basic Home Cookery, Speech & Drama, or even learning vocational skills like bicycle maintenance or rock climbing, can build confidence and lead to exciting opportunities for the future.

Books

Naturally, reading great literature will broaden your students’ perspectives, enhance their vocabulary, and foster empathy for others. Aside from textbooks, create a log for students to record all the books (leisure reading, educational, or devotional) they read each year.  Imagine how quickly you will realise what they are learning about, what their interests are, and if it can be added to their transcript as part of their coursework. 

Why Choose Arise Home Ed for Your Teens

At Arise, we encourage good record-keeping beginning in the early secondary years.  Because everything counts – even if it doesn’t look like it right now.  Over the next 4 to 6 years, you will see patterns and subjects of learning emerge that will serve your student well as their transcript becomes more organised and complete 

Interested in learning more about credits, transcripts? Our Home Ed. Success in the UK parents’ course helps you understand and create your own US high school transcript. Use it as proof of education for UK university admissions applications.

Additional Home Ed Resources for 13-17 year olds

Homeschooling is a fantastic opportunity right now, with more options for 13 to 17-year-olds in home ed than ever before! Explore our live online, interactive classes led by Christian educators who are experts in their field within a global learning community. Your teens can have an outstanding education and thrive in an online learning community!

Are Arise Live Classes A Good Fit For Your Teen?

Grab a live lesson bundle and learn about the course, the tutor, and the weekly homework load.

More from Arise Home Education

• World Geography in High School 
• High School English iGCSE in Christian Home Education
• Home Ed Courses for Ages 13-17
• Home Ed Courses for Ages 11-13
• Navigating Online High School Art Curriculum: Essential Tips for Christian Homeschoolers