Online schooling has gained considerable attention in recent years, often promoted as a flexible and modern alternative to traditional classrooms. While it can be a valuable option in certain circumstances, such as the Covid pandemic, the advantages of face-to-face education remain unmatched, particularly when it comes to a child’s overall growth and well-being. At Melkbosstrand Private School (MPS), we believe that learning is most powerful when it happens in person, within a supportive, engaging, and connected community. In this article, we explore the many benefits experienced at MPS in terms of in-person learning as compared to online schooling.
1. Enhanced Social Interaction and Emotional Development
One of the most significant advantages of face-to-face schooling is the opportunity for children to engage with their peers, teachers, and other members of the school community. Social interaction is crucial for developing communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. In a MPS classroom setting, children learn to navigate friendships, resolve conflicts, learn resilience and collaborate on projects, all skills that are difficult to replicate in an online environment.
Furthermore, in-person schooling provides a structured environment where students receive immediate feedback from teachers, allowing for real-time adjustment and growth. This direct engagement is essential for implementing intervention where necessary, developing confidence and a sense of belonging.
2. Improved Focus and Reduced Distractions
For many children, home can be filled with distractions, from noisy siblings and household chores to the lure of gadgets and television. Online schooling requires a high level of self-discipline and concentration that can be challenging for younger and even older students, who may struggle to stay focused without direct supervision. At MPS face-to-face schooling provides a more structured and controlled environment conducive to learning, where distractions are minimised, and students can concentrate on their studies.
3. Supportive Learning Environment and Individual Attention
In classroom setting at MPS, thanks to the small class sizes, teachers can more easily gauge a student’s understanding of the material and emotional well-being. They can pick up on non-verbal cues, such as emotional stress, confusion or frustration, that may not be apparent in an online classroom. This enables teachers to provide immediate, personalised support to students who need it, ensuring no child is left behind.
Additionally, face-to-face schooling offers access to various support systems, including special needs education, extracurricular activities, and counselling services, that are often less accessible in a virtual environment.
4. Balanced Routine and Time Management
Online schooling often blurs the lines between study time and leisure, making it challenging for both children and parents to maintain a balanced and structured routine. At MPS face-to-face schooling offers a structured timetable that helps instil discipline, time management, and organisational skills. This structure extends beyond the classroom, as children learn to juggle homework, sports, and extracurricular activities within a set schedule, laying a solid foundation for future success.
For parents, a predictable school routine also means clearer boundaries between work and home life, reducing stress and promoting a healthier work-life balance.
5. Physical Activity and Wellbeing
Physical activity has been proven to be an integral part of a child’s fine and gross motor skills development. At MPS in-person schooling ensures that children participate in physical education classes, sports, and other outdoor activities. These activities are vital for building motor skills, maintaining physical health, and enhancing mental well-being. The sedentary nature of online schooling can limit opportunities for physical activity, potentially leading to a sedentary lifestyle and associated health issues.
6. Access to Resources and Facilities
Attending school at MPS means children are given access to a wide range of educational resources and facilities that may not be available at home. This includes libraries, science labs, sports fields, art studios, and music rooms. These facilities provide children with the opportunity to explore different interests, engage in hands-on learning, and develop a well-rounded skill set.
7. Stronger School-Parent Partnerships
We believe that face-to-face schooling fosters stronger relationships between parents and teachers, facilitating open communication and collaboration. Parents can engage more actively in their child’s education by attending school academic and sport events, parent-teacher meetings, and volunteering opportunities. These interactions help build trust, relationships and ensure that both parties work together to support the child’s growth and development.
8. Emotional and Psychological Support
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns were challenging for everyone, especially children, who may have experienced feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression during prolonged separation from their friends and teachers. At MPS our school community offers a Christian-based support network where children can share their experiences one-on-one and receive emotional support. Being part of a school community and maintaining regular contact with peers can significantly enhance a child’s emotional resilience and overall well-being.
9. Reduced Screen Time
The dangers of excessive screen time are yet to be determined and with online schooling comes increased screen time, which have already been linked to various health concerns, including eye strain, poor posture, and sleep disturbances. At MPS our in-person schooling combined with our Keller Education methodology naturally limits the amount of time children spend in classes, in front of screens, promoting healthier habits and reducing the risk of these health issues.
10. Fostering Community and a Sense of Belonging
At MPS we know from experience that in-person schooling cultivates a sense of community and belonging that is harder to establish in an online environment. Schools often serve as the centre of a community, where students, parents, and teachers come together to celebrate achievements, participate in events, and support one another. This sense of connection is integral to the development of a child’s identity and values.
“When it comes to all the points listed above, a school like Melkbosstrand Private School, rooted in a Christian foundation that promotes small class sizes, an alternative Keller Education teaching methodology, love for nature, compassion, and service to others, is of particular value,” says Oloff Dreyer, CEO of MPS.
“Offering High-Touch Education in a High Tech world and a supportive rural environment, the school’s focus emphasises individualised attention, nurturing the whole child through a combination of academic excellence, Christian values, and personal growth,” he adds.
“Here, students benefit from being part of a close-knit community where their unique needs are recognised and supported by dedicated teachers and staff,” concludes Mr Dreyer.
Countering the Push for Online Schooling
In recent months, there has been renewed advocacy for online schooling as the “future” of education, often highlighting convenience, flexibility, and technology integration as its primary strengths. While these benefits may sound appealing in theory, they do not outweigh the developmental, social, and emotional gaps that a purely virtual model can leave unaddressed, particularly for younger learners.
Many of these arguments overlook the fact that education is more than the transfer of knowledge and information; it is about building relationships, monitoring emotional well-being, developing resilience, and learning through shared human experiences. Skills such as empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership flourish best in face-to-face settings where children engage daily with teachers and peers. Even the most advanced online platforms cannot replicate the subtle, non-verbal cues that help teachers tailor their approach in the moment, nor can they replace the vibrancy and variety of hands-on learning.
Online schooling also places a heavy burden on parents to facilitate and monitor learning, which can strain home routines and blur work–family boundaries. In contrast, in-person education, especially in a high-touch environment like Melkbosstrand Private School provides a structured, nurturing space where qualified and trained educators can give immediate, personalised and emotional support, while parents can focus on their own commitments knowing their child’s development is in expert hands.
In short, while technology will always play a role in modern education, the idea that online schooling should replace traditional classrooms overlooks the deep, multifaceted benefits that come from learning together in person, benefits that form the cornerstone of our approach at MPS.
“This personalised approach to education ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school’s serene farm setting provides a peaceful and inspiring learning environment, further enhancing the advantages of in-person schooling,” says Mr Allan Norton, Head of Intermediate, Senior and FET phases at MPS.
While online schooling can be a useful tool in specific contexts and circumstances , we believe the advantages of face-to-face schooling for children and parents at MPS are clear. As we move forward, it is essential to recognise the value of face-to-face education in shaping the future of our children, ensuring they grow into well-rounded, resilient individuals ready to face the world with confidence -that is why we Raise and Release Changemakers – the future leaders of tomorrow!
If you would like to find out more about becoming part of the MPS community, contact us today – enrolments for all grades and ages are open all year round.
Recent Comments