What It’s Like to Study at an Online School in South Africa

When traditional school wasn’t offering the flexibility or pace she needed, 18-year-old Tshegofatso decided to try something different. Now a full-time student at Crimson Global Academy (CGA), she’s been able to combine academic progress with her love for art and music all while learning from home in South Africa.

The change gave her what she was looking for. More time to focus, more control over her schedule, and more space to grow in and outside the classroom.

Making the Switch to Online Learning

For Tshegofatso, the decision to move online came from a desire to take charge of her time.

“I chose CGA because I wanted a school where I could prioritise my time better than I could at a traditional school,” she explains.

“Here, outside of class times, I had complete control over what I could do with my time such as access online resources for learning at any time or practise other skills that were not related to my school subjects such as art skills as an aspiring artist, singing and guitar.”

With online classes, she found she could travel more freely and no longer stress about catching up. The ability to watch recorded lessons, revisit material, and directly email teachers made a significant difference.

“This flexibility and cooperation worked very well for me.”

She was also drawn to the international curriculum. She knew she wanted a challenge and one that would prepare her for competitive opportunities abroad.

“It was good to know that I would have a more challenging education than locally and a more competitive one, which offers me great opportunities.”

Learning to Manage Her Time and Her Life

Online learning introduced Tshegofatso to more than just new subjects. It helped her build habits that feel closer to the real-world like balancing studies, errands, and personal time.

“Online schooling at CGA taught me what integrating into the real world was like in a sense,” she says. “I attended online classes when scheduled. Other than that, I was free to do whatever: study, go to the gym, do groceries, cook, hang out with friends.”

This autonomy came with responsibility.

“It taught me the importance of making time for my goals, work and study.”

“If you want to learn something, practise something, do something, go out somewhere, you have to make the time for it and plan wisely.”

She also found the learning tools made the experience easier to manage.

“I find the streamlined workflow of OneNote, Canvas and Kami integration extremely helpful,”

“Our teachers always have resources ready for us on OneNote where we can write and take down notes… On Canvas, our modules are organised from topic to topic, which makes it easy to find old work or notes.”

Finding Creative Outlets Online

CGA’s flexibility allows students to pursue interests outside academics.

Tshegofatso took part in two shows at M&M Music Academy, singing in the choir and performing as a lead vocalist in Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

“I have participated in two shows at M&M Music Academy where I was a vocalist in both the choir and a lead singer…”

Within CGA, she joined the Book and Psychology Clubs and occasionally dipped into the Greenwich Art Club.

“Book and Psychology Club were fun environments to meet people and make new friends whilst discussing cool books or psychology.”

Online Teaching Support That Matters

One of the turning points in her CGA journey came when she was struggling with her mental health during and after her IGCSEs. The academic pressure was mounting, and she needed support, something CGA was able to offer.

“Mrs Beth Haresnape was my beacon during that time, lending me her support through wellbeing sessions whenever I needed it. Looking out for my wellbeing. Her support helped keep my studies strong whilst making sure I was OK.”

She also overcame Maths anxiety, thanks to the compassionate teaching of Mrs Janet Leeke.

“Her classes were one of the first where I learnt that failing, learning and trying again are all part of the process.”

“This helped a lot with my maths anxiety and funnily enough Mathematics is still my top subject as I achieved a high A in IAS Mathematics and aim for an A/A* for A2 Mathematics.”

Study With Ambitious Online Students In South Africa

Her long-term goal is to pursue a degree in character animation at The Animation Workshop VIA University College in Denmark, a competitive programme that combines storytelling, design and motion. If that doesn’t work out, she plans to continue growing as a visual artist and musician.

What she’s taking from CGA is more than just academic knowledge.

“My experiences at CGA taught me to be an independent thinker and taught me to trust my ability in time management. The time at CGA made me better at self-learning, scheduling and planning in a way that works for me.”

Want to know more about how CGA supports students across South Africa? Speak with a CGA Academic Advisor to explore flexible, world-class online learning designed for every kind of student.