This article highlights some of the media coverage on the rise of homeschooling in Jakarta city. In the last couple of years, there has been news on this topic covering real-life stories on homeschooling experience. Local and English newspapers have shown interest in bringing such stories to the audience.
These stories are based on individual interviews with parents and children about their experience of homeschooling. We take a brief look at some of the very interesting and inspiring examples:
A 6 years old boy was expelled from his school without a reasonable explanation. His mother, Ferdias Bookelmann told Jakarta Post – “Homeschooling is what we feel is the best for our son. We see that he has an interest in art, science, architecture, and entrepreneurship and we want to facilitate his passion.”
Alfa, a 13 years old girl from Semarang, Central Java speaks 7 languages and enjoys homeschooling. She explained it well – “Imagine you are sitting at an empty dining table and your stomach is empty, where then this encourages you to search the menu and pick whatever you want to eat according to your taste. But imagine again that the table is already filled with dishes, preventing you from choosing what you prefer. Even if you do not like the dishes presented in front of you or worse are allergic to the dishes, you still have to consume what’s offered.”
Indrawaty Tio, a mother found that her son, Mateo had difficulties to sit in a classroom when he was sent to the first-year preschool. Some of her friends suggested her homeschooling option. She said, “After a couple of years, Mateo showed significant progress and seemed to enjoy his time learning at home. It is easier to teach him good habits, such as honesty and responsibility through homeschooling.
All of these examples describe how homeschooling can be beneficial to children as well as parents. As we can see lots of changes in our lives in recent years, the traditional education system is not an exception.
Homeschooling Internasional di Bali: Memahami Pilihan Pendidikan yang Lebih Fleksibel dan Terarah
Setiap orang tua tentu ingin memberikan pendidikan terbaik untuk anaknya. Namun, tidak semua anak cocok dengan sistem sekolah konvensional yang jadwalnya padat dan seragam. Di Bali, semakin banyak keluarga mulai mempertimbangkan homeschooling internasional sebagai solusi pendidikan yang lebih fleksibel, personal, dan tetap memiliki standar global. Homeschooling bukan berarti belajar tanpa arah. Justru, dengan sistem yang tepat, anak dapat belajar secara lebih fokus, terstruktur, dan sesuai dengan tujuan akademiknya.
Apa yang Dimaksud dengan Homeschooling Internasional?
Homeschooling internasional adalah sistem pendidikan yang menggunakan kurikulum global dan diakui secara internasional. Siswa belajar dengan pendekatan yang lebih personal, namun tetap mengikuti target akademik yang jelas dan ujian resmi yang diakui oleh universitas luar negeri. Melalui Jakarta Academics, siswa di Bali dapat mengikuti jalur pendidikan internasional seperti IGCSE, A Level, dan Foundation, yang dirancang sebagai persiapan menuju universitas internasional.
Mengapa Homeschooling Menjadi Pilihan di Bali?
Bali memiliki karakter yang unik. Banyak keluarga lokal dan internasional tinggal di Bali dengan gaya hidup yang dinamis. Homeschooling menawarkan fleksibilitas tanpa mengorbankan kualitas pendidikan.
Beberapa alasan utama keluarga memilih homeschooling di Bali:
Anak dapat belajar dengan tempo yang sesuai dengan kemampuannya
Jadwal belajar lebih fleksibel dan seimbang
Fokus pada pengembangan potensi akademik dan minat siswa
Lingkungan belajar yang lebih kondusif dan terarah
Perbedaan Homeschooling Internasional dan Sekolah Internasional
Sekolah internasional umumnya memiliki jadwal dan struktur yang tetap, dengan jumlah siswa dalam satu kelas yang cukup besar. Sementara itu, homeschooling internasional memberikan ruang belajar yang lebih personal. Pada homeschooling, guru dapat menyesuaikan metode belajar sesuai kebutuhan siswa. Anak tidak harus mengejar, tetapi belajar memahami materi secara mendalam. Bagi siswa yang menargetkan kuliah ke luar negeri, pendekatan ini sering kali lebih efektif.
Keunggulan Homeschooling Internasional di Bali
Pendekatan Belajar yang Lebih Personal
Setiap siswa memiliki kebutuhan dan target yang berbeda. Homeschooling memungkinkan proses belajar yang disesuaikan dengan kemampuan dan minat siswa.
Kurikulum yang Diakui Secara Global
Program internasional yang digunakan telah diakui oleh universitas di berbagai negara, sehingga siswa memiliki jalur yang jelas untuk melanjutkan pendidikan ke luar negeri.
Persiapan Menuju Universitas Sejak Dini
Selain akademik, siswa juga dibimbing untuk memahami jalur pendidikan selanjutnya, termasuk kesiapan mental dan akademik menghadapi sistem universitas internasional.
Fleksibilitas yang Seimbang
Siswa tetap memiliki waktu untuk mengembangkan minat lain tanpa harus mengorbankan pencapaian akademik.
Program yang Umumnya Dipilih dalam Homeschooling Internasional
Beberapa program yang banyak diminati keluarga di Bali antara lain:
Program menengah sebagai dasar akademik
IGCSE sebagai persiapan pendidikan lanjutan
A Level dan Foundation sebagai jalur langsung ke universitas
Setiap tahap dirancang untuk membangun kesiapan siswa secara bertahap dan terarah.
Siapa yang Cocok Mengikuti Homeschooling Internasional?
Homeschooling internasional cocok bagi siswa yang:
Memiliki target kuliah di luar negeri
Membutuhkan sistem belajar yang lebih fleksibel
Ingin belajar dengan pendekatan yang lebih personal
Tinggal di Bali dengan kebutuhan pendidikan yang dinamis
Kesimpulan
Homeschooling internasional di Bali bukan sekadar alternatif, tetapi pilihan pendidikan yang memberikan pemahaman, arah, dan fleksibilitas. Dengan sistem yang terstruktur dan kurikulum yang diakui secara global, anak dapat belajar dengan lebih nyaman dan terarah menuju masa depan akademik yang lebih luas. Bagi keluarga yang ingin memahami dan mempertimbangkan homeschooling internasional di Bali, Jakarta Academics menawarkan pendekatan pendidikan yang relevan dengan kebutuhan siswa saat ini dan tantangan pendidikan global.
Is IGCSE Difficult? An Honest Guide for Students & Parents
One of the most common questions families ask when choosing a secondary qualification is: Is IGCSE difficult?
The honest answer is: IGCSE is not inherently harder than GCSE—but it can feel challenging depending on the student, subjects chosen, and support available.
IGCSEs are designed to be academically rigorous yet fair, with difficulty shaped more by context and preparation than by the qualification itself.
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
A two-year qualification typically taken by students aged 14–16
Offered by major exam boards such as Cambridge International (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel
Designed to prepare students for A-levels, IB, or vocational pathways
Studied by students in over 150 countries worldwide
How IGCSEs Are Assessed
Assessment methods vary by subject and board, and may include:
Written examinations
Practical exams (e.g. sciences)
Coursework or controlled assessment (in some subjects)
Are IGCSEs Harder Than GCSEs?
Not really.
IGCSEs are essentially GCSE-level qualifications adapted for international students. The key difference is that IGCSEs are designed without UK-specific cultural references, so students outside the UK are not disadvantaged by questions based on British life or context.
In short: Same academic level, different design purpose.
What Makes IGCSEs Manageable (Easier)?
For many students, IGCSEs are very achievable—especially with the right approach.
1. Clear Syllabuses and Marking Criteria
Topics are clearly defined
Mark schemes and grade descriptors are published
Teachers can align lessons closely to exam requirements
This transparency reduces surprises and helps focused students perform well.
2. Modular Learning in Many Subjects
Content is divided into distinct topics
Easier to revise in structured chunks
Supports steady progress over two years
3. Wide Choice of Subjects and Levels
Broad subject range (sciences, languages, humanities, creative subjects)
Some subjects offer different tiers or syllabuses for varying ability levels
Students can play to their strengths
4. Strong Availability of Past Papers
Extensive past papers and examiner reports
Predictable question styles in many subjects
Practising exam technique leads to significant grade improvement
What Makes IGCSEs Challenging (Harder)?
Despite their clarity, IGCSEs are not easy qualifications. Several factors can increase difficulty.
1. Breadth and Workload
Students often take 8–12 subjects
Each subject has substantial content
Time management becomes critical
2. Academic Demands in Certain Subjects
Some subjects are consistently more demanding, especially at higher levels:
Mathematics (Higher)
Sciences (Physics, Chemistry)
Foreign languages
Literature-heavy subjects
These require strong problem-solving, analysis, and conceptual understanding.
3. High-Stakes Exams
Final exams often determine the entire grade
Limited room for error
Exam pressure can be challenging for some students
4. Variation in Teaching Quality
School support and teacher experience vary widely by country and institution
Access to resources and feedback can significantly affect outcomes
5. Language and Background Factors
Students studying in a non-native language may struggle more
Gaps in earlier schooling (especially maths or English) increase difficulty
Who Typically Finds IGCSEs Easy or Hard?
IGCSEs Tend to Be Easier For:
Students with strong study habits
Regular past-paper practice
Supportive teachers and clear feedback
Solid foundations in English and maths
IGCSEs Tend to Be Harder For:
Poor organization or inconsistent revision
Weak foundational knowledge
Learning differences without accommodations
Students overloaded with too many subjects
Practical Advice to Make IGCSEs Easier
The good news: difficulty is highly controllable.
Choose Subjects Strategically
Balance strengths and interests
Avoid unnecessary overload
Don’t choose subjects only because friends are taking them
Use Past Papers Properly
Practise under timed conditions
Analyse mark schemes in detail
Learn how marks are actually awarded
Focus on Core Foundations
Secure basics in maths, English, and sciences early
Weak fundamentals multiply difficulty later
Master Exam Technique
Understand command words (e.g. describe, explain, evaluate)
Learn how to allocate time per question
Practise structured answers
Maintain a Regular Revision Schedule
Use spaced repetition
Target weak areas instead of rereading everything
Short, consistent revision beats cramming
Seek Targeted Support
Small-group tutoring
Subject clinics
Peer study for difficult topics
Use Official Resources
Board syllabuses
Specimen papers
Approved textbooks and examiner reports
These are far more effective than generic online notes.
Which IGCSE Subjects Are the Hardest?
Difficulty varies by student, but commonly challenging IGCSE subjects include:
Mathematics (Higher tier)
Physics and Chemistry
First Language English / Literature
Foreign Languages (especially for non-native speakers)
That said, a “hard” subject with good teaching is often easier than a “soft” subject with poor support.
Final Verdict: Is IGCSE Difficult?
IGCSE is challenging but fair.
Not easier or harder than GCSE in level
Difficulty depends heavily on preparation, subject choice, and support
Well-organized students with good exam practice can do very well
With the right strategy, IGCSEs are absolutely manageable—and often rewarding.
International School in Indonesia with Flexible Learning
Choosing the right education pathway is one of the most important decisions Indonesian parents make for their children. In recent years, international schools in Indonesia have become a popular choice especially for families seeking flexible learning models that better suit their child’s individual needs.
Not every student thrives in a rigid, conventional school system. Today’s learners are diverse, and education should adapt to them, not the other way around.
Many Indonesian parents are rethinking traditional schooling for several reasons:
Growing awareness that one-size-fits-all education doesn’t work
Increasing demand for internationally recognised qualifications
The need for flexibility for students with non-academic commitments
Concerns about outdated teaching methods and rigid school rules
Not Every Student Fits Conventional School Settings
Every child learns differently. Some students struggle not because they lack ability, but because the system does not suit them.
Students Who Benefit from Flexible Learning Include:
Athletes or performers who need time for training and competitions
Students who learn better in smaller classes
Learners who need a calmer, more focused environment
Students who feel disengaged by rigid rules and traditional discipline systems
A flexible learning environment allows students to focus, grow, and succeed—both academically and personally.
The Importance of Small Class Sizes
Large classrooms can make it difficult for students to concentrate and receive individual attention. For many learners, small class sizes are key to academic success.
Benefits of smaller classes include:
More personalised teacher support
Better focus and engagement
Increased confidence to ask questions
Stronger student–teacher relationships
For students who struggle with concentration, this can make a significant difference.
Moving Beyond Rigid School Systems
Some children become demotivated by:
Strict attendance policies
Excessive homework without purpose
Limited freedom to explore interests
Outdated teaching approaches
Flexible international schools focus on learning outcomes, not just compliance. The goal is to nurture independent, motivated learners who enjoy learning.
Jakarta Academics: Pioneer of Hybrid International Schooling in Indonesia
Jakarta Academics is a pioneer of the hybrid school model with an international curriculum in Indonesia, offering students the best of both worlds:
Internationally recognised education
Flexible learning schedules
Small class sizes
Personalised academic pathways
The hybrid model combines structured academic excellence with the freedom students need to pursue their talents outside the classroom.
Why Choose Jakarta Academics?
Jakarta Academics stands out among international schools in Indonesia for several key reasons:
✔ Internationally Recognised Curriculum
Students follow globally respected programmes aligned with international standards, preparing them for universities worldwide.
✔ Flexible & Hybrid Learning Model
Ideal for:
Student athletes
Creative performers
Learners who need a non-traditional schedule
✔ Small Classes, Individual Focus
Students receive tailored academic support to maximise their potential.
Is a Hybrid International School Academically Approved?
Yes—Jakarta Academics is academically recognised and internationally respected.
Pearson Awards – 4 Consecutive Years
Jakarta Academics has received Pearson Awards for four consecutive years, recognising outstanding academic achievement and consistent quality.
This achievement reflects not only the school’s commitment to excellence, but also the dedication of students, parents, and educators who support the learning journey.
Proven University Pathways Worldwide
Graduates of Jakarta Academics have been accepted into top-ranked universities across the globe, including:
United Kingdom
Australia
United States
Singapore
Malaysia
This demonstrates that a flexible learning model does not compromise academic outcomes, it enhances them.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Learn
An international school with flexible learning in Indonesia is not about taking the “easy path.” It’s about choosing the right path one that respects how students learn, grow, and succeed.
Jakarta Academics offers a future-ready education designed for modern learners who need flexibility without sacrificing quality.
