Virtus Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the homeschooling questions South African families ask most. New to homeschooling? Start with our complete Homeschool Survival Guide, or read our step-by-step registration guide.

Questions for Parents

Why does Virtus call itself 'homeschool support' instead of a 'curriculum provider'?
In South Africa, only registered physical schools that are formally registered with the provincial Department of Education can legally be called 'curriculum providers.' Virtus Education is not a registered school - we are a homeschool support service. We provide CAPS-aligned learning materials, lesson plans, and resources that empower parents to educate their children at home. The parent remains the educator, and we provide the tools and support to help you succeed.
What does Virtus Education provide?
Virtus provides complete CAPS-aligned learning materials for Grades R-9, including daily lesson plans, student workbooks, assessment tasks with marking rubrics, and all the resources you need to homeschool confidently. Everything is structured and ready to use.
Do I need to register my child for homeschooling?
Yes. Every child learning at home must be registered for home education with your provincial education department. This is a legal requirement in South Africa. Registration ensures your child's education is formally recognised and compliant with education laws.
What about report cards and assessments?
Virtus provides comprehensive assessment tasks, marking rubrics, and report templates. As a homeschooling parent, you administer these assessments and track your child's progress throughout the year.
Can I use Virtus materials in a small group setting?
Absolutely. Many families use Virtus materials in small group settings or co-ops. The structured lesson plans and assessments work well for multiple learners, while parents maintain oversight of their children's learning journey.
How flexible are Virtus's learning materials?
Our materials are designed to be flexible. You can adapt pacing to suit your child's learning speed, choose which subjects to focus on, and adjust schedules to fit your family's routine. The structure is there when you need it, but you're in control of how you use it.
What if I'm not a qualified teacher?
You don't need to be. Our lesson plans include step-by-step instructions that guide you through each topic. Many homeschooling parents have no formal teaching background and successfully use Virtus materials. The materials are designed to be parent-friendly.
What subjects are covered?
Our CAPS-aligned materials cover all core subjects for each grade level, including languages, mathematics, life skills, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology (depending on grade). Each package provides full subject coverage for the grade range.
How do I get started with Virtus?
Contact us through our contact page to discuss your needs and learn more about how Virtus's homeschool support works. We'll help you understand which grade package is right for your family and answer any questions about our approach.
What ongoing support do you provide?
Families using Virtus materials have access to our support team for questions about using the materials, pacing, and implementation. We're here to help you make homeschooling work for your family.

Questions for Small Groups & Co-ops

How do I ensure legal compliance for a small group or co-op?
Ensure every child in your group is formally registered for home education with their provincial education department. Keep detailed records of all lessons, assessments, and learner progress to demonstrate structured education. Maintain proper documentation and have signed agreements with parents detailing responsibilities.
What about report cards and assessments for a small group?
Virtus provides assessment templates and reporting tools that you can use to track student progress and provide feedback to parents for each learner in your group.
Do I need agreements with other parents in a co-op?
Yes. You should have signed agreements with parents detailing the scope of shared responsibilities, assessment procedures, and any relevant expectations. This protects everyone involved in the learning group.
What health and safety requirements should I follow?
Ensure your learning space is safe and accessible. Implement proper supervision, emergency procedures, and basic hygiene practices. Consider appropriate insurance to protect against accidents or claims.
What materials does Virtus provide for small groups?
Virtus provides complete learning materials for Grades R-9, including lesson plans with step-by-step guides, activities and exercises, formative and summative assessments with marking rubrics, and progress report templates - all suitable for multiple learners.
Can I adapt Virtus materials for my group's needs?
Yes. Our materials are structured but flexible. You can adapt lesson plans to suit different learning environments, pacing needs, and teaching approaches while maintaining CAPS alignment and assessment standards.
How do I protect Virtus intellectual property?
Use Virtus materials only for learners in your registered group. Do not reproduce or distribute materials beyond your students without permission. Mark all materials as for private educational use to prevent misuse.
What professional practices should I maintain?
Maintain clear boundaries and expectations with all families. Provide structured lesson plans, keep regular schedules, maintain proper assessment records, and ensure clear communication with families about student progress.
Do I need insurance for a small group learning setting?
Yes, it's highly recommended. Consider public liability insurance to protect against accidents, claims, or issues arising from your learning environment. This is an important safeguard for group settings.
How does Virtus help me run an effective small group?
Virtus provides all the learning materials, assessment tools, and reporting templates you need to deliver structured, CAPS-aligned education. This allows you to focus on facilitating learning while we handle the CAPS-aligned materials, giving you a professional framework to work within.