Unlike many other schools across the country, which had to cancel lessons because of December's extreme cold and icy weather, ACS International Schools kept lessons going during the winter chaos. When snow forced the school to close, students were able to access lesson instructions and assignments from an online resource from anywhere with internet access.

The school's online learning system allows students to continue with their work from the safety of their homes. Teachers are able to log on to the system and upload documents and instructions, which can then be accessed by students logging on and finding the web page for their classes. If a teacher asks for homework to be handed in, the students simply email it.

While students might prefer to have the day off to play in the snow, parents have been praising the school’s ingenuity in dealing with an issue that leaves many schools behind on teaching.

“The online Emergency Learning system is a great fallback which means less catching up for students and staff when we are forced to close the school unexpectedly," said Jeremy Lewis, head of school. "With all of the students at ACS Egham working towards one part or another of their International Baccalaureate, we aim to minimise the amount of teaching and learning lost to snowy weather.

"In this day and age, it makes sense for students to continue learning from home with the technology available. That said, I’m sure the students still managed to find time to go out and enjoy the winter wonderland in their breaks.”

For further information about ACS Egham International School, see www.acs-england.co.uk