FAQ
How do I register for elective home education in the UK?
Visit the official UK Government website for more information. You can also find additional support and guidance at the Educational Freedom website.
Does the Between the Lines curriculum align with the UK national curriculum?
The curriculum has not been aligned with the current UK national curriculum, however it is a replica of the curriculum used in hundreds of Charlotte Mason's Parent Union schools for several decades in the early 20th century, so it was widely acceptable for its time. We have included a free Scope and Sequence document for every Lesson Plan so that you can compare it with other service providers and check for any gaps in learning where needed.
How do the years work?
Although Charlotte Mason used forms in her schools, we have chosen to use Years instead to make it easier to see at a glance what level your child is. Charlotte Mason advised parents to only begin formal schooling (Year 1) when their child is 6 years old. The child will then move through 12 years of education until they reach 18 years of age. Below is a table that correlates each of the years to Charlotte Mason form years:
Charlotte Mason Form | Age | Between the Lines Level |
Form IB | 6 - 7 | Year 1 |
Form IA Lower | 7 - 8 | Year 2 |
Form IA Upper | 8 - 9 | Year 3 |
Form IIB | 9 - 10 | Year 4 |
Form IIA Lower | 10 - 11 | Year 5 |
Form IIA Upper | 11 - 12 | Year 6 |
Form IIIB | 12 - 13 | Year 7 |
Form IIIA | 13 - 14 | Year 8 |
Form IV | 14 - 15 | Year 9 |
Form VB | 15 - 16 | Year 10 |
Form VA | 16 - 17 | Year 11 |
Form VI | 17 - 18 | Year 12 |
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept PayPal, credit card and debit cards. You do not need to have a PayPal account to make purchases.
How can I prepare my younger child who is not yet 6 for this programme?
Here are some links to articles for children younger than 6:
- Preschool and Kindergarten Guide — Simply Charlotte Mason
- The Complete Charlotte Mason Preschool Guide - My Little Robins
May I use the Between the Lines Lesson Plans in my co-op or classroom?
Yes you may, however the instructions in the Lesson Plans have been specifically written for parents who are home-educating their children, so you will need to make some modifications for classroom use.
May I make copies of the lesson plans or resell the lesson plans?
You may not make digital copies of the Lesson Plans for distribution to other parties. You also may not print out multiple copies of a single PDF Lesson Plan. You may not resell the lesson plans to other parties. Please direct anyone interested in purchasing a copy to our website so that they can buy their own copy.
Where can I learn more about the Charlotte Mason method and philosophy?
There are many amazing websites and resources that you can dig into. Below are just a few that we have found valuable:
How much preparation work is needed by parents?
Other than gathering your resources and reading up on the Charlotte Mason philosophy and method of a lesson, the Lesson Plans are designed to be open-and-go, so that you do not need to spend your time doing a large amount of preparation.
What do Between the Lines Lesson Plans include?
Each Lesson Plan aims to be an open-and-go resource that includes everything you need for the particular subject for a full 36 week year. The Lesson Plans include suggestions on how to create a timetable structured according to Charlotte Mason principles, a year planner structured according to three 12-week terms running from September to July, a FREE Resource list of everything you'll need for the year, a FREE Scope and Sequence list of every topic covered, complete daily lesson plans for each subject, suggested assessment questions per term per subject and guidance on how to implement Charlotte Mason principles for the specific subject.
Can I order physical printed copies?
Unfortunately not, however, you are welcome to save the digital PDF that you've purchased and take it to your local copy shop and ask them to print you a copy and have it bound.
Is the Between the Lines curriculum a Christian programme?
Yes, it is. Charlotte Mason was a deeply religious Anglican Christian and it permeated her entire curriculum in terms of her philosophy, methods and the books she chose to include. Please bare in mind that the original PNEU programme was pro-evolution and held an old earth viewpoint in contrast to many modern American Charlotte Mason curricula. The Between the Lines programme remains true to the original curriculum and thus replicates this worldview.
Who created Between the Lines?
Between the Lines Home Education (Pty) Ltd is a company registered in South Africa by Jacqui Herrmann, a mom of two from Cape Town who fell in love with the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. Jacqui holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Science and has completed an official Ambleside International Schools internship at the Ambleside School of Hout Bay.