What curriculum does the
school follow? What are the academic scores? How do they rank internationally?
What facilities do they offer?
These are the very first questions that came to my mind when it
was time to enrol my child in school. These were also the thoughts that my
peers were pondering over, until we collectively gathered our thoughts and
realized that the answers were an affirmative in the case of most schools we
shortlisted. What would then differentiate the learning experience that our
children would gain?
Going beyond these standard questions, here are a bunch of
crucial questions that I asked before deciding on which international school to
enrol my child in.
1. Does the school
sufficiently emphasise on character development?
The very first question I asked is if my child would be
equipped to handle the challenges that life throws after attending the school.
Qualities like determination, diligence, and integrity are certainly no small
matter in today’s demanding and competitive business environment. A good school
would teach a student that success and failure go hand in hand and are
determined based on the student’s ability to work hard without taking
shortcuts. It was important for me, as is for most parents, that my children
grow up with the right values and interpersonal skills while being empathetic
towards others.
2. Are students
encouraged to express themselves and form their own identities?
I wanted to know if the school is providing the right platform
for students to indulge in activities and play that allows them to express
themselves. This would help children to form their own identities, discover who
they are, question what they want in life, and why they are the way they are.
For any parent who ultimately wants their child to learn and grow, this is
among the most important considerations. Checking if the school offers a good
array of extracurricular activities and sports is crucial too. For instance,
Canadian International School, Singapore has a lavish Outdoor
Discovery Centre that allows children to engaged in play-based
learning. Outdoor learning is one of the best and most holistic ways to sow the
seeds of conceptual learning in children. Remember to also look for an emphasis
on critical thought and freedom of opinion.
3. Do they provide a
community centred environment for my child to grow?
An international school invariably has eclectic mix of students
from various geographical backgrounds. Children from various walks of life join
international schools at various stages in schooling and such transitions, be
it geographical or at different life stages, are important periods for
children. This makes it mandatory to have an environment that is both sensitive
and supportive. An ideal school should provide a well-knit community that
rejoices healthy values and ethnic diversity. In such an environment, students
can easily form long-lasting friendships irrespective of age, cultural and
ethnic boundaries. This is further aided of the staff are culturally sensitive
and academically welcoming. Growth in such an environment will allow students
to be better prepared for further transitions and challenges in their life.
4. How invested are the
teachers in the students?
Finally, check if the staff at the school embody all the above
pointers. Are they sensitive to the needs of each student? Are they open to new
ideas, freedom of thought and do they encourage personal growth? Most
importantly, are they sincere and genuine about a student’s well-being and
happiness? A teacher’s care has a lasting impact on children as opposed to a
teacher’s knowledge. Teachers must
avidly demonstrate that they're invested in the well-being of their students
failing which students could even falter on the academic front. When you visit any school, don’t hesitate to
be straightforward and ask beyond the standard questions to any member of the
staff. This exercise helped me gauge the core principles of the school and
their culture, allowing me to instantly tell if the school is a good fit for my
child to thrive or not.
Academic ranking, curriculum and facilities are must-haves in
your checklist while choosing a school. But remember, education goes way beyond
academics. The holistic learning process that a school inculcates is key to
moulding children while they emerge as confident individuals with the right mix
of knowledge, skills and character. So, make sure you ask these four questions
before finalizing on which school your child going to make his/her second
home.
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