Your child’s school experience sets her or him up for life, so it’s crucial to choose the right one. Lindy Du Preez, Achievement Manager at SPARK Schools, offers some advice to parents who are in the process of choosing a school for their children.
“A child’s educational experience, from the very beginning, plays a vital part in their lives and will determine their academic, social and, probably, their occupational success. So, when it comes to choosing a school which will assist in raising well-rounded and productive adults with a positive future, parents need to choose schools where the current – and future – needs of their children will be best met,” she says.
Du Preez says parents should look at the following before choosing a school:
Teaching and learning approaches:
The future quite literally is digital and a school which emphasises technology training for scholars is crucial. Look out for schools that use a blended learning model where there is split time between technology-based learning (which can be adapted to the learning pace of the scholar) and direct classroom instruction. Question if the school uses data-driven instruction because this is the best way for teachers to know exactly where scholars are in their academic progress. Children today are incredibly tech savvy, and by integrating technology into the classroom, teachers are not only changing the way they teach, but giving scholars critical tools to forge meaningful futures in the 21st century.
Values and vision:
It is important to pay attention to a school driven by the values you wish to instil in your child (things like persistence, responsibility, kindness), as well as a vision which is bigger than the school itself. The school you choose for your child should have values to help scholars become responsible global citizens who are equally aware of the opportunities and responsibilities before them.
Cost matters:
The affordability of a school is one of the first things parents think about when it comes to making their selection. However, a common mistake made by many parents is associating expensive fees with quality outcomes. Do your research. There are many new private schools providing quality education and outcomes at a price point comparable to many government schools. Excellent, affordable education for your child is within your reach.
A whole child approach:
Of course, academic results matter a lot, but other skills such as empathy, resilience, collaboration and emotional intelligence are equally needed. Look at schools who realise that their teaching methods, curriculum and general operations have an impact on the development of a child and that they are invested in developing all-round human beings. Developing a child’s emotional and social skills is not only beneficial for them to achieve success, but it is important in developing a person who can contribute meaningfully to society. These soft skills are increasingly important in the workplace, and a child with these as foundational skills will thrive in the new world of work.
Excellence recognised:
Again, doing your own research is important. What sort of reputation does the school have? Are they leaders in their field – recognised locally and globally? Do they embrace best practice teaching methods? Your child faces a constantly changing world where innovation and best practice in education will set them up to cope with change and to thrive.
“I urge parents to visit schools on their open days and ask lots of questions to make sure your child’s needs are met. Knowledge is power. Schools engage with our children during the most important years of their lives, so it’s important for parents to choose a school that will best meet the current and future needs of their children,” Du Preez says.
