Now that you have carefully weighed the available choices in your neighbourhood, you must consider the next two very important factors in narrowing down your options.
2. Flexible, Inclusive and Strong Curriculum
A strong curriculum lays the foundation to good schooling. Ensure that you spend considerable time understanding the basic curriculum, subjects offered, special courses, advanced options for gifted students, and personalized programs for those children who might need it. A school that offers core academic subjects such as English, mathematics, science, history, art and an option to learn a foreign language is a good place to start your school hunt. Also pay attention to any other subjects that that school may be offering. A strong curriculum is only as strong as the teaching methodology. Offering all the important subjects but not employing qualified, able and passionate teachers to effectively teach them to the students is a waste of resources.
Another sought after approach of teaching methodology is helping children learn ideologies that grouped into broad themes. All subjects could be designed in such a fashion as to include concepts related to the theme. This makes for very engaging classes and effective learning for students. Does the school predominantly use English as the medium of instruction? What other languages is your child likely to hear on the premises? The school must also consider building and reinforcing a close bond between children and nature, by engaging them in activities that bring them closer to nature, like observing plants, animals, growing your own herbs, etc. Make sure to also understand the school’s general philosophy around physical play, exposure to sports and any specific programs they may have for developing fine and gross motor skills.
3. A customised, and Holistic Approach to Learning
Each school functions on a unique teaching approach. Find out if the school you are considering encourages group projects, linear learning approaches or focuses on individual performances. It is important that your expectations and the school’s offering are aligned so as to ensure a great learning experience for your child. Spend time understanding the grading system of the school. What parameters are used to grade and periodically measure the student’s understanding of the core concepts? Does the school rely heavily on rote learning or does it have opportunities for children to try hands-on experiments? Remember that you know your child best. So, it is up to you to see for yourself whether the school’s overall approach to teaching will work for your child.
A key factor here would be that the school provides specialised learning programs for those kids that need that extra help. Some schools are rigid in their frameworks and their approach is like clockwork. Make sure the school you are considering is an inclusive school and their approach should be to make sure all children learn, and nobody is left behind. The noble and beautiful pursuit of knowledge and learning cannot become a race.
Armed and equipped with these crucial inputs, you are now ready to consider the next factor in making your decision- Individualised attention to your child.
