Schools form the backbone of their training and development. By choosing the right organization, you improve their chances of getting better work opportunities down the road. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when you choose a school.
Talk to Your Child
Parents are aware of a child’s interests are along with strengths or the learning style to which he responds. While the academic standing of a school is a factor, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on that. You’ll need to consider if the school is a good match for your child in terms of what he’d like to do or pursue in the future and with his skillset. What your child likes, values, and enjoys should be taken into consideration.
Consider the Culture
Take the time to research and find out more about the school’s culture. Some of the best schools have one quality in common: they encourage free-thinking in their students. They create an environment wherein the kids are empowered and comfortable enough to be vocal about their opinions. Some schools tend to stifle that creativity, preferring their students to repeat the school’s mission and vision by rote, without applying both to their lives. If you think the school culture isn’t a good fit for your child, look elsewhere. Finding the best secondary school in Singapore providing the best culture isn’t a decision that you’ll want to take lightly, not if you want your child to have a solid foundation for life.
Check the Courses
Know your child’s PSLE score since that will determine the courses that are open to him. If your child is eligible for only one course, then he won’t be allowed to pick another one. If he qualifies for two courses—which is either the Express and Normal or the Normal and Normal, then your kid must pick one course before you submit the school options. The selected course will follow for all the school choices.
Look at the Programmes
There are various programmes that you can check out when you browse through secondary schools. Take a look at the subjects too along with the CCAs designed to develop and nurture talent and skills in kids. The programmes give children a chance to develop their potential in a field or area they’re already interested in. That’s ideal since children who find the support and help they need early on often go on to achieve amazing things when they finally get out of school. If you want the same for your child, then check the programmes carefully.
Determine the Location
This isn’t an immediate concern, given the shift to online classes. But that’s hopefully not going to be forever. That’s why it’s still a good idea to consider whether the school is just the right distance from your home. How will your kid get to school? Is transportation easy? Can you drive your kid to school with ease? These are just some of the things you’ll need to ask yourself before you settle on a choice.
Know the School Type
There are plenty of schools that you can pick from: a government-aided one, a government school, an independent organization, and more. What’s more important, though, is to look for a school that’s a good fit for your child. That means his strengths, weaknesses, interests, and more.
Factor in Special Needs
Does your child have any special needs? If your kid has a hearing disability, visual impairment, or physical disability, then you’ll need to look for schools that offer special education needs. They usually have faculty members who have the specialized training and background necessary to provide the support your child requires.
Ask about SAP
Some schools also offer special assistance that deliver a bilingual as well as bicultural education. For instance, some offer lessons in the Chinese language. If your child took up English and Chinese language, then they will likely choose an SAP school.
Shortlist the Schools
It can be daunting to try and keep all the facts straight. Make it easier on yourself to track every little detail by coming up with a list of schools that fit the bill. Once that’s done, take down detailed notes for each one. That should help you compare the schools with ease. A shortlist also makes it much more convenient for you to identify your top choices as the format allows you to highlight certain details about the schools.
Involve Your Child
Lastly, when you do settle on the last three picks, talk about that decision with your child. Don’t make a decision on your own. Involve him in the process. That will make the final choice even more meaningful for your child as he gets to determine the course of his life. Talk about the pros and cons of each school so he’ll have an idea of what he’s saying yes and no to. Let him express what he thinks and take every single input he has seriously. It’s also something he’ll remember in the future and will make for warm, fuzzy memories.
