Choosing an international school - not easy
When parents seek quality schooling for their child, they seek quality in education, services as well as infrastructure. Schools that aspire to provide the best in the field of education are plunging in for nothing less than international curricula and rightly so as programs offered by the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge go beyond the confines of a classroom seeking to develop the child in a holistic manner.
This need of the hour of ‘quality education’ is being attempted to be addressed by the scores of international schools which have recently cropped up. It now becomes a matter of detailed research and close scrutiny on the part of the parents who are ready to spend huge amounts of money to gain a well-rounded education for their child. The question for them is whether the promises which international schools make and the picture they paint will really become their reality – Will their child grow up as a global citizen ready to take on the world and build a successful life and future.
The first place where parents usually start their search is either a website or another dependable mode of information- the word of mouth. While an extensive and updated website is an indicator of transparency and can give information which is objective like school board, fee structure, bus services, cafeteria menu, and board results, personal experience with the school coming from currently onboard parents is a excellent way to back up such information.
International schools maintain a smaller teacher pupil ratio, encourage a generous mix of multicultural, international students, have student exchange programs, have a wide range of co-curriculars, involve parents in school activities via an organized and structured PTA, the guidelines of which aim to bring about collaborative efforts of parents and the school in the best interest of the child.
A school tour can give a firsthand feel of the atmosphere at the school. While doing a school round a parent can get a satisfactory peek into facilities – upgradation as well as maintenance should both be considered; discipline; general temperament of the students – do they seem smiling and pleased or grumpy and lost; staff (including teaching and administrative)– are they helpful and vigilant; cleanliness and hygiene; security; and medical facilities etc.
International schools generally take measures, by putting in place firm policies with regard to issues like bullying, elitism, and breach of basic code of conduct. While a excellent education basically peters down to choosing a excellent curriculum, delivery of that curriculum lies at the heart of the final outcome to any educational endeavor. A competent faculty who is involved with the progress and growth of the student as mature and balanced individuals is a promising element of a successful international school.
A further insight in the school’s commitment to providing quality education comes from the school’s vision, emergency procedures, accreditation, etc. Accreditation by organizations of repute require a school to be committed to an ongoing process of evaluation and assessment in every aspect thus ensuring quality in delivery of services, for eg Training of teachers to deliver the ever changing IB curriculum is one of the core competencies of the IB. Accreditation ensures that the school adheres to the descriptors and indicators provided in not only quality of pedagogical practices but also in operational areas such as finances and facilities.
Choosing an international school is understanding the needs of your child and matching them with the most dynamic options available. A child who feels at home and confident primarily in his own world today, is the one who is going to have the confidence and the desire to take responsibility of the world inclusive of others, tomorrow.
This need of the hour of ‘quality education’ is being attempted to be addressed by the scores of international schools which have recently cropped up. It now becomes a matter of detailed research and close scrutiny on the part of the parents who are ready to spend huge amounts of money to gain a well-rounded education for their child. The question for them is whether the promises which international schools make and the picture they paint will really become their reality – Will their child grow up as a global citizen ready to take on the world and build a successful life and future.
The first place where parents usually start their search is either a website or another dependable mode of information- the word of mouth. While an extensive and updated website is an indicator of transparency and can give information which is objective like school board, fee structure, bus services, cafeteria menu, and board results, personal experience with the school coming from currently onboard parents is a excellent way to back up such information.
International schools maintain a smaller teacher pupil ratio, encourage a generous mix of multicultural, international students, have student exchange programs, have a wide range of co-curriculars, involve parents in school activities via an organized and structured PTA, the guidelines of which aim to bring about collaborative efforts of parents and the school in the best interest of the child.
A school tour can give a firsthand feel of the atmosphere at the school. While doing a school round a parent can get a satisfactory peek into facilities – upgradation as well as maintenance should both be considered; discipline; general temperament of the students – do they seem smiling and pleased or grumpy and lost; staff (including teaching and administrative)– are they helpful and vigilant; cleanliness and hygiene; security; and medical facilities etc.
International schools generally take measures, by putting in place firm policies with regard to issues like bullying, elitism, and breach of basic code of conduct. While a excellent education basically peters down to choosing a excellent curriculum, delivery of that curriculum lies at the heart of the final outcome to any educational endeavor. A competent faculty who is involved with the progress and growth of the student as mature and balanced individuals is a promising element of a successful international school.
A further insight in the school’s commitment to providing quality education comes from the school’s vision, emergency procedures, accreditation, etc. Accreditation by organizations of repute require a school to be committed to an ongoing process of evaluation and assessment in every aspect thus ensuring quality in delivery of services, for eg Training of teachers to deliver the ever changing IB curriculum is one of the core competencies of the IB. Accreditation ensures that the school adheres to the descriptors and indicators provided in not only quality of pedagogical practices but also in operational areas such as finances and facilities.
Choosing an international school is understanding the needs of your child and matching them with the most dynamic options available. A child who feels at home and confident primarily in his own world today, is the one who is going to have the confidence and the desire to take responsibility of the world inclusive of others, tomorrow.
Comments
Post a Comment