CONNECTOR.AE 38 CONNECTOR.AE 39 Kids And Education Kids And Education So Which One Should You Pick? As a parent, after conducting thorough research and gaining a deep understanding of various curricula, it’s important to engage in open and meaningful conversations with your children. Take the time to understand their interests and be receptive to their choices. Adding to this, John Bell, Founding Principal Bloom World Academy, says, “Be open-minded, embrace the new and the different, explore what you don’t know, don’t necessarily follow what you did yourself. Overall, really consider the attributes and attitudes, as well as the learning. You want your child to develop and choose a curricula that really embraces this in a school that can deliver. In the end values, and quality of the school is much more important than the curriculum offered.” On this, Alison Roberts, Head of Marketing and Admissions at Swiss International School Dubai, says, “As long as kids have a good support network of teachers and pastoral support in place, it is okay to change the curricula after a few years. Additionally, schools are very good at providing parent information and advice on how best to support children in different curriculums.” Connector also reached out to Chanelle, a Grade 10 student, at Bloom World Academy, who switched from the British curriculum to the IB, and she said, “I feel that the IB has much more choice and the approach to learning is more progressive. For example, I love our transdisciplinary units. They give you the opportunity to see how different subjects connect and interact. IB also pushes me outside my comfort zone to take ownership of my learning.” Factors Parents Should Keep In Mind While Picking A Curriculum For Their Kids When choosing a curriculum, parents should consider factors like educational philosophy, children’s needs and learning style, future goals, available resources and support, cost, and long-term implications. Speaking about this in-depth, Jane Clewlow, Head of Senior School Brighton College Dubai, says, “The best curriculum for your child will depend on their unique needs and your educational goals. Do you plan for them to continue their education in a specific country or system? The chosen curriculum should align with those goals. Furthermore, parents must also assess the availability of resources and support materials for the chosen curriculum.” On decision-making, Jane Clewlow of Brighton College Dubai added, “It’s often a good idea to consult with educational experts or professionals to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, consider involving your child in the decision-making process to ensure they have a say in their education and feel motivated to learn.” Communicating openly with your child before making a switch is a must and highlighting its importance Emily Hopkinson, Head of Secondary, The English College, said, “Adaptation to a new curriculum can vary from child to child. However, children can transition successfully with support and the right mindset. Communicating openly with your child about the change and involving them in the decisionmaking process is essential. They need to recognise, understand and embrace the change. With time, effort and support, most children can adapt easily and quickly.” What If You Want To Change The Curriculum Later? After parents have chosen a curriculum, they often worry about whether changing it later will negatively affect their child’s educational progress.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU4NjA=