Picking a school for your child is one of the most tasking decisions to make as parents, and with just a few weeks to the start of the new academic year, making a last-minute school choice can be even more stressful.
Parents that are looking to change schools or have just moved to the country and are in search of a new school are currently faced with the difficult task of finding an all-around school with the right academic curriculum, as well as extra-curricular suited for their child.
To help make the process easier, Connector in conversation with teachers from schools across the UAE, has come up with some tips to find the right school for your child when time is of the essence.
The first thing to do when looking for a school is to do your research in advance. Based on what your child requires, be it flexible timings or a more focus on their creative side, the right school will help hone all their talents.
Abigail Fishbourne, Director of Learning at International Schools Partnership, which operate Nibras International School and The Aquila School in Dubai and Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School in Abu Dhabi, advised that some schools prioritise academics while other's well-being and, based on the environment your child thrives in, will help narrow the list of schools to visit.
As children spend half of their day at school, finding the right fit where they can grow and develop is vital.
The next step in looking for the right school is to visit the school. Robert Ellis, Principal at Emirates International School Jumeirah said that visiting schools makes it easier to assess the school environment and determine if the school is the right choice.
Visiting the school assures parents that the school is right for their child based on their requirements.
Mark Ford, Principal at The English College Dubai, mentioned that meeting the principal and teachers during open days is a great way to get a lot of insight into how the school operates.
When visiting, here are some things to keep in mind and to enquire about to help find the right fit, as it is always difficult to remember all the requirements.
- Communication policy: Parents should easily communicate with the school and raise questions or concerns when not satisfied, as Mark Atkins, Principal at Durham School Dubai mentioned. As parents know their children the best and get involved in their school life, the school staff need to be able to take care of the concerns of the parents as well as help them through their issues with ease.
- School facilities: Mark Ford, Principal at The English College Dubai, said it is important to see whether the facilities work with your child. Schools are a great place for learning new skills and life lessons that can be used throughout their life. Once learnt, activities like sports, art and swimming are retained for life; it is important to note if the school invests in the upkeep of their facilities.
- Support provided: Abigail Fishbourne, Director of Learning at International Schools Partnership said that a school should provide a child with all the development tools they need. Schools can be a fruitful and stressful environment for children, and in some situations where the stress gets too much, support needs to be provided from the school, academically, socially and emotionally, to help them overcome any hardships at school.
- Leadership opportunities: Janice Butterworth, Director of Learning at Citizens School Dubai said that leadership is one of the most essential steps to independence and should be taught at a younger age. Some children are natural leaders, whereas others need a little push in the right direction to get to the right level and schools are a great way to impart leadership skills to students. As it is the most commonly used skill in a workplace, adding leadership roles to activities and academics helps them prepare for the real world.
- Innovations to the curriculum: As the world continues to grow, it is important for schools to continue on the same trajectory and constantly update their curriculum to teach students to get an all-around education, as mentioned by Robert Ellis, Principal at Emirates International School Jumeirah. We are currently living in a digital world where technology has been implemented into most of our daily routines and as it advances, it is key to stay on track. Schools teaching children about the advances in the world and incorporating them into their curriculum will help them be better prepared to understand the things happening around them.
- School community: A good community for a child to grow and develop in is important as your child should feel free to express themselves with ease advised by Mark Ford, Principal at The English College Dubai. When children are put in an environment where they feel safe, understood and accepted, it gives them the space to express themselves wholeheartedly and learn and be more receptive to others around them. If the school community is kind and helpful, it can help children stay connected with one another and make meaningful bonds.
- School values: Abigail Fishbourne, Director of Learning at International Schools Partnership, said that inclusive schools that celebrate effort, as well as unique talents, help children to develop in all aspects rather than just academically. Each child develops at a different pace and schools that help a child develop in all aspects are better as they will help the child in the long run and in their overall development.
- Bullying management: Mark Atkins, Principal at Durham School Dubai, said that asking the principal about bullying is important as ensuring your child's safety at school. Bullying is a very difficult experience for a child to go through and schools that have good protocols in place to help support the child and deal with the situation are key.
- Induction programmes: Induction programmes are held to help children get used to going back to school and include activities like getting to know their peers, introducing teachers and more. Robert Ellis, Principal at Emirates International School Jumeirah said that starting at a new school is extremely daunting for children and schools should provide induction programmes during the first few weeks of the school year to ensure their happiness.
- Encouraging risks in the post-pandemic world: Many children had to undergo the unprecedented times of the pandemic and even though we are in the recovery phase, the pandemic taught everyone to take risks. As we all learn through mistakes, schools that give children the ability to make mistakes and learn from them help them thrive and learn more through first-hand experience. Janice Butterworth, Director of Learning at Citizens School Dubai advised that in this ever-changing world, schools should provide children with the ability to adjust to new changes as well as encourage them to face changes with determination and strength.
For parents that do not have time to visit the school, all schools have websites as well as a social media presence that helps you stay updated on all the activities, events and happenings at the school.
Additionally, virtual tours are also available at some schools to get a glimpse of the school and its facilities from the comfort of your home.
Parents can also use online groups on social media and contact the school to get all the information they require before making a decision.
Additionally, it is important to know that some schools have waiting lists and it is better to continue looking at a number of schools and always have a backup school ready.
Parents should give their children time to adjust to the new school environment and if the school is still not a right fit, Mark Atkins, Principal at Durham School Dubai, said there are plenty of schools to choose from in Dubai that will help unlock your child's potential.
Janice Butterworth, Director of Learning at Citizens School Dubai, added that as many families move to and leave Dubai, the application process constantly changes.
If you are choosing a school for your child on short notice, do not worry, as there are many ways to find the right fit.
When on the lookout for schools, using these tips with careful consideration can help reduce stress and worry and ensure your child finds a great school to be a part of.