#129
A typical enquiry to our admissions department includes reference to the family moving (or possibly moving) to KL for work, the age of the child(ren) and a request for additional information regarding our school, fees, and the admissions process and, as pertinent, some personal information. In line with our school values, we implement practices to ensure a personalized and smooth process for all families from initial enquiry to enrollment and beyond. Thus each and every enquiry is dealt with individually in contrast with many schools which have a designated day of the week for school tours en masse.
Whether communication is via e-mail, face-to-face or, more recently, via Zoom, this individual approach means we are able to really get to know individual families. As a result, they get a palpable sense of our school and our values. This is, of course, a much easier proposition when doing on-campus tours (prior to the Covid-19 pandemic) and prospective families were able to see teaching and learning in action on campus.
During a recent online conversation with a friend, she asked me what advice I would have for families who are about to move overseas and especially if I was meeting them as they prepare for their first time going overseas. As contrary as this may sound, I recommend families to decide on the non-negotiables, yet be open to possibility.
For non-negotiables, be upfront and ask questions as part of the initial enquiry process. If you are looking for a religious school, a boarding school, or one that educates boys and girls separately, etc.,. do your research and narrow down your options to only those schools that meet your specific non-negotiable requirements.
As to possibilities, some families may be set on a particular education system based on personal experiences/knowledge (ie. British families wanting to pursue a British education as they perceive A Levels as the only pathway to universities). However, when learning more about schools, the IB Learner Profile, and seeing teaching and learning in action, they may - when learning that the IB Diploma Programme is recognized and accepted by universities around the world - change their perspective.
As both a parent and an educator, I perceive these points (not necessarily in order of priority) to be key for families considering schooling options:
Look at the school’s online information (website and social media channels) as well as ask, if possible, for informal information from colleagues already in the city to which you will be moving.
Think about the type of school you want in terms of system/curriculum (IPC, National Curriculum, IB PYP, IB MYP, IB DP, IB CP, A Levels, AP, National system?), school population (300-800 students? smaller? bigger?), year groups (an all encompassing campus or one with separate sites for the different divisions?), school location (walking distance? bussing? how long will the bus ride be?), think about the extras (specialist classes? World Language? host nation studies? after school activities, co-curricular activities?)
Ask about the profile of teachers in terms of teaching experience, level of education, experience with the curriculum/working overseas, annual turnover of faculty.
Consider the breakdown of nationalities. Do you want your child(ren) to be in a school where the host nation is the vast majority, a national school simply transplanted to another location, or in a truly international environment where students learn about different cultures formally in class and organically through social interaction with those from other countries and cultures?
Take the time - if you are able to visit the city to which you will be moving - to visit two or three schools. (Don’t cram in four schools a day over two or three days, especially if doing school tours with your children).
Schedule a school visit - ideally this should be during school hours, so you not only get to see school in session, but you get to visit classrooms, meet/speak with as many people as possible (teachers, admin, students, parents) and get a palpable sense of the school. Photos and videos on the website look great, but do not give you the tangible feel and personal connections. [If working for one of the large multinationals, they most often have a relocation agent who can, if necessary, help you and can schedule tours for your family prior to your arrival].
Keep uppermost in mind, as you take a tour of the school, these few questions: How does the school feel? Do I see my child(ren) not just in, but thriving in this school environment? Are students happy? Are teachers engaged, professional?
Be transparent when communicating with and when finally meeting with admissions. Do share concerns, learning differences and other pertinent information.
Consider which school is best for you and your family through the academic and social-emotional lens. Moving countries and joining a new school can be both exciting and can also cause students and families to feel nervous as they start to prepare for the move and subsequently familiarize themselves with the new country and learning environment. This is, of course, exacerbated during these current times of uncertainty.
Keep asking questions!
Good luck as you look for the right school for you and your family!
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