Getting a peek into the school grounds, meeting the teachers and students, experiencing each school’s culture – open houses provide opportunities for you and your child to choose a primary school most suitable for them. Here are some points to keep in mind as your child embarks on this exciting new chapter.
While attending the open houses for primary schools, consider the following pointers:
1. Your child’s strengths and interests
Talk to your child about what they like to do. Ask them to share about their preferred hobbies, be it playing sports, making music, creating art, or even gaming. Ask them what else they would like to try because primary school years offer new learning opportunities. Discuss what they like and dislike about their lessons and activities in kindergarten. Then, read up on and find out more about the primary schools that can provide your child with the opportunities to deepen their existing interests or explore new areas.
2. Distance between home and school
The daily journey to and from school is an important consideration. Think of the means of transport your child will be using. Regardless of the mode of transport, be it by car, school bus, or public transport, what is the fastest and safest way for them to commute to and from school? A long commute to and from school can have an impact of your child’s energy level and readiness for school experiences.
3. Culture of the school
Each school has its distinctive culture. By attending the open houses, you get a preview of what each school has to offer in terms of its programmes, facilities, values, teachers, and school culture. Take the opportunity to browse through the schools’ websites to learn more about them before you go.
When you are there, guide your child to participate in the activities to feel the pulse and energy of the school. Encourage your child to ask the students questions about what they enjoy most about their school life and observe if your child enjoys the interaction with the students there.
Visit SchoolFinder to start shortlisting your schools before you visit the open houses.
SchoolFinder is a comprehensive online directory of schools, developed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to help parents and students explore school options available at all education levels. If you need tips on how to make the most of SchoolFinder, click here.
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