Teach Middle East Magazine Jan - Mar 2022 Issue 2 Volume 9 | Page 10

Sharing Good Practice

SELECTING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD

BY : KYLE KNOTT
the school ’ s curriculum match your child ’ s interests and do they have opportunities for your child to pursue these ? We know students perform best when they are happy , motivated and engaged in their own learning . Students being able to pursue their own interests will certainly support these three factors .
Choosing a Curriculum
There are many curriculums on offer in the Middle East from all over the world . The curriculum you choose is likely to be based on your own experiences in education or the future aspirations for your child .
Going back to the first section of this article , what are your child ’ s needs and interests ? Which curriculum will offer you child the best chance of enjoyment and success ?

Selecting the right school for your child can be a daunting and pro-longed task , especially in a place where there are hundreds of schools offering curriculums from all over the world . The important thing to remember throughout this process is that there is no right or wrong answer . Each school may offer something for your child that another doesn ’ t but this does not necessarily mean one is better than the other . There are a few things you should consider when choosing the right school for your child .

Evaluating your Child ’ s Needs
The starting point for all parents should be to evaluate your child ’ s needs . Their needs will be dependent on their age , interests , learning needs and education to date . This should be a priority for all parents .
Does your child need a smaller , nurturing school like what we offer at Star International School Al Twar ? Or would they flourish in a larger school setting and have the skills to regulate their own learning along with greater independence ? Both environments can equally support different students in reaching their potential .
Does your child need additional learning support ? This can come at a cost to parents if the school does not have the human resources to meet the needs of your child .
Has your child missed a significant amount of education for whatever reason ? How can the school support you and your child in closing these gaps ? Does the school have the capacity to do so ? This could prove to be a barrier to success if not addressed adequately .
What does your child enjoy doing and what are their interests ? Does
The British curriculum we offer at SIS Al Twar is progressive and looks different across different phases . For example , students in the foundation stage engage in a rolling provision which follows their interests and needs . Throughout the primary phase , students follow a more structured curriculum which prepares them for life in secondary education . Students ’ secondary phase of education is largely geared towards students General Certificate of Secondary Education ( GCSE ) exams . This exams are the final exams students sit at the age of 16 before progressing onto post 16 education . They are standardized exams which students will normally sit across five to ten subjects , depending on their preferences and ability levels .
The American curriculum is also very popular amongst expats and nationals in the Middle East . The American curriculum , like the British curriculum , provides and international education which is deeply supported by Extracurricular Activities ( ECA ’ s ). Students ultimately work towards their SAT
10 Term 2 Jan - Mar 2022
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