Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand August / September 2015 - Art & Education Issue | Page 21

Education D. AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES Are there any clubs, sports, or classes your child wants to begin or continue? From sports to music, from chess to ballet, there is a wide variety of extra curricular activities for further enrichment. It’s an added bonus if the school offers the classes or sports your child would enjoy. But it doesn’t need to be a deal breaker if a certain activity isn’t on offer. There might be classes, lessons, or even team sports available outside of the school for your child to join. E. OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS ACCREDITATION Not all international schools are of the same quality. Be sure that your shortlisted schools are accredited by one of the following third party organizations: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS), Worldwide Education Service (WES), or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). SPECIAL NEEDS If your child has special needs, selecting a school that can cater to him or her is of utmost importance. This should be a top priority for any student who requires an individualized education plan, and your list will probably be made short quickly if this is something you must consider. TECHNOLOGY Ask staff from prospective schools about the use of technology in the classroom. Are students using iPads and laptops throughout the day? What is your stance on the use of technology in schools? This tends to be a matter of opinion. Some parents believe the latest technology should be fully integrated with learning; others prefer a more oldfashioned approach. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately your final decision will depend on the unique situation and needs of your child and family. Before you begin the selection process, discuss educational and lifestyle values with your partner so that together you can prioritize and make a smart decision. Make an appointment to go on the tour of the school you’re interested in so you can ask pertinent questions and get a feel for the campus, teachers, and school as a whole. QUESTIONS Have questions about international schools in Thailand? Submit your queries to [email protected] and we will try to crowd source some answers for you. Your question might even be featured in the Education section of Wanderlust Magazine! PLAY & LEARN At Shrewsbury Playgroup Shrewsbury Playgroup provides a fun introduction to Active Learning for pre-school children. Enjoy playing together, exploring our resources and making new friends in a specialised Early Years environment. Wednesday during school term from 1.15 pm. – 3.15 pm. (except every second Wednesday of the month). For children age 1 - 3 years. Price 300 Baht per child (Bambi member 200 Baht per child). Please register in advance by calling Susan Low on 02 675 1888 ext. 1404 or see www.shrewsbury.ac.th WWW.WANDERLUSTMAG.COMWANDERLUST  21 Shuttle boat service available from Sathorn Pier (connecting with BTS Saphan Taksin). * All children must be accompanied by a parent (no nannies please).