There are many things to consider when looking for a new school for your child. You probably want the best education you can afford, and for your child to be part of a school where they are valued as an individual and are able to grow academically, mentally, emotionally and physically.
Among the important criteria one should consider are:
– the type of curriculum
– the qualifications and experience of the teaching staff
– the extracurricular activities offered
Let’s take a look at each of these criteria individually, to enable you to make the best, most informed decision for your family, and to choose a Thailand Bangkok International School where your child will be happy and will learn to the best of their ability.
- Type of curriculum – this is often affected by the country the school is affiliated with. For example, an American school will usually offer an American curriculum, a British school a British curriculum, and so on. Although there are many, many similarities between British and American curricula, there are some notable differences. In English Language Arts classes, for example, an American international school may teach unit texts that are written by an American author for an American audience. If your child has shown an interest in studying in an American university, choosing an American curriculum could be a good start.
- Teaching staff – the heart of any school, its teachers are the most important part of any school. Around the world there are very strict standards that teachers must demonstrate before they can achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Whether it’s in America, the UK, Singapore or any other English-speaking country, fully qualified teachers have met the strict criteria required to become qualified teachers. You should always enquire as to the qualifications of the teachers at any potential school, as some schools will employ unqualified teachers to save on their wage bill. Experience is everything in teaching, so unqualified teachers aren’t necessarily bad teachers, but if you’re considering paying the often very high course fees that some international schools demand, you want both experienced and professionally qualified teachers working with your child.
- Extracurricular activities – this is an important part of a school’s selling point as it shows their dedication to educating the whole child.
ECA classes can include:
- Sports
- Languages
- Music
- Art
- Life skills
- Creative writing
Make sure you visit a number of schools and talk to your child’s potential teachers before making any financial commitment.