WHICH TYPE OF SCHOOL SHOULD I CHOOSE?
How much can I afford?
The range of school fees varies, but low fees do not automatically mean poor quality. GEMS schools offer different fee ranges for schools depending on the range of facilities offered. Irrespective of the fees, the quality of teaching, leadership and management are of the highest standard in all GEMS managed schools.
Which curriculum should my child study?
In many countries, a number of curriculums other than the national curriculum are also available. The curriculums of fourteen countries are represented here in Dubai. The most popular are: National Curriculum for England leading to IGCSE and GCE AS and A-levels, a US High School Curriculum- leading on to the High School Diploma or the International Baccalaureate. In India and the GCC region, the Indian curriculum leading to either the CBSE or the CISCE or Kerala State Board examinations are also popular. All of these are available in GEMS managed schools. The choice will normally be based on which curriculum your child has previously studied. If your child has not previously been to school then you should consider where your family is likely to live in the future before choosing a curriculum. You will want continuity of education for your child and choosing a curriculum that is universally available as you move from place to place might be advantageous.
What age range should the school offer?
GEMS managed schools believe that as far as possible children should have continuity of education and this is facilitated by the provision of all through schools for students from age 3 to age 18. In the United Kingdom and many Western countries children attend separate primary and secondary schools.
What are the school’s values?
It is important that the values of the school and those of the home are not in conflict. You must ask what the school does about providing a value based education; are the schools values taught through everything the school does, as with GEMS schools? You should feel comfortable, reassured and able to be fully supportive of the values the school inculcates in its students.
Does the school provide a balanced education?
For example, does it integrate academics, sports, performance arts and community spirit?
Will the school teach my child to be caring, courteous, respectful yet confident and having self-respect?
What extra-curricular activities ( co-curricular activities) does the school offer?
It is important that your child’s education is enriched by the provision of a wide range of after school activities. Do they match with your child’s interests? Do they cost extra and if so can you afford them? If there are no such activities available that interest your child what can the school suggest? GEMS schools provide a very wide range of extra-curricular activities and these are seen as an integral part of every child’s all round education.
Am I made welcome and comfortable when I contact the school?
Sometimes, first impressions are the best indicators of what a school is like. Observe how you are treated when you place a call to the school. Are you greeted with a friendly voice that puts you in touch with the person you need to speak with? If you are put on hold, how long do you have to wait for someone to get back to you? Is it difficult to get the Principal or another administrator to take your call? Your phone experience may be an indication of future ease or difficulty in communicating with the school.
When I visit the school am I treated with courtesy and respect?
How secure is the school?
Ask about the school's policy on visitors. How easy is it to gain access to the campus? Is everyone required to sign in? Are school officials aware of everyone who is on school grounds? Also ask about the school's policy on parental visits to the school.
How will my child get to school?
Are there convenient travel routes located near the school? Do bus routes operate at regular intervals?
Is the Principal, approachable, presentable, knowledgeable and willing to help?
A good school will be very happy to welcome parents and the Principal will arrange for staff to show parents around and to answer queries. Telephone to make an appointment so that adequate time can be allocated by staff.
Are its teachers well qualified, experienced, approachable, presentable, knowledgeable and willing to help?
All teachers need to have adequate training to teach children. This normally includes training in the subjects they are going to teach and training in the teaching methods to be used to ensure pupils learn well. All GEMS teachers are qualified in this way and are kept up to date by attendance at regular training courses. Teachers should dress in a manner appropriate to the society in which they live and work. They demonstrate in the way they dress and behave that they will be good role models for your child. All GEMS teachers are trained to be courteous and helpful, and are smartly dressed.
What do other people say about the school?
Is the school well known? Does it have a good reputation?
Is it recognized?
In England the Department for Education and Skills will inspect schools to ensure a certain standard of education and facilities are provided; the DFES provides official recognition that schools meet legal requirements.
In the UAE all schools are inspected by the Ministry of Education and the school owners/mangers must meet fairly rigorous standards for the school’s facilities, its teachers, and the way in which it registers its students.
How will I be kept informed about my child’s progress and school events?
Are parents kept informed of their child's progress? Are they made aware of their child's achievements and successes?
What does the school do for parents?
Regardless of the decision you make in selecting your child's school, researchers have identified one constant factor in students who do well in school. The success of a student is closely linked to the level of involvement of the student's parent in his/her education. You may choose the best school money can buy but if you do not stay connected with teachers and your child, he/she will not gain the full benefit of your decision.
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