Markers of a quality school are many and varied, both in themselves and in relation to recognized best practices and international standards. Navigating them to gain insight into the quality of a school can be an overwhelming task, especially when the most important factor is finding a good match for your children. Quality Schools Independent Consultancy (QSIC) is here to help.
Whilst the global pandemic might have us imagine or assume that no-one is on the move anymore and there are fewer employees with families being assigned to overseas postings, data tells us that families are indeed still on the move. Some are migrating through their own endeavours, but many are being asked to relocate by their employers to destinations around the world.
Choosing a new school has never been more important, especially when the decisions may have to be made without being able to visit the school in person. Using the lists of school ratings or written guides to schools in your chosen destination can help, as can consulting the local online expat forum to hear the views of other parents in the area.
During all my years as a principal and head of school, parents who were considering re- assignment or having to relocate would ask me my views about schools in their new location. I would help to the best of my ability, but my ultimate advice was always to visit the school in person whenever possible to witness the school culture and climate. What should you be on the look-out for when you are touring a potential school? The school admissions team is key to this process: the impression they make is a lasting one according to scores of parents I have interviewed during accreditation visits. The quality of communications and transparency of admission and enrolment processes are always revelatory of a school’s culture. If one or more of your children have particular learning or social-emotional needs that demand individual support, it is especially helpful to see firsthand how the school admissions team respond to this. Who you meet or get to speak with also speaks volumes about a school. Who are you given access to? Is there an opportunity to speak with a variety of school and community members? Is the principal or head of school involved in any way? If so, how? And how can you maximize any time you are afforded with the senior leaders of the school? What can you learn from the students? From other parents? The questions you ask need to be carefully planned, and the responses you receive and the overt and subliminal messages you receive all need to be interpreted. And how do you adapt your approach if you are having to do your research and make your decisions online in the virtual environment? What indeed has the school done to facilitate an online inquiry, application, and admissions process that supports families in their decision-making?
High functioning schools establish, maintain, and constantly develop their methods of supporting prospective families to ensure there is an effective onboarding process and consistent follow-up over time. This support will be initiated by the admission team and enhanced by home-school partnership and parent relationship structures. A school that invests in this work is worth investing in as a family.
Beyond admissions, enrolment, and onboarding, there are many key factors to consider from the learner’s perspective. Considerations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion apply to the whole community. How diverse is the staff and the student body? How well does the school cater for individual student needs? What is being done to challenge all learners appropriately? How will you know? Is the curriculum appropriate and helpful for your family’s needs, now and in the event of future relocation? What is on offer beyond the curriculum? Will the range of complementary activities engage and develop your family members? How connected is the school with the local and global community? How do they develop the students as contributory and committed global citizens? And, last but definitely not least, how did the school respond and adapt during the pandemic and what do they have in place moving forward in terms of learning and well-being for all?
Quality Schools Independent Consultancy can provide you with reassuring guidance and essential insight as you navigate the process of finding the right school for your children. Carole has more than thirty-five years of experience as a teacher and leader, as well as school consultant and evaluator, in schools around the world. She has a unique understanding of what makes a quality school and knows what to look for in terms of securing the curricular and extra- curricular programmes, pedagogical approaches, and services that meet the individual interests and needs of your children. For more information or to arrange an individual consultation, contact: caroledenny@qualityschools.net
Quality Schools Independent Consultancy also offers counselling services for students and adults who are affected by an impending move and who may benefit from speaking with a trained counsellor who understands the challenges of transition and the demands of a new school. Contact Lin: linturley@qualityschools.net if you or a member of your family would welcome the opportunity to chat with a highly experienced counsellor before, during and/or after a move.
Lin also offers generic counselling services, unrelated to a physical relocation of home and school. If you are at any kind of transition point in your life, he is available to support you. Lin can also be engaged for short term contracts at individual schools. He has experience of this type of work both onsite and online. If you are looking for a short-term counsellor on site, and it is possible for him to come to you, he will. Or if you are unable to afford a full-time onsite counsellor in the short to medium term, speak to Lin about possible options to ensure vital ongoing social emotional support for your students and staff.