EDUCATION EDITION
Step Inside As schools prepare to open their doors to prospective students, Charlotte Phillips speaks to leading local educators on maximising your open day experience S pring may be the traditional time for deep cleaning your new schools. As the latest school year gets underway, local families might find themselves caught up in spreadsheet fever as they deliberate the fine details of prospective school exam results, leavers’ destinations or sporting successes to work out which ones tick all their boxes. It can all feel overwhelming, and it won’t be a one-time event either. Secure a spot for your child in a first-rate nursery or reception class, and you’ll likely face the same soul-searching again when the senior school or sixth form decision time looms. While nothing can completely banish the parental stress and industrial levels of pencil-chewing (or, these days, spreadsheet finessing), schools go out of their way to ensure all the information – down to the most minute details – is easier to access online than ever before. Even so, physical open days and home. Autumn, however, is the season for investigating potential events provide an unmissable opportunity to experience a school in real life – adding a new dimension to everything you thought you knew or felt about a school. Making the most of the process is all down to careful planning at every stage. The starting point for parents involves being clear-sighted about the basics and,
about whether or not your child would thrive within this environment,” mentions Claire Ziwa. It’s a perspective shared by David Hewlett, head of junior school at the Stephen Perse Foundation. “Listen to what your current school says about your child’s ability,” he stresses. “The testing process is there to get an honest and true picture of the child in a certain bracket.” If it’s not right, he notes, “it won’t be a pastoral fit; they are not going to be a happy learner and, ultimately, it’s not a good move.” Every child is different, confirms Rosie White, head of admissions at Kimbolton School. “They have their own set of talents, interests and personality traits,” she explains. “Some children thrive in highly structured environments, while others need more freedom to explore their interests. Dedicate time to reflect on your child’s strengths and areas for growth. Are they academically driven, creatively inclined or perhaps a natural leader in
most fundamentally, having a clear sense of what the right fit for their own child might look like. “You have to be realistic about the type of child you have and what they’re interested in – do they love sport, science or languages?” notes Claire Ziwa, director of communications at The Perse School. While teaching quality and academic results are crucial, it should be a given, according to Dr Paddy Wallace, deputy head of academic at St Mary’s School. He emphasises the importance of looking beyond top grades and fantastic- sounding opportunities to assess the overall educational experience. “What is the school doing to totally educate the child?” he asks. “That’s something you can gauge during open days.” It’s all about authenticity and how the school’s practices fit in with its vision, mission and ethos. Where a school is academically selective, it’s important to factor this in as well. “You have to ask honest questions
MOVING UP St Mary’s (above) and Stephen Perse Cambridge (top right) promote holistic growth
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK OCTOBER 2024 59
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