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more impressive and effective in person than their online presence suggests), you should get a sense of their leadership priorities, and whether the success and happiness of pupils is at the heart of every decision – big or small – they make. What you won’t necessarily get from a school video is that much-touted word: authenticity. Many schools use professional firms, which specialise in educational filming – and it shows. Clever editing and an inspiring soundtrack ensure that what you see is curated and slick: schools are quite definitely the best version of themselves. It’s a rare establishment that dares to go homemade, with a tour filmed by pupils or members of staff. The occasional unscripted pause, while the commentator waits for the camera operator to catch up, are things of the past. Brightly lit corridors, impressive design and technology rooms and well-resourced libraries may all feature. Scuffed corners, out-of-date display boards, old science labs or boarding house bedrooms that have yet to be refurbished almost certainly won’t. Admittedly, you may find that these less shiny aspects of a school remain off-limits even if you’re on site (pupils are often closely briefed before they’re let loose as tour guides), but at least you are more likely to be aware you’re missing out.
CAMBR IDGE EDUCAT ION GUIDE 65
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