What Makes a Good School

Choosing a school for your children has become one of parents’ most important decisions, whether for preppies or high schoolers. Factors high on the list usually include curriculum, values, discipline and VCE results.

If  I had a preppie ready for school, this is what I would be looking for and asking about:

• A literacy program that teaches the names and sounds of the alphabet (phonics) and how they fit together to make words. (VERY important)
• Classrooms that are bright, stimulating, quiet and orderly
• Children’s work all over the noticeboards (as opposed to instructional posters that no-one reads)
• A visionary principal who is proud of his/her school and his staff
• User-friendly, plain English reporting

If I had a child entering high school, this would be my priority list:

·         Strong Discipline, including high standard of uniform

·         Good VCE results

·         Strong focus on academic subjects (English, Maths, Science, History, Geog, LOTE)

·         Good Arts programs (music, creative arts)

·         Good PE and sporting program

·         An emphasis on spiritual development (devotions/chapel) and a chaplain  on staff.

The rise and rise of private school enrolments of late has had a lot to do with parents moving their children to schools where they will be safe from bullies. Discipline is often the first priority of parents, with a caring environment a close second.

Here is a simple test to gauge the level of discipline in a school:

            Sit outside the school gate at 3:30 and watch the children leaving school. Are they wearing their full uniform, properly. Are the girls modest (thighs covered) and well-groomed, the boys clean cut?

Why is uniform so important?

It is a clear indication of who is in charge. If teachers believe in and enforce good dress standards, the result is uniformity, with no child standing out as different or special. If students decide the dress standards, they can be exceedingly cruel in the way they enforce their codes, giving bullies a free hit with any child who doesn’t fit in.

If you ask for a school tour by the principal, note carefully the features of the school of which he/she is most proud. What has the school spent a lot of money on, and why? These clues speak of its values and priorities.

Good schools prepare young people for future study or employment by focusing on learning and eliminating distractions. Parents who decide to invest in private education get the best value for money when they give the school their total support and make the journey a team effort. It can even make the journey very enjoyable for the child.