"Wow!" your child says, as you pull up to the campus of the fancy new school. "This is going to be great!" Your heart sinks to your shoes as you realize that this is, in fact, not a good thing. Your child has no idea what he's gotten himself into—and neither do you. When it comes time for your child to start attending Independent Schools of New Zealand, you're probably thinking about all the amazing opportunities they'll have now that they're away from home and learning new things all day long.
Choosing a school
When you're ready to begin the process of choosing a school, there are several things you can do. First, visit as many schools as possible in person. This will give your child an opportunity to get a feel for each campus and talk with students and teachers about what they like about their school. It's also important that they know they can be honest with their parents about how they feel at each campus--no matter which one it is!
Once you've narrowed down the list of potential schools based on location, academics or other factors important to your family (such as religious affiliation), arrange visits so everyone can see them firsthand before making any final decisions. This way there won't be any surprises when it comes time for enrollment!
Admissions tests
Admissions tests are designed to assess a child's aptitude and ability. They are not designed to be a measure of intelligence, but rather to gauge your child's potential for learning in the school environment. The tests also look at social skills, such as how well they work with others, communicate their ideas and feelings, and cope with stress.
School visit day
When you visit the school, you will be able to:
- See the classrooms and meet some of the teachers.
- Speak with admissions staff and tour the facilities.
- Observe a class in session, if one is taking place during your visit.
Bring along items that demonstrate your child's interests and talents (e.g., art projects). Also bring any paperwork that may be required for enrollment (a copy of birth certificate, proof of residency).
Preparing for a new school
As your child begins to prepare for their new school, it's important to help them understand what they can expect. Here are some tips:
- Prepare your child for a new school. Explain that they will be meeting new people, taking different classes and learning about different subjects than they did at their previous school. It is also helpful to discuss what activities are offered at your chosen independent school so that when you arrive on campus, your child can participate in those activities as soon as possible!
- Preparate them for new teachers/classmates/activities by talking with them about these things ahead of time so they know what's coming up next year (and how excited you are).
