A secondary school is designed for students in grades 7-12 and prepares them for college and higher education. There are many secondary schools, such as public, private, and charter schools. The strengths and abilities of each child are different, but an IGCSE curriculum can help them achieve their full potential. To assist you in selecting a secondary school that is suitable for your child, here are some steps you can take.
Find out about your child’s strengths, interests, and learning style
Parents agonize over the best IGCSE secondary school for their children. With an overwhelming number of schools and programs to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. One factor that you should consider is your child’s strengths, interests, and learning styles.
Talk with your child about their interests and what they enjoy doing the most. Next, ask them what type of environment they learn best in – is it a more hands-on approach, or do they prefer traditional methods? Once you understand your child better, you can begin to narrow down your choices.
It’s essential to keep in mind that there is no “perfect” school. Every child will find something that suits them, whether it’s a large school with various extracurriculars or a smaller school with a more personalized approach.
School culture
When expat parents consider international school admission for their children, they often overlook the importance of school culture. Thinking about the school culture before selecting a secondary school is crucial. The wrong school can make your child feel like an outsider or cause them to act out to fit in.
The best way to learn about a school’s culture is to ask current and former students. They will be able to give you an honest opinion about what it is like to attend that particular school. You should also consider your child’s personality and how well they will adjust to the school’s culture.
If you are still unsure, attend an open house or schedule a tour to understand the school culture better.
Courses
It is essential to check the courses offered by an IGCSE secondary school before enrolling your child. The right program can help your son or daughter get into the college or university of their dreams, while the wrong one might limit their options and opportunities.
Core IGCSE subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Languages
- Social Sciences
- Creative Arts
Make sure to ask the school administration about course availability and requirements, so you can be sure that your child will be able to take the classes they need.
Location and Transportation
Singapore is a small country with limited space. The government has established a system of school zones to ensure that the schools are accessible to all students in the area. Before deciding on a secondary school for your child, check the location and transportation options to see if it suits your family.
The Education Ministry has also created an online School Finder tool that you can use to help you make your decision. The School Finder allows you to search for schools by name or keyword and filter your results based on the type of school, curriculum offered, and transport mode.
A few private schools also offer transport services, so it is worth checking out their websites.
School type
Choosing a school type is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child. Each type of school has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to research each option and decide which one best suits your family.
Government schools are usually free to attend. They typically have many students and offer a wide variety of subjects. However, they may not have as many specialized programs or smaller classes as other types of schools.
Government-aided schools are publicly funded but privately operated. They often have smaller class sizes and more specialized programs than government schools, but they can be more expensive than other types of schools.
Independent schools are privately funded and operated, meaning parents must pay tuition fees. However, Singapore citizens are eligible for scholarships and financial aid to assist with their educational expenses.
Maintenance of facilitiesÂ
Choosing an IGCSE secondary school for your child can be an arduous task. One crucial factor to consider is the condition of the school facilities. Poorly maintained facilities may indicate that the school is not well-funded or does not prioritize its students’ welfare.
Before selecting a secondary school, it is essential to check if the facilities are well-maintained. It will give you an idea of how well the school is managed and whether your child will be safe and comfortable at school.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when seeking admission to an international school in Singapore. First, parents and students should research different schools and programs to find the best fit for their needs. The admission process can be competitive, so it is vital to start early and submit all required documents on time. Secondary school in Singapore offers a world-class education with an IGCSE curriculum, and we encourage everyone to consider it an option.
