5 minute read
How to prepare for School Open Day success
By Marion Cape
For many schools, Term 2 signals the start of open days and school tours for prospective 2024 enrolments. This means that families across Australia will be attending open day; and school tours in an effort to learn more about the school their child will attend or to further explore the educational opportunities available to them. While the questions families might ask on an open day will vary based on their personal needs and priorities, being prepared will ensure parents ask for the right information in an effort to set their child up for success.
To make the most of a school open day or campus tour, and to learn more about the school your child may potentially attend, here’s what you should keep in mind.
LEARN MORE THROUGH STUDENT CONVERSATION.
While an open day is a great opportunity to see the school campus and facilities, one of the best ways to learn about a school is to speak to a current student and their family. Teachers and staff are of course valuable sources of information, but only a student can offer an indepth and accurate perspective of what it’s like to attend and learn at the school. Speaking to a current student can reveal more about the teachers, classes, and the school’s curriculum and culture. Some schools offer tours given by students or make current students available on open days to speak with visiting families. Alternatively, reaching out to families in your own network who already attend the school can offer candid insight on what it’s like to be a member of the school community.
SLOW DOWN AND EXPLORE.
Open days are a great opportunity to explore a school’s grounds and immerse yourself in the environment where your child will spend a significant portion of their time. Take your time on the day to get the most out of the occasion and ask to see facilities that are important to you even if they’re not on the official tour route. Spend a little time in the library, perusing the titles on hand, visit the school canteen or snack bar, and take a walk through the school yards to see the outdoor spaces. By taking a slower approach, you’ll likely get more out of the day and be able to better compare schools later on if you’re visiting several schools.
THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK.
To get the most out of your school visit, preparation is key. Start by reviewing the school website, social media and any materials you might have received. You can usually find Annual Reports, Strategic Plans and Masterplanning on the school website, which provide critical information on the culture, vision and future direction of the school. Even a small amount of research will provide a better understanding of the school’s values and ethos, and will likely prompt further questions along the way. Of course, conversations and insightful questions will enable you to determine a school’s priorities around academics, wellbeing, extracurricular activities and how they support individual learning and needs. To help you get started, here are some questions to ask on the day:
What do you believe to be the school’s greatest strength?
How does the school support individual learning during a group lesson or activity?
What is the process and timelines for enrolment?
What language(s) are offered?
How does the school deal with challenging behaviour?
What does the school do to support student wellbeing and engagement, both on a community and an individual basis?
What extracurricular activities does the school offer? Do these activities occur during the school day or take place out of school hours?
What technology do parents need to provide for students at this school? Beyond school fees and uniforms (if required) what other events or activities should parents expect to pay for?
What transition/orientation programs does the school provide?
MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ARE BETTER THAN ONE.
If you’re visiting a number of schools, it can be helpful to initially narrow down your selection by completing school tours on your own as parents or guardians. This allows you to ask questions freely and at a deeper level. Once you’ve selected your preferred schools or a short list, consider bringing your child along to gain their perspective and thoughts. A school might seem like a good fit on paper, but offering your child the opportunity to experience the space in-person can confirm they too view it as a positive learning environment. It’s likely your child will notice different things to you, so this will give you an even greater outlook.
Open days and mornings are an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the school where your child will attend, learn and grow. By following these tips you’ll be well prepared for the day and one step further in selecting their future school and investment in their learning and care. You will know when you step foot on the campus which best fits your child. You’ll feel the magic in the classrooms, in the grounds, and you will know you are there.
Marion Cape is Director of Advancement at Strathcona Girls Grammar.
