Choosing the right school
Consider location, costs, your own personal preferences and your child’s needs when choosing a school.
Choosing a school for your child whether pre-, primary or high school is one of the most time-consuming decisions you will need to make as a parent. Some schools have a better reputation than others and not every school is a good fit for every child.
Parents are often concerned that they cannot afford to send their child to the ‘best’ school in the area. Every school has strengths and weaknesses. Make an informed choice and believe that you are doing the best for your child.
First things to consider
- Location
Unless you are considering a boarding option, the school you choose needs to be within a relatively comfortable distance from your home in order to facilitate easy transport. Consider where you live, how far your work commute is and the location of your place of work. The further the school is, the earlier your child will have to get up in the mornings. Also consider traffic in the area and how your child will get home in the afternoons. - Costs
For most parents, the financial aspect of schooling is likely to be a major factor in where your child attends school. The cost of school fees in South Africa differs vastly across the cost spectrum from no-fee schools to high-priced private education. If you aren’t sure what you can afford on a monthly basis, work out a current budget and see how much can be allocated to education. Think about the future. If your eldest child is going into Grade R or 1, it may be comfortable to afford higher costs now, but what about upcoming siblings in one, two or three years’ time? - Personal preferences and your child’s needs
Are there specific aspects of school life that are non-negotiable on your wish list? For example, does the school offer the particular sport you want your child to play? Is there a cultural programme on offer?Consider aspects of the day-to-day running of the school. What discipline methods are used? How does this fit in with your values? Consider any special needs your child may have and if the school will be able to address these? Consider your child’s personality. Would he or she benefit from smaller classes or an environment with more or less structure? What preferences or dislikes does your child have? Where are his or her friends going? Should you take this into account?
Types of schools
Government or public schools are funded fully or partially by the government, depending on the school. Parents may apply for exception from paying school fees but certain regulations do apply. The school is run by a principal and governing body, elected by the parents. Schooling runs from Grade R through to Grade 12. The current curriculum is the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Grade 12 learners write a final Matriculation examination to obtain their National Senior Certificate.
Private schools are those schools that fit under the ‘independent schools’ section of the South African Schools Act (SASA of 1996). The school is an independent body that is funded through school fees paid by parents. Class sizes are often much smaller than those in public schools. Independent schools may be set up for a specific community or religion, but may not discriminate on the basis of race. Curriculums differ according to the school. For example, Montessori, Christian-based, Waldorf or Cambridge. Most (but not all) private schools offer Independent Examinations Board (IEB) examinations for the Matric qualification.
Online schools are virtual class rooms that learners attend from the comfort of their home. They are taught over the Internet by qualified teachers. Leaners are able to connect with peers in other parts of the country and even around the world. Several programmes are now available in South Africa.
Remedial or special needs schools cater for the e+ducational needs of children who require a different approach to education or more personalised attention due to physical, mental, emotional or learning disabilities. These programmes allow the child to reach his or her full potential.
Action plan
Step 1
Do research on the schools in your chosen location. Consider any preferences for public, private, special needs, religious or community education.
Step 2
Make a short-list of five to eight schools. Pick up a prospectus at the school and/or visit their open days. These usually take place between February and May. Take your child with you so that he or she can get a feel for the school, particularly important for a child going into Grade 8. Get information on the school’s application process and when applications must be handed in – usually around April or May for the following school year.
Step 3
Consider the merits of each school. What resources are offered? Is there a library, computer centre and sporting facilities? What curriculum is offered? How big are the classes? Do you need onsite aftercare and if yes, do they offer it? Are the school fees, costs of uniforms, textbooks and stationery within your budget? Drill down your list to obtain a list of three to five preferred schools.
Step 4
Where possible, try to connect with parents in these schools. You can do this on an open day or at sporting events. Ask questions about the curriculum, principal, class sizes and discipline methods. Speak to a number of different parents. Everyone has a different viewpoint, with different perspectives. Get as much information as you can from a variety of sources.
Step 5
Fill out your application and submit it by the deadline date.
Homeschooling
If you can’t settle on a school for your children, you may consider homeschooling. Homeschooling was legalised in South Africa in 1996. Through homeschooling you can focus on your child and his or her particular strengths and weakness. Some parents teach their children themselves, while others hire a qualified teacher to conduct classes at home. Many parents who homeschool believe that education is not just about academics but rather preparing a child for life by helping them develop talents, abilities and skills they can use in the real world. Many homeschoolers also take part in extra curricular activities to get exposure to sports, culture activities and peers within their age group.
Important
You must apply to the Department of Education in your province and register your child for Home Education. There are a number of curriculums you can choose to follow. You must keep a record of your child’s assistance, portfolio of work and assessments.
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