Future-proof kids: How to choose the right school for your child

SOMETIMES culture beats NAPLAN results when it comes to choosing a school. Sydney’s top teachers share their advice as part of a special NewsLocal education series.

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It’s interesting to attend events where there are parents with young children because the question most often asked of them is “where are you sending your child to school?

”It is one of the most important decisions parents make because so much depends on the quality, of schooling children receive particularly in the early years.

So how do you choose the best school for your child when they all operate within the same hours across the same number of days and basically follow the same curriculum?

I believe that what distinguishes one school from another is not NAPLAN results or uniforms but culture.

A positive school culture is seen, heard and felt by every member of the community.

It’s the attitude, behaviours and mindsets of the school community beyond what is seen on the school’s outdoor sign or in its glossy brochures. A positive school culture is seen, heard and felt, not only by every member of the school community but also by visitors to the school. So what do parents need to be looking for?

The first thing is the school’s relentless focus on improving the quality of learning and teaching. Learning needs to be valued and visible across the school. Do the principal and teachers see themselves as learners? How is professional learning built into the daily work of teachers and what opportunities are there for teachers to plan and learn together?

How is the school using data to help them make the right decisions about learning and teaching? Does the school have a strong partnership with parents and recognise their role as teachers too?

Secondly, parents need to feel confident that the school acknowledges every child as capable of growth and success, academically and socially.

Greg Whitby is the executive director of schools at the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.

We know that the transition from preschool to kindergarten is enhanced when the school sees each child as a capable and resourceful learner.

A positive school culture is where there are regular opportunities to celebrate the achievements of every learner, not just those who excel academically. In this environment, the voice of students is also valued.

Thirdly, a good school recognises that it is part of a broader community and is actively engaging with it.

Good schools maintain positive relationships with all parents and carers through regular communications and opportunities to participate in the life of the school beyond helping out at the canteen and fundraising. How are parents from non-English speaking backgrounds included and valued? It is also about establishing partnerships with community groups and industries to create exciting new learning opportunities for the students.

Choosing a school isn’t like choosing a new family car. You don’t have the opportunity to test drive before you sign on the dotted line unless you have older children at the school.

Schooling is a lived experience and the experience for each child will be different. Ultimately, go with the school that you feel is the best fit for your child and his or her needs.
● Greg Whitby is executive director of schools at the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta