choosing a school

**Pixie** · 08-01-2006 18:32

I am not to savy when it comes to choosing a primary school obviously lol so what are the things to look for and the things to look out for?

I am also wondering when do you have to seriously think about approaching your chosen school and putting your childs name down? I know of two people who put their kids down the same week they were born as the school was filling up

is this normal for Sydney?

I know I want a good academic record and a high standard of education eg a large range of subjects. hmm what else lol

**funfarrell** · 08-01-2006 19:30

I am a primary teacher and am asked this often. I always say to vsiit the school and get a feel for it. Is it bright and friendly? Is the playground fun? I believe that safety (emotional and physical) are the most important factors before academic performance. Speak to the principle and find out how they motivate children, celebrate success and what is their discipline policy. Do they have a strong anti-bullying policy? These are the things i place most importance on. If your child is happy and safe, i believe the rest will fall into place.

**Mummabear** · 08-01-2006 19:33

Hey Natalyia,

I've already got Oscar's name down at a couple of schools. I don't think you can start too early if you want a good school.

I looked for diversity in curriculum as we obviously don't know what he's going to be interested in. We've chosen schools with strong academic backgrounds, but also strong in agriculture, language, arts and sport. I think it's important to allow them the opportunity to become who they're meant to be. And I think that exposure is a key element in that.

I've also chosen schools that are R-12 schools so there is no disruption in a move to highschool as I think it's such a crucial time in their lives anyway, and changing schools can be rough (I had to do it several times, so I guess I'm a little more tainted regarding the idea).

If you're looking at separate Primary Schools and High Schools, make sure that you look at what High School you ultimately want as it can be very hard to get into your chosen High School if you haven't come from their 'feeder' Primary School (another reason why I chose R-12

).

It's all so daunting isn't it. And then there's the cost involved with private schooling too. But that's a whole other thread, lol.

**LilShenanigans** · 08-01-2006 19:50

I think the main thing I would look for, considering I'd like DD to go to the same state school I went to, is class room sizes.

I remember being in most classes that had 30-35 kids per one teacher, and watched a lot of students around me fall back because of lack of attention.

It's been organised lately though that classes are getting smaller, but I'd still check.
The curriculum is a good one, especially young.. kids want to know all they can and have little spongey minds that absorb it all so well - so not just classes with a bunch of sing-a-longs, drawing and naps!! (another of my schooling hates)

**Peaceangels** · 08-01-2006 20:46

Originally Posted by Devon_mouse

I am also wondering when do you have to seriously think about approaching your chosen school and putting your childs name down? I know of two people who put their kids down the same week they were born as the school was filling up

is this normal for Sydney?

Hey DM, in answer to this question, you only have to put your child's name down early for Private schools or Catholic schools.
If you like your local school, most will give preference to local's or people that live in the area (no waitlisting necessary).
If you want your child to go to a school that is not in your immediate area, then you may have to go on to a waitlist.

**Pixie** · 09-01-2006 05:00

FunFarrell thanks for that, never even thought about a anti bully policy or saftey

PromQueen I totally agree I see that this little person is exactly that and I want them to be exposed to as much variety as possible so they have the opportunity to go get it if that's what they want.

MumForOne I totally agree with that one, I think if say your kid is struggling in a huge classroom it could make things a lot harder for them to keep up.

Peaceangels, this is kinda what I thought and it is actually what we're looking into a private girls school, living where we do there is only a couple of options so we have to look that bit further makes things a bit harder as then we have to think about how will she get there, although it's so far away we could move in that time!

Thanks guys very, very helpful

**Manxie** · 09-01-2006 08:41

Hiya Devon Mouse

I just started looking at schools before christmas DD is now 5 months old. The reason I have started so early is that I want to keep all our options open and dont want her to miss out on going somewhere just because she hasnt been on the waiting list long enough and you just dont know what sort of school will suit them.

There have been some great suggestions here already. I would add that I want to know what their methods are for teaching reading, spelling etc as I have quite strong views on how I think these subjects are best taught, LOL!!

I am going to go on some tours around a few schools in the new year bearing in mind that this is biased to show the schools off in the best light.

I am also a big fan of spying

. One of the schools which is high on our list is just around the corner and I walk past regularly. I am getting a feel for what the children are like if they are polite etc. and also the parents! Also I can see what they get upto at playtime, are the teachers really supervising etc. In fact my waters broke lobbing a ball back over the school fence, LOL! I have also seen them being escorted to the local oval and wasnt too impressed by a couple of teachers way of speaking to the children so this is something I will discuss with the head when I see them.

Good luck!

I'd be interested to know if anyone knows of a good website/book etc where you can compare school results?

**Elfin** · 09-01-2006 08:50

It is such a huge decision. I personally think if you can ask as many people as you know about the school that is the best way to get an insight. Parents with children at the school provide the best unbiased assessment in my opinion.

There was a thread on this topic a little while back. Here is the link, you might find this useful too.

http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/f...ghlight=graeme

**Elfin** · 09-01-2006 12:08

Here is a good book that my friend gave me

Coping with School by Dr John Irvine. It is a really good read just before your child starts school.

**Kirstlea** · 18-01-2006 22:12

Please don't take offence at my opinion as that is all it is.

When I went to school my year (I am the oldest) was a fairly calm lot though there were the usuall trouble makers and layabouts. (I am now a successful self-employed business woman)

The following year was my brothers year and they were really laid back and didn't hear much about them. (he is still laid back)

The following year after was my sisters year and by golly were they trouble. Drinking, drugs, wagging school, back chatting, completely out of control. (she is a hugely successful career woman - way ahead of me and I am so proud of her)

The last following year was my youngest brothers year and they were so nice, polite and a pleasure to be around. (still nice, building his own business and succeeding)

Over this four year period, the teachers never changed only the children. The parenting never changed either in our family. So when you are looking at a school to send your child to how do you work it out.

My siblings and I all went to the same school and we were all a year apart, I had left school by the time my youngest brother got to high school but by then I had gotten to know some of the teachers on a social level (through theatre) and found out all the goss.

A school you might like now, may have completely changed its dynamics by the time your child is ready to start.

Personally I think this madness of waiting lists is a social disaster. God I can't even get my daughter into day care, family day care or anything for just one day. By the time something comes up she will be at school

Sorry I am also venting my disappointment at the system and please don't take this as an affront.

OK I have built a bridge and am now over it

Good luck with looking for schools I can't even begin to think where to start as we are torn between keeping her local (which is an old run down school) so she can have local friends to play with or sending her down the range 20 mins to the city to a more modern school with more to offer.

That is our dilema before we even look at the education side of things.

Feel free to throw comments at me I love other peoples opinions and do not get offended - I have a hide like a rhino I have been told.

I say good luck to those searching for a school I think we all need it.

Kirsten