How to choose the right school for your child?
As a parent, we worry about our children. We worry about their health, their likes, dislikes, and their growth. If there’s something that’s making them uncomfortable we work hard to make them happy and if they are happy, we strive for more happiness to come their way. The list is endless but the one thing that can always help us navigate the journey of parenthood easier is direct communication with our children. Thinking of children as capable, thinking minds is the first step that puts ease to a worried parent who is maybe trying to find the best schooling for them. Wondering how? To find the best school for your child, the approach has to be not from the point of view of a parent but rather from the point of view of their children. We all know that education these days is not just limited to academic excellence. It is the holistic education that plays an important role in developing both their minds & personality. Now this is the umbrella thought under which there are many reasons that, as parents, are equally important in determining the best school there is for your child. Let us deep dive into them one by one: EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHYExamine the school’s curriculum and educational philosophy to ensure they align with your values and expectations. Some schools follow national boards like CBSE or ICSE and others adhere to international curriculum like IB or Cambridge. Some prefer the latter over the former, because the British curriculum focuses more on holistic development including arts and academics, both. Understanding the teaching methods and philosophies will help you gauge if the school’s approach resonates with your child’s learning style. ACCREDITATION Check if the school is accredited by the relevant educational authorities. Cambridge Accredited Schools, for example, follow a standardised and recognized curriculum. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain educational standards. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Evaluate the school’s track record in academic achievements. Check for the availability of Cambridge As and A Level courses for 11th and 12th grade students. These courses are crucial for college admissions. A school with a focus on academic excellence is more likely to provide a rigorous and challenging curriculum, preparing your child for future educational endeavours. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESBeyond academics, extracurricular activities are vital for a child’s overall development. Consider schools that offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, music, and clubs. These activities can help nurture your child’s talents and interests outside the academic realm. If your child has a particular interest in subjects like Art & Design, look for IGCSE schools in Bangalore that offer these programs. INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIESA school’s infrastructure plays a crucial role in providing a conducive learning environment. Look for schools with well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, sports facilities, and other amenities. A school with modern infrastructure can enhance your child’s overall learning experience and make it all the more enriching for their future career options. QUALITY OF TEACHERS The competency of the teaching staff is a critical factor in a child’s education. Research the qualifications and experience of the teachers in the school. Experienced and well-qualified educators contribute significantly to a child’s academic and personal development. SAFETY MEASURES Ensuring the safety and security of your child should be a top priority. Inquire about the school’s security measures, including the presence of trained staff, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans. A secure environment fosters a sense of well-being for both parents and students. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENTConsider the level of parental involvement encouraged by the school. Some schools may actively engage parents in the educational process, while others have a more hands-off approach. Do go for the approach that suits your parenting style. Selecting the ideal school for your child in Bangalore involves a thoughtful examination of multiple points, each playing a pivotal role in shaping their educational journey. The city’s vibrant educational landscape offers an array of choices, as discussed, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of factors such as proximity, curriculum, infrastructure, teacher quality, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, school reputation, safety measures, and parental involvement. Striking a balance between these elements ensures a nurturing environment that not only fosters academic achievement but also encourages holistic development. As parents, the decision to choose a school is an investment in your child’s future, laying the foundation for a well-rounded education that empowers them for a lifetime of success and fulfilment. Through this evaluation, you will pave the way for an educational journey that aligns seamlessly with you & your child’s unique needs.
Why do we need Empathy?
In our ever-changing and interconnected world, empathy stands as an invaluable quality, a skill that transcends virtue and should be cultivated in the hearts and minds of all children. As childhood is the building block of their lifelong journey, the responsibility to inculcate empathy falls on you, the parents, and the schools where the rest of their growth happens. As parents, we know you do everything possible and as schools, they do everything they can. Now to understand how a school can contribute to this aspect of your child, let’s first understand the meaning of empathy. Why do we need Empathy? Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others which serves as a fundamental building block for human relationships. It goes beyond compassion as it is a skill that prepares children to navigate the complexities of a diverse society. As parents, wanting this quality to be imbibed from their formative years is a good thought. Let’s understand why your gut feeling is right and why it should be taught to your children. Enhanced Relationships Empathy enhances the capacity to form and maintain healthy relationships by enabling children to understand and respond to the needs and emotions of their peers contributing to a more positive social environment. Conflict Resolution The role of empathy in conflict resolution is pivotal. Students who empathize with others are more likely to find common ground and compromise, avoiding the escalation of disputes. Effective Communication Empathetic individuals emerge as better communicators. Active listening is a skill that children develop through empathy. This understanding can be invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. Reduced Bullying and Harassment When children understand and empathize with the feelings of their peers, instances of harmful behavior decrease, creating a safer and more inclusive school environment. Cultural Sensitivity In our globally connected world, cultural sensitivity is essential. Empathy allows children to appreciate and respect different cultures and perspectives, creating a more inclusive society. Global Citizenship Empathy transcends borders, nurturing a sense of global citizenship. Teaching empathy to students instills in them a greater inclination to care about and engage with issues affecting humanity worldwide. The incorporation of empathy into any school curriculum is a dynamic process that involves both modeling and active engagement. Model Empathetic Behavior Children learn by example, and by setting a standard of empathy, educators contribute to a positive and compassionate school culture. Empathy Exercises Empathy-building exercises such as role-playing, perspective-taking, and storytelling enable students to step into others’ shoes, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Literature and Media Classroom discussions on books, films, and other media featuring diverse characters explore empathy-related themes and motivations of characters that broaden their worldview. Class Discussions Engaging children in open and respectful discussions about real-world issues, and emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives and experiences is another way. Community Service Encouraging students to participate in volunteer work and community service projects gives them a firsthand experience of the challenges faced by others. Conflict Resolution Training Incorporating conflict resolution techniques empowers students to navigate conflicts peacefully, both in their academic and personal lives. As a parent, your emphasis on teaching empathy is correct. Empathy is not merely an option in education, it is a necessity that equips students with the skills and values needed to create a more compassionate and inclusive world. By instilling empathy in your children, schools sow the seeds for a future generation that not only excels academically but also embraces compassion, understanding, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. In doing so, schools shape individuals who will contribute positively to society and leave a mark on the world. Empower your child’s future with the world-renowned Cambridge Curriculum at Oasis International School where they unlock a world of opportunities & gain academic intelligence. Choose the path to success, and enroll with Oasis International School today! Visit the website to have a peek into the lives of our students.
Why the Cambridge Curriculum?
In the heart of Bangalore, where the choices for your children’s education seem endless, as parents, you often find yourselves at a crossroads, contemplating the best path for your children’s academic journey from preschool to higher studies. The schools in Bangalore city offer a wide variety of curriculums, including the IB, ICSE, and CBSE, each offering unique approaches to education. Navigating through these options requires careful consideration of factors such as teaching methods, extracurricular activities, and the school’s overall philosophy, making the decision-making process a thoughtful one. Now before we go further, there are some basic things that as a parent, you will look for in a school curriculum. Those things not only impart knowledge but also creates an environment that nurtures creativity and provides the freedom for children to express themselves through art. And the Cambridge curriculum has the power to integrate these essential elements into a structured framework tailored to the evolving needs of growing children. Now let’s see what the Cambridge curriculum has to offer and whether that aligns with your vision or not. Among the myriad options available in the International schools of Bangalore, Cambridge Curriculum stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and a gateway to global success and personal growth. Let’s delve into the reasons why choosing a Cambridge Curriculum for your children can be a transformative decision especially if you are seeking a world-class education for your children in Bangalore. LOVED BY PARENTS ALL OVER THE WORLD The Cambridge Cambridge Curriculum, established in 1988, stands as a globally recognized educational powerhouse that seamlessly blends academic work with emotional resonance. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the ability to adapt to different educational environments and cultures is a valuable skill. The Cambridge Curriculum, with its global perspective spread across 160 countries and over 3700 schools, prepares children to thrive in diverse academic settings and professional landscapes. The curriculum is able to provide the solace to every parent, that your child’s unique strengths are brought to the surface along with providing emotional reassurance & academic growth. This curriculum is an investment in your children’s intellectual and emotional wealth, shaping them for a future that goes beyond the confines of the classroom. UNLOCKING YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL Holistic development of your child is just as important to the Cambridge Curriculum as it is to you. It’s not just about grades; it’s about shaping individuals who can navigate life’s challenges with creativity and resilience. Students are nurtured not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and ethically. It pushes them to develop critical thinking skills, encouraging students to analyse, evaluate, and solve problems independently. The inclusion of subjects like English literature, history, and geography provides a well-rounded education that instills a deep understanding of the world. As a result, you see your children become well-informed and articulate individuals. KEY STAGES FOR DEVELOPING THE RIGHT SKILLS The Cambridge Cambridge curriculum unfolds as a carefully crafted narrative, structured into distinct ‘Key Stages’ that offer clarity and emotional resonance for parents. From the tender Early Years phase for ages two to five, the journey advances through the transformative Key Stage 1 (KS1) from ages 5 to 7, followed by Key Stage 2 from ages 7 to 11 in primary school. Secondary stages come to life with KS3 and KS4 for ages 11–14 and 14–16, respectively, marking the culmination of primary Key Stages. For those aspiring to college, the pre-university KS5 beckons, a pivotal phase from 16 to 18. Each key stage age becomes a tangible reflection of your children’s growth, with assessments at their conclusion serving as emotional milestones, encapsulating the strides they’ve made both academically and emotionally. The curriculum marks the chapters of their educational and emotional development with clarity and significance. MELTING CREATIVITY WITH KNOWLEDGEEducation is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. The Cambridge Curriculum’s emphasis on extracurricular activities and enrichment programs becomes a catalyst for your children’s personal growth. From sports to arts and community service, children are encouraged to explore their interests and talents beyond textbooks. It’s not just about excelling academically, it’s also about nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to the community. Your journey of finding the best Cambridge schools in Bangalore hopefully will end with the Cambridge Curriculum as it is always going to be more than an educational choice. It will be a narrative of growth, discovery, and global aspirations for your children. As parents, you take a personal journey to choose a curriculum that aligns with your values and dreams for your children’s future. The Cambridge Curriculum has become more than an academic path in Bangalore, it’s a story of empowerment, preparing your children to navigate the world with confidence, curiosity, and a global perspective. It’s a journey no parent will trade for anything, knowing that you have given your children the tools to not only succeed academically but to thrive in the ever-expanding landscape of opportunities that await them. Empower your child’s future with the world-renowned Cambridge Curriculum at Oasis International School where they unlock a world of opportunities & gain academic intelligence. Choose the path to success, and enroll with Oasis International School today! Visit the website to have a peek into the lives of our students.