Upcoming events

WISS Expert Advice: Parental Involvement in Exploring International School Options for their Children

Nov 17, 2023

Enrolling a child in an international school is a significant decision that shapes their educational journey and future opportunities. As parents, we strive to provide the best educational environment for our children. One valuable opportunity to gain insight into an international school's ethos, facilities, and curriculum is by attending Open House events or participating in a tour of the school campus. This article will explore the benefits of attending events and engaging with the school community, the key elements prospective parents should look for, and the crucial questions to ask.

NAVIGATION MENU

Enrolling a child in an international school is a significant decision that shapes their educational journey and future opportunities. As parents, we strive to provide the best educational environment for our children. One valuable opportunity to gain insight into an international school's ethos, facilities, and curriculum is by attending Open House events or participating in a tour of the school campus. This article will explore the benefits of attending events and engaging with the school community, the key elements prospective parents should look for, and the crucial questions to ask.

Get a Glimpse Into the School's Culture and Environment

Attending Open House events allows parents to immerse themselves in the school's unique culture, environment, and teaching methodologies. From the moment you step onto the campus, you are welcomed into a vibrant community of learners where diversity is celebrated, and collaboration is encouraged. Take the time to observe classrooms, interact with faculty and students, and get a feel for the school's atmosphere. Determine if it resonates with your family's values and educational preferences.

Engage in Dialogue with Faculty, Staff, and Administrators

Visiting a school campus provides a perfect platform for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with school leadership, teachers, administrators, and support staff. These interactions allow prospective parents to better understand the school's vision, mission, and educational philosophy. Discuss specific academic programmes, co-curricular activities, and support services offered to ensure they align with your child's interests and needs. This is the first step in building relationships with educators that foster strong partnerships, ensuring your child receives the support and guidance they need throughout their educational journey.

Evaluate the Facilities and Resources

During a tour of the school campus, take note of the facilities and resources available to students. Look for well-equipped classrooms, modern technology, libraries, science labs, sports facilities, and extracurricular spaces. These resources play a crucial role in providing a holistic education and fostering a well-rounded development of your child. Additionally, assess the safety and security measures in place to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Assess the Curriculum and Teaching Approaches

Parents attending Open House events should also inquire about the curriculum and teaching approaches employed by the school. Ask questions about the curriculum's alignment with international standards, inquiry-based learning opportunities, and technology integration. Understanding how subjects are taught and assessed will help you gauge if they suit your child's learning style and encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Explore Support Services and Student Well-being

Parents must inquire about student support services, including special needs programs, counseling services, and English language support. A holistic approach to education should prioritize the well-being of students, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment. Understanding the school's commitment to student well-being ensures your child receives the necessary emotional and academic support to thrive.

Investigate Co-curricular Activities and Global Opportunities

International schools often offer a plethora of co-curricular activities and global opportunities for students. Inquire about the range of available sports, arts, music, drama, and leadership activities. Evaluate the school's commitment to cultural diversity and internationalism through initiatives such as exchange programs, Model United Nations, and service-learning projects. These experiences enrich your child's educational journey, foster global citizenship, and provide them with a competitive edge in an interconnected world.

Campus visits and joining Open House events are invaluable opportunities for prospective parents to gain insight into an international school's culture, environment, curriculum, and the support services offered. Parents can make informed decisions that best suit their child's needs and aspirations by actively engaging in dialogue, assessing facilities, evaluating the curriculum, and exploring co-curricular activities. Remember, choosing an international school is an investment in your child's future, and engaging directly with the school provides the key to unlocking opportunities for their success.

RELATED ARTICLES

Early Childhood Primary Secondary 2023 Open House 4 Pillars Admissions

Upcoming events

WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

Admissions 1

Admissions 2

Follow us | Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Official WeChat Account QR Code

OFFICIAL WECHAT

WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

Admissions

Follow us | Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Official WeChat Account QR Code

OFFICIAL WECHAT

拥抱多样性：全球创新学习联盟会议在新西兰奥克兰举行

全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）是一个著名的学校网络，致力于促进教育领域的创新、合作和文化交流。上海西华外籍人员子女学校（WISS）很荣幸成为全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）的成员，并兴奋地宣布将参加即将在新西兰奥克兰举行的全球创新学习联盟会议。此次会议为上海西方国际学校的学生提供了一次难得的机会，他们将在校长 David Edwards 先生、学术与创新部主任 Timothy Pyeon 先生和设计教师 Nwanneka Okwuosa 女士的陪同下，与其他 GAIL 成员学校共同促进多元化发展。

在中断四年之后，GAIL 会议将在新西兰奥克兰汇聚来自全球各地的教育工作者、管理人员和学生。今年的会议将特别关注多样性，承认多样性为教育机构带来的巨大价值。接受多元化观点、文化和思想的重要性无论怎样强调都不为过，GAIL 的目标是增强教育工作者创造包容性学习环境的能力。

WISS 始终站在倡导多元化和培养学生全球思维的最前沿。学校曾在 2019 年主办过 GAIL 会议，因此对这一活动的意义并不陌生。在 David Edwards、Timothy Pyeon 和 Nwanneka Okwuosa 等主要代表的陪同下，WISS 的学生将有宝贵的机会与来自其他 GAIL 成员学校的同学合作、学习和分享自己的独特经历。

本次会议的主要关注点是多样性，与会者可以期待一个深入探讨文化、种族、语言和社会多样性各个层面的丰富活动。研讨会、小组讨论和互动环节将为与会者提供在自己的学校创建包容性环境所需的工具和知识。会议旨在培养跨文化能力，弘扬学生和教育工作者的不同文化背景。

GAIL 会议之所以如此具有影响力，其中一个关键因素是它强调合作。与会者有机会参与合作项目，交流促进多样性和包容性的想法和最佳做法。通过这些互动，与会者将获得宝贵的见解和创新策略，并将其应用于各自的学校社区。

对于 WISS 的学生和更广泛的 GAIL 社区来说，在新西兰奥克兰举行的 GAIL 会议将是一次难忘的活动。当他们沉浸在一个多元、包容的环境中时，与会者将学到关于同理心、尊重和文化交流之美的宝贵经验。这次会议无疑将成为通过教育创造一个更加和谐和宽容的社会的垫脚石。

在即将于新西兰奥克兰举行的会议期间，WISS 与其他 GAIL 成员学校一道，热切希望为有关多样性的讨论做出贡献。通过参与此次全球对话，学校重申了其促进文化理解、拥抱多样性和推动教育创新的承诺。毫无疑问，GAIL 会议将成为积极变革的催化剂，教育工作者和学生将通力合作，共同建设一个重视和赞美我们丰富差异的未来。

WISS 主办 GAIL 会议（视频链接）