School Open Days this year will be like no other. Usually at this time of year, a throng of young Year 5 and Year 6 children visit local independent schools, with dreams of one day becoming a pupil there. They will be met by boys and girls who have already passed the hurdles of entrance exams and interviews, who show them round the science labs, the history classrooms, the dining hall and the sports fields.
This year is very different. The pandemic has meant schools have had to limit the numbers of families entering the gates, with scheduled appointments, or offer online interactive virtual tours.
For both parents and schools, this obviously isn’t ideal. Part of the school visit is to get a feel for the place – not just the fabulous facilities, but the ethos and general atmosphere. However, it is a chance for schools to really focus on what it is that they offer. While Open Days of the past saw hundreds of families through their doors over one day or a few afternoon sessions, virtual tours with Q & A sessions are really going to show their pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses.
Says, Catherine Stoker, of Independent Education Consultants: ‘Exceptional schools are not about expensive buildings and facilities. They are about strong leadership, inspiring teaching, good com-munication and a sense of community.’
So, when looking at schools this autumn, what should you bear in mind?
WEBSITES:
Before the virtual tours, look at each school’s website, which should not only have information on their facilities, fees and curriculum, but the ethos of the school and its pastoral care, too.
BLOGS/VIDEOS:
Many schools already have blogs and videos on their sites. Take time to sit with your child and listen to interviews and chats. Many pupils have been doing blogs during the pandemic, talking about life under lockdown and distanced learning and you can probably get more of a feel for the school this way than in a hurried guided tour through classrooms.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Many schools have long kept their pupils and families updated via Social Media – live Twitter messages during sporting events, Instagram photos of prize-giving, Facebook posts of the latest academic achievement and even Linked In profiles. Check which ones are keeping up-to-date with their posts.
VIRTUAL TOURS:
Most schools are offering online live virtual tours during the autumn term, with interactive Q&As with the Head, teachers and pupils. While you may not be there in reality, this is a great chance to really chat to members of the school, so think of some questions ahead of time, so you’re prepared. A few ideas are: what is the ethos of the school? How do they deal with bullying, what sort of lunchtime and after-school clubs do they have? Catherine Stoker suggests talking to the Head or senior staff if you can: ‘These are key people to the ethos and direction of the school, so you need to be sure you agree with their opinions on education and pastoral care.’
GUIDED TOURS:
While it’s unlikely schools will be offering their normal Open Day with hundreds of families, some schools are still doing restricted offerings and scheduled appointments. Look at the website.
Both virtual and real tours are likely to get booked up quickly, so don’t leave it to the last moment to book your slot.
ENTRANCE EXAMS:
At the time of going to print, it is too early for schools to know how they will be able to organise the entrance exams in January. But they will already be making plans to ensure that all exams are as stress-free for pupils and parents as possible.
INTERVIEWS:
As with the exams, there is plenty of time for schools to organise interviews either at school or online. They will give you advance notice of how they conduct interviews and their main concern will be for the wellbeing of your child.