What Type of School will be Appropriate?
With the multitude of information sources and variety of options
now available, the initial task of compiling a list of possible
may seem rather daunting. It will help if you can work out the
basic criteria first.
Single-Sex
or Co-Educational?
There is no shortage of debate on the relative merits of both
types of education. Some argue that single-sex education, particularly
for girls, enables pupils to achieve at a higher level without
the distraction of the opposite sex. Others believe co-education
offers a more natural environment. Whatever school of thought
you belong, consider it is just one of the factors in your decision.
Location
This may not seem immediately important for those looking for
a boarding school, but in practice most parents these days choose
schools within about an hour drive. If you have children at
more than one school, remember that the round trip for collection
and delivery at the beginning and end of the holiday can turn
you will want to visit the school for open days, sports day
and Parents’ Association events.
If
you are looking for a day school and live/work on the Island,
remember to consider the likely traveling time, during the morning
and afternoon rush hours. If public transport is to be used,
how easy is the journey?
Some
schools often operate a minibus service, although there may
be an extra charge made.
Day
or Boarding?
For some parents there may be no option. Those based oversea
or required to move regularly often appreciate the continually
and stability which boarding offers their child. The traditional
attractions however, continue to draw both foreign and Nigeria-based
parents as well, the encouragement of a sense of independence
and self-confidence at an early age, tolerance and consideration
for others in a large community and a wealth of facilities and
opportunities few parents could provide at home.
Religious
Affiliation
This may be a further important factor. Would you prefer a school
of particular denomination or are you willing to include others
in your choice?
Your
Child’s Needs
Once
the basics have been worked out, go on to consider your child’s
need. Academic considerations are always top priority. You may
have a very able child, but most children are of average ability.
Be realistic about his or her potential. Beware of trying to
gain a place at a very academic school unless you are confident
of your child’s ability to cope. Failing the entrance
test can knock a child’s confidence, particularly if he
or she is aware of your own disappointment. Even if a place
is offered, the entrance exam is only the first of many hurdles.
If the pace of the school is too fast, your child will continue
to struggle and nothing will he more
demoralising than constantly coming bottom. Consider both your
child’s key strength and areas where particular support
or encouragement will be needed.
Academic
matters aside, your child probably have other interests which
he or she wishes to pursue. If there is a particular talent
in music or a passionate interest in the outdoors, this should
fork part of your selection criteria.
The
atmosphere and ethos is different in every school. Consider
your child’s overall personality. Is there a need for
a high active environment offering a multitude of stimuli and
the company of other lively and confident youngsters? Or is
he or she in need of a gentle approach and a smaller, more family-style
school?
