How To Choose The Right High School For Your Child
July 1, 2020
What Makes A Good High School?
When it comes to choosing a high school, it’s tough to select one that balances your needs and your child’s. Although it is more about them than it is about you, you’re the one who will be paying school fees and who will be left to deal with the decision once it’s been made. What makes a good high school though? We’ve put together a few characteristics and factors to consider.
1) Reputation is everything
Embarking on the process of “how to choose a high school” often starts with what others have to say about it. Try and research the schools on your shortlist as much as possible. There might be articles online, social media pages and even word of mouth from people you know. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, a school worth choosing is more than happy to answer them. If not, they might not value communication.
2) Do they participate in the broader community?
Community involvement is most definitely a reason for choosing a high school for your child. Not only does this keep your child and your family invested in the community, it also helps to improve it too. This could be in the form of outreach initiatives that support and empower local residents or causes who need it most.
3) What is the attitude of the students who attend the school?
A good school produces students who learn because they want to and not because they have to. Does the school’s approach to learning encourage kids to give of their best and is there sufficient academic support
to help those who need a boost? Knowing that a school uses every avenue and resource to the benefit of the students who attend it is a sure way to know it’s a good option for your child. Again, speak to those whose children attend the schools you are considering.
4) Is the school inclusive?
Whilst rules are a given at every high school, you might want to question whether they are in place to include every student or exclude certain ones. A good school has a code of conduct
that aims to empower every child to be who they are and give of their best. It should also have a strict anti-bullying policy that unites students, encouraging them to support one another.
5) Does the school consider the end goal?
The best schools are the ones who keep the end goal in mind. At Abbotts College, we do this in several ways. For starters, we look at each child individually and evaluate which alternative activities they need to bring them closer to their goals. Then, we do everything we can to set them up for the best possible matric results. That way, they can go on to conquer any tertiary programme they choose. Then, we involve the parents so that they can help their children reach their full potential.
Make the right choice for your child
At Abbotts College, we choose an alternative approach to learning. This helps our students achieve their goals and exceed their own expectations. We also provide an inclusive environment where they can be themselves. For more on us and our schools, please click here.
To apply for your child to join us, please visit the following link: Apply Now
If you have a general enquiry, please address it to us here: Enquire Now
ADvTECH SCHOOLS CLAIM TOP HONOURS IN WESSA CENTENARY AWARDS
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As the preliminary and final examinations approach, both students and parents or guardians often experience heightened anxiety and stress. This guide provides practical strategies to help parents and guardians support their children through this critical phase of their academic journey. 1. Foster Effective Organization Create an environment conducive to studying by providing a quiet, well-lit study space equipped with essential stationery. Collaborate with your child to develop a structured study timetable to set clear expectations and promote disciplined preparation. Encourage the use of resources such as past question papers, which serve as valuable tools for revision and practice. 2. Maintain Daily Check-Ins Schedule regular, intentional conversations, such as during dinner, to discuss your child’s progress. Inquire about their experience with the day’s examination paper, adherence to their study schedule, and their feelings about upcoming tests. These check-ins foster open communication and allow you to gauge their emotional and academic state. 3. Minimize Distractions Help your child stay focused by keeping electronic devices like phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of reach during study sessions. Set boundaries on screen time and social media access to prevent procrastination. While challenging, limiting Wi-Fi access during study hours can significantly enhance productivity. 4. Support Emotional Awareness Encourage your child to identify and articulate their emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fatigue . Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Discuss coping strategies to help them navigate emotional challenges during this period. 5. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques Guide your child in practicing self-regulation to manage stress. Techniques include: Breathing Exercises : Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and repeat. Sensory Focus : Identify five things they can see or hear to ground themselves in the moment. Tactile Stimulation : Hold a cold object to shift focus and reduce anxiety. These methods can help your child regain calm and focus during stressful moments. 6. Promote a Balanced Routine Prolonged study sessions late into the night can lead to burnout. Monitor your child’s study habits and encourage breaks to maintain balance. Plan activities such as outings with friends, a family meal, or short recreational periods with access to devices. Engaging in non-academic activities, like helping prepare dinner, can provide a refreshing change of focus. 7. Prioritize Self-Care Support your child’s well-being by ensuring they: Eat nutritious, regular meals. Get at least eight hours of sleep by limiting screen time before bed. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, dancing, or gym workouts. These practices help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common during examination periods. 8. Practice Empathy and Patience The examination period can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents. Approach your child with empathy, actively listening and offering guidance without criticism. This fosters a supportive environment, bolstering their mental health and sense of inclusion. By implementing these strategies, parents and guardians can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the challenges of examinations with confidence and resilience. Good luck to all the Grade 12 students with the upcoming examinations - you most certainly can do it!
