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If we take a look at the British Education system, known to be the best in the world, we see three main sections; early learning (aged 3-6), primary section (Year 1-6) and the secondary section, from Year 7 to Year 12. The primary years are definitely formative years and therefore, your choice of primary school is of great importance.
The Advantage of K-12 Schools
Take the top international primary School in Bangkok as an example; your child can develop from early learning through to pre-university at a single campus. We all remember how it was when we had to start at a new school, having to make new friends and adjust to a different system; indeed, for some it can be traumatic, having to change schools 4-5 times in total, which must impact the quality of education.
Enrol your child in a good K-12 school and they can enjoy the continuity, being able to develop relationships with teachers and peers, which provides a stable learning environment that they know.
Formative Years
Staring with Year 1, which begins at 6-7 years old, this is the formative period when routines, habits and indeed values, will be formed. It is therefore critical that the school has the right values and delivers the curriculum in such a way that the students are equipped for secondary school. The student has enjoyed 3 years of early learning to prepare them for the primary section and this is a time when academics are introduced. Click here for more about the ideal early learning environment.
The School’s Vision & Mission Statement
If you want to know what a school values and how they deliver their curriculum, check out their mission statement, which should promote equality and good moral conduct. Learning by doing is the path that successful schools are following; project-based education where the students work together in groups, which teaches social skills and collaboration.
Holistic Approach
While academic performance is important, it certainly isn’t the be all and end all of education; kids need EQ development and sound moral guidance; simply put, a child should be viewed as a living entity and every aspect of their development should be included in their curriculum. Rudolph Steiner discovered that experiential learning produced amazing learning outcomes and that led to Waldorf education, known to be exceptional in every way.
Sports
Growing children need serious physical activity, so look for a school with a soccer and basketball team and a comprehensive gym, a school that promotes sport is a school where students understand fair play and that winning is not everything. Whatever your child likes in the way of sporting activities, should be available on campus.
Sports teach you discipline and team working, which are both essential life skills that we need to acquire. Primary school education is a very important part of a 12-year formal education plan and when looking at primary schools, choose a K-12 school with a good reputation, one that teaches the British curriculum, which is known to be the best.
