5 ways to find the best international primary school for your child

“When it comes to finding the best primary school for your child, there can be endless options. Classroom facilities? A great curriculum? Academic standard? Learning new skills – like coding and languages for example? However, when you decide to pick the right school for your little one, it can be difficult! Here are 5 expert tips on how you can narrow down your search and get your children the head start they deserve.”

Starting school is an exciting start to a new adventure. Children begin to explore the world around them. They start to form relationships with other students and their teachers. They build upon the knowledge they already have and make discoveries as they get older. But the most important thing about primary school is that it helps children become the people they were meant to be!Primary school is the first major part of a child’s learning experience and it is important to find a school that will nurture your child’s interests while equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in future. Now that children are back to school, here are five features that you need to consider before you zero in on the place that suits your child the best.1. Environment and ethosThe environment of a school is one of the most important factors to consider when looking at different options as it will affect your child’s happiness, confidence, attitude and success within the classroom.  It is important to look at the ethos of the school as well – what is it they are looking to achieve? Is it solely focused on academic results? Or do they want to build a rounded individual who has a passion for learning and life?A structured environment is imperative to the growth of children. There are a multitude of factors that go into creating a nurturing and positive environment, but a school that prioritises the well-being of children is bound to succeed. At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, students are always our priority. We maintain a confident, engaged, innovative and bully-free environment because we recognise that children learn by imitating those around them.2. Curriculum How does the school structure lessons? What does an average day look like? Does the school offer specialist subjects like music or foreign languages? Does it encourage extracurricular activities or trips to help children learn in different ways? Many of the skills and talents we learn as children pave the way for the rest of our lives. Tapping into the enthusiasm and creativity of young people is vital. A curriculum that welcomes creative thinking and allows children to express themselves positively will lead to the development of skills and talents.We expose our students to a wide range of subjects along with science kits, games, mathematical manipulatives, interactive whiteboards, computer skills and field trips for a hands-on and experiential learning journey.

3. School infrastructure and facilitiesState-of-the-art facilities for students play an important role in the enhancement of the learning experience, helping students in their physical, spiritual, mental and social development.Amenities such as computer lab, science lab, internet connectivity, sports clubs, literary clubs, playgrounds, library and swimming pool only make studying easier and more exciting. Parents who require boarding can look for the residential halls which provide services such as meals, laundry, health and counselling support for the children.At Kingsley, we provide spacious classrooms and common spaces for students to learn comfortably and properly distance themselves from each other. Large fields and ample space in facility rooms for students to use helps with maintaining distance while encouraging students to move and exercise. Our state-of-the-art facilities and an expansive environment to learn in ensure that we are able to cultivate a supporting atmosphere for students to flourish.

4. Culture and communityDoes the school have a strong community? What kind of support does the school provide for students and parents? How involved and engaged are the teachers and parents? What values does the school promote? Is it inclusive, open and friendly? These are a few questions you must ask yourself to ensure that your child is in an environment where they will flourish as a whole person and develop respect for others.The culture of a primary school can make all the difference when it comes to your child’s happiness and success at school. It’s important to consider what kind of environment your child will thrive in. A positive environment and friendly staff will enable students to develop their learning potential and shine as an individual.At Kingsley International School, we provide a safe and caring environment that encourages an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust. We safeguard and promote child welfare through a bully-free environment coupled with pastoral care and counselling services.

To conclude, ask yourself…5. Is it a fun place to learn?Will your child enjoy going to school each day? Do they look forward to learning new things each day? Or are they disinterested in what is being taught and how it is being taught? When children enjoy going to school, they are more likely to be engaged in their classes, interact with their teachers and other students, and perform better in their studies and school assignments.Your child’s formative school years have a lasting influence on their life. Hence, it is important to ensure that they go to a school where they are inspired and enthused to learn. At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, our teachers employ fun and creative methods of teaching to create engaging learning experiences that empower students and create excitement to come back to school every day. Students are encouraged to ask questions, research their interests, train their bodies and mind, and be who they are.Note: Maple Leaf Kingsley International School follows proper masking and standard SOPs to ensure students, teachers and staff are safe. Fondly known as Kingsley – we are a homegrown international school established in 2011. We have garnered recognition from Malaysians and Expatriate parents alike through our devotion to moulding the next generation and our exceptional British curriculum.