Secondary School Open House: November 2023
Submitted by KiasuEditor
Keen to visit secondary schools before the release of the PSLE results in late November? Many secondary schools will be holding their open house events around mid-November, and it’s great if you and your child can check out a few schools.
Before you shortlist schools, set aside time to chat with your child about their secondary school aspirations. Here are three ways to approach such conversations:
Focus on Self-Awareness & Personal Growth
Is your child able to state what they’re good at, and where they might need to fill gaps? By understanding your child’s strengths and areas for growth, you’ll be better equipped to choose a school environment that both nurtures their talents and offers support where they need it.
Here are some reflection questions to discuss with your child:
- What do you consider to be your top strengths at school?
- Are there areas where you feel you’d like extra support or help?
- Did you face a challenge in school this year? How did you handle it?
If your child knows their strengths, look for schools with programmes and co-curricular activities to nurture your child’s talents. If your child needs academic support, you might want to search for schools with strong remedial and peer tutoring programmes.
Discuss Interests & Future Aspirations
To choose a school that will pave the path towards your child’s aspirations, ask your child these questions:
- What subjects or activities excite you the most?
- Are there new clubs or activities you’re hoping to join in secondary school?
- Can you recall a memorable project or activity in primary school? Why was it memorable?
- What would you like to achieve in the next few years at school?
If your child is passionate about specific subjects or co-curricular activities, search for schools with strong programmes in these areas. Does your child prefer project-based or hands-on learning? Look for schools with an experiential or project-based curriculum.
Talk About Relationships & Social Dynamics
How your child connects with peers, handles conflicts, and views their educators will play a pivotal role in their school experience. This is why it’s important to understand your child’s social needs, and here are some questions that you can ask:
- What qualities do you value in a friend?
- How do you feel about attending a new school?
- What do you expect from your teachers, and what do you think they expect from you?
If your child values friends and teachers who motivate them to be their best, consider schools with rigorous academic programmes and a culture of excellence. On the other hand, if they want a kind-hearted and supportive network, you can seek out schools known for their community spirit and emphasis on character education.
What to Ask at the School Open House
After talking to your child, you should be better equipped to shortlist secondary schools. If you plan to attend open house events, here are five essential questions to ask, to get a better sensing on what makes the school unique:
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- What does this school do really well, in your opinion? (You can ask this question to teachers and existing students.)
- How would you describe the school spirit here? Are there any special events or traditions that capture this feeling? (Both students and teachers should be able to answer this question.)
- What opportunities or programmes does this school offer that aren’t commonly found at other schools? (This is a good question for teachers and school leaders.)
- How does the school ensure student safety, both physically and emotionally? (This is a question for school leaders, and it’s especially important if your child has previously experienced bullying or conflicts at school.)
- Can you tell me about a student who has experienced growth or achieved something special, due to the strong support of the school? (If you have the chance to have a one-to-one conversation with a school leader or teacher, you can ask questions that require more effort to answer.)
Secondary School Open House Dates
Below, we’ve compiled a list of secondary school open house events in November 2023. For the most accurate information, please refer to the school websites. If the school that you are interested in has not announced an event, please contact them directly for the latest updates.
