Attending a school open day is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the school’s environment and culture. Touring the school grounds and speaking to the teachers will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you and your child. It’s a good idea to ask questions along the following lines to make the most of your visit and see if the school meets your expectations and your child’s needs.
Questions to Ask About a School
These kinds of topics, along with more specific queries suited to the particular school and your child’s needs, are ideal to cover when you’re visiting on an open day:
- What are the lessons like?
- What extracurricular activities do you offer?
- What are the teachers and staff like?
- What facilities and resources are there?
- Are there student support services?
- What is student life like?
- Is there diversity and inclusion at the school?
- Is there transportation and after-school care?
What Are The Lessons Like?
By asking questions about lessons provides you with an insight into the heart of your child’s education. Understanding the school’s educational philosophy, teaching methods, and curriculum allows you to gauge whether it aligns with your values and goals.
These questions help you assess the school’s commitment to academic excellence, the availability of specialised programmes, and the support provided to students with varying learning needs.
By gaining clarity on the academic offerings, you can make a well-informed decision about whether the school is the right fit to nurture your educational journey and future success.
Here are some questions to consider asking about academic programmes:
- What is the school’s educational philosophy and approach to teaching?
- Are there any specialised programmes or academic tracks offered?
- How does the school support students with different learning needs or abilities?
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio in classes?
- Can you provide information about the curriculum and any unique courses or subjects offered?
What Extracurricular Activities Do You Offer?
These activities play a pivotal role in a student’s development, fostering skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. By asking about the range of extracurricular options available, you gain insight into the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
Understanding the diversity of clubs, sports, arts, and other activities allows you to assess how the school supports students in exploring their passions and interests outside of the academic realm.
Here are some questions to consider asking about extracurricular activities:
- What extracurricular activities are available to students (sports, clubs, arts, etc.)?
- How often do pupils typically participate in extracurricular activities?
- Are there opportunities for leadership roles within clubs and organisations?
What are the Teachers and Staff Like?
Knowing more about the qualifications, expertise, and teaching philosophies of the educators provides insight into the quality of instruction and mentorship students will receive.
By asking questions about the teaching staff, you can understand the level of commitment the school has to hiring experienced and dedicated professionals. Gaining insight into the school’s approach to teacher-student relationships and communication helps ensure a positive and supportive learning environment.
Here are some questions to consider asking about staff:
- What is the qualification and experience of the teaching staff?
- How are teachers selected and trained?
- What is the school’s approach to teacher-student relationships and communication?
What Facilities and Resources are There?
A well-equipped school with modern classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities enhances the overall educational experience. Knowing about the available technology resources ensures that students have access to tools necessary for a contemporary education.
By asking questions about facilities and resources, you gain a clearer picture of the school’s commitment to creating an environment that supports both academic and extracurricular pursuits, contributing significantly to a well-rounded education.
Here are some questions to consider asking about facilities and resources:
- Can you provide a tour of the school facilities, including classrooms, libraries, labs, and sports areas?
- What technology resources are available to students?
- Are there plans for facility upgrades or improvements in the near future?
Are There Student Support Services?
By asking about these services, you gain valuable insights into how the school addresses the diverse needs of its student body.
Understanding the availability of counselling, academic support, and resources for emotional wellbeing allows you to gauge the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive community.
Here are some questions to consider asking about student support services:
- How does the school support students’ emotional and social wellbeing?
- Is there a counselling or guidance department for academic and personal guidance?
- What measures are in place for student safety and security?
What is Student Life Like?
Having this insight allows you to assess whether the school fosters a positive and inclusive environment, supporting students in their personal and social development alongside academic pursuits.
Details about daily routines, social activities, and community events help you envision how well the school aligns with your or your child’s preferences and values, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the overall student experience.
Here are some questions to consider asking about student life:
- What is a typical day like for a student at this school?
- How does the school promote a positive and inclusive school culture?
- Are there opportunities for community service or volunteer work?
Is There Diversity and Inclusion at This School?
Details about inclusive practices, cultural awareness initiatives, and support systems for students from various backgrounds help you assess whether the school is dedicated to creating an environment where all students feel respected, represented, and welcomed.
By prioritising questions about diversity and inclusion, you gain insights into the school’s efforts to prepare students for a globalised world, encouraging acceptance, empathy, and a well-rounded perspective on differences.
Here are some questions to consider asking about diversity and inclusion:
- How does the school promote diversity and inclusion among its student body?
- Are there initiatives or programs in place to foster a sense of belonging for all students?
Is There Transportation and After-school Care?
Asking questions about transportation options ensures that you have a clear understanding of how students can safely and conveniently get to and from school. Additionally, inquiring about after-school care facilities and programmes is essential for working parents who may require extended supervision for their children.
Details about transportation and after-school care also provide insights into the school’s commitment to supporting families and creating a seamless experience for both students and parents. By prioritising these questions, you ensure that the school not only aligns with your educational preferences but also accommodates your family’s practical needs and schedules.
Here at St Peter’s Prep we want school life to be as easy and flexible as possible for our parents which is why we offer school transport buses driven by our own drivers.
Here are some questions to consider asking about transportation and after-school care:
- What transportation options are available for students?
- Is there after-school care or extended hours for working parents?
Remember to tailor these questions to your specific interests and priorities when choosing a school for your child. It’s also a good idea to take notes during the open day to help you compare different schools later on.
If you’re seeking private primary schools in Devon for your child, St Peter’s Prep runs various open days and school in action mornings throughout the year. We encourage you to come and visit us and see whether we’re right for your family. You can book an open day below.
