5 questions to ask when attending an Open Day
Deciding where to send their children to continue their education can be difficult for parents. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a secondary school. Before the decision is made, parents will usually attend an open day event to learn more about their options. If you do not know where to begin when it comes to open days, we have got some ideas on what to ask while you are there.
What is the focus of the secondary school curriculum?
Many "Gymnasien" and integrated secondary schools set priorities. Classic focal points are one foreign language, in which parts of the non-linguistic lessons are also carried out in the foreign language, sports, natural sciences and/or art. At Mentora Gymnasium we have a STEAM focus. STEAM is a term that describes the integration of the arts (A) into STEM lessons (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
What is the average class size?
Knowing how many students are in a class can help you determine how well the teacher can get to know your child. Teachers can focus more time on getting to know every child in their class when they are working with smaller class sizes. Note that in secondary school, some compulsory courses have higher student-teacher ratios than non-compulsory courses.
How is parent-teacher communication handled?
As a parent, you want to feel as though you have someone to talk to if you have any concerns about your child’s academic progress or well-being. Therefore, the Open Day is a good opportunity to discuss with some teachers how this communication is handled. At the Mentora Gymnasium, in addition to the simple, direct line to the teachers, there are of course also Parents' Days as well as suitable online tools for communication.
How does the school encourage high-performing students and support those who need extra help?
This is a crucial question to ask if your child is unusually gifted or needs extra support. Ensuring that your child receives the support they need is equally important. Every school will have a different support system so it is important to see how this system would work for your child as an individual.
What opportunities are there for students to shape their own learning and pursue their interests?
There are different ways for students to shape their own learning. One of them is the choice of electives and courses that allow them to focus on specific subjects or subject areas. Another approach that we choose at Mentora Gymnasium is the implementation of Project Days in which the students have various opportunities to deal with a given topic. The chance to participate in competitions and science fairs can also help students to pursue their interests and shape their own learning.
We hope that you will find these tips useful when attending an open day. If you want to find out more about Mentora Gymnasium, you can make an appointment and visit our school or take part in one of the regular open days we host.
