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NATION OF EDUCATION
A good education should provide a solid foundation on which to build a productive and fulfilling life. This doesn’t only mean obtaining a good job for oneself however. Our politics, our appreciation of art and culture, our relationships and even our own health during our adult lives are all, to a certain extent, bound up with formative years spent at schools and whether they have succeeded in inculcating a lifelong love of learning in us.
Our current cultural zeitgeist, one in which the globe is being symbolically shrunk by our amazing new wired technologies, is challenging and changing the world of education to a greater extent than it has been for many, many years. Indeed, the online world has provided us with the potential for the greatest revolution in teaching since the invention of the public library itself. How schools and educational establishments deal with these new and often overwhelming streams of information is another matter though and schools have to strike a delicate balance when entering the realm of CAL (Computer Assisted Learning).
EDUCATION In Town
Jakarta now sports a huge range of educational institutions and has undergone an educational boom to rival that of the Internet itself over the last decade. At the top of the pile, the city’s international schools have improved and rejuvenated themselves in order to take advantage of new technologies and methodologies. They have also spread their wings and opened new campuses all over town. Meanwhile, the so-called National Plus schools have become a popular and cheaper alternative to the big international schools and are frequented by both foreign and local children, as well as by children of mixed Indonesian-expat marriages. These National Plus schools have become much celebrated within the Indonesian educational system and many offer international curricula.
Enrolment in most Indonesian schools begins in April of each year for July admission. So I guess it’s time to get cracking if you have little ones looking for a new place in which to have their young brains moulded. Before we dive into specific Jakarta options though, let’s consider a few factors that you may wish to consider when choosing a school.
10 Tips for Happy Schooling
A school needs to have a clear sense of purpose and should have its aims documented. Ask for a copy of the school’s brochure before making your choice. Moreover, you should always pay a visit to any prospective school, preferably accompanied by
your child.
What to Look for:
1. Values
What values are implied at the school? Are they based on any particular religious beliefs?
2. Individual Care
Is there a commitment to cater for the individual needs of each student? How is this achieved? How does the school cater for both those in need of remedial assistance and those that are exceptionally talented? What’s the school’s homework policy? Is there a balanced and comprehensive curriculum which will offer the educational requirements necessary to move on to college?
3. Discipline and Behaviour
Are the school rules clearly specified and communicated to children and parents alike? Ask for a copy of any prospective school’s discipline policy. Does it help to reinforce good behaviour?
4. Class Sizes
What are the maximum class sizes? Do these vary with subjects? On what basis are students grouped within classes? Recommended class size ratios are one adult to: three to four infants or toddlers, six 2-year-olds, eight 3-year-olds, nine 4-year-olds, ten 5-year-olds and between ten and twelve school age children.
5. The Other Students
What kind of community will your child become a part of? Do the other students come from a narrow or broad range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds?
6. Facilities
What facilities are available for specialised subjects such as music, computing, art, science and technology studies? How up to date are the materials in the library and what are the library access policies? How much playing space is available and how is it used? What sporting facilities are available?
7. Teachers
Are the teachers the kinds of role models that you want for your child? What experience do they have?
8. Costs
It always helps to know what you'll be paying! Also ask about any extra costs and charges involved (musical instrument instruction and hire, camps and excursions, uniforms, etc.)
9. Admissions Policy
On what basis are students selected? Is there a waiting list? Be aware that some primary schools are selected ‘feeder’ schools for certain secondary schools.
10. Involve Your Child
Above all, involve your child in the decision-making process and listen to any concerns that your children may express. Acknowledge his or her feelings and work together to create a comfortable new educational life for your child.
Additionally, if Indonesia is a foreign country for you, then you should also consider how long you’ll be abroad. International schools may be better suited for transient students who will be in the country for less than two years and should provide a seamless transition from a child’s former educational establishment.
Good luck!
