_ct1880x930.jpg "Wheatvale State School students Thomas Doherty, Harrison Colman, Lane Eastwell, Shane Scott and Robert Giddy at the Warwick Country School Sports Carnival.")
Expo to educate parents on choosing the right school
PARENTS of the Southern Downs may become overwhelmed with the choices available when it comes to choosing the right school for their child.
According to Wheatvale State School parents and citizens committee, some parents struggle to ask the right questions.
The school will host an expo later this month to educate parents on how to choose the right school for their family.
Member of the school's parents and citizens committee Helen Lewis said it was important for parents to understand what to look for in potential schools.
The committee believe it's important to note the general atmosphere of a school and whether it has a calm and purposeful environment.
The expo will be held in Rose City Shoppingworld on August 29 from 9am.
Some key questions for parents to ask when looking at potential schools include:
1 What secondary education do their pupils move on to?
2 How do they prepare their students for entrance exams?
3 What are the school's aims for the future?
4 How do they provide a broad and balanced curriculum?
5 How do they celebrate achievement and deal with misbehaviour?
6 What extra curricular activities are on offer for your child?
7 Does your child need to bring a packed lunch?
8 How often will your child work on their reading skills and read to a teacher?
9 How does the school encourage partnerships?
10 And how does the school involve parents?
Mrs Lewis said parents would have the opportunity to interview the schools in the area and seek out information on how each school meets the educational needs of their children.
So far six local schools will be in attendance.
"We're just offering an opportunity for parents to suss out the schools and we're providing a one stop shop for schooling in the area," Mrs Lewis said.
"I think it's something that is becoming more important, for parents to understand the school they send their kids to.
"One school doesn't suit every child in the family because each school is different, especially when we have such a variety in Warwick."
For information call Wheatvale School on 4667 4786.
