Any educational specialists out there?-help!!

shays_mum

My daughter is in the process of being offered a bursary at a local private school, I have met the headmistress & she was v.positive. However, she wants me to state why i want my daughter to go to that school etc etc, basically to 'sell' my kid to the school. The main reason is, that that's the only school that offers a bursary, but i can't write that!!!, i would really appreciate it, if someone could point me in the right direction!, thanks in advance!

elona

The excellent teaching which as your child is very creative or intelligent or artistic - will be in the best interests of the school and the child?

The high academic and behavioral standards set by the school which are in line with the child and your families abilities and expectations?

scuzz

OK I went to private school

They love bright kids, so highlight how you think your child would benefit from a smaller class size, as there will be less distractions from other kids, allowing her to reach her full potential

Also how theyhave heard so much about the school and haven't stopped about how much they want to go there (get her to play along here!)

Is she good at sports/drama/music? They love all that. You could say that she'd be able to put a lot back into the school by the level of commitment she would show to the school teams/productions/choir etc

bylromarha

She has lots to contribute to the life of the school through her musical/academic etc talents and who the new school can nuture and develop them

Lots of personal qualities such as kind, helpful, caring, trustworthy, committed and would be a good ambassador for the school to both visitors and when outside the school.

She benefits from working in smaller groups and developing relationships with those adults around her, so would have a lot to contribute when in smaller classes that would extend and stretch her, but also would value the opinions of her peers.

Easiest thing to do is to look at the school motto, aims and values and basically tell the school how amazingly well your child fits in with them.

devils_advocate

shays_mum wrote:

My daughter is in the process of being offered a bursary at a local private school, I have met the headmistress & she was v.positive. However, she wants me to state why i want my daughter to go to that school etc etc, basically to 'sell' my kid to the school. The main reason is, that that's the only school that offers a bursary, but i can't write that!!!, i would really appreciate it, if someone could point me in the right direction!, thanks in advance!

OK. How old is your daughter as this is important as to what she can get out of the school. You also have to look at why she's being given a bursary (did you apply, did they approach you, or however.) They will be looking at what they can do for your daughter, as if they could only give her a bog standard education, why bother? So they will probably have already come to some conclusions as to why she should go there.

Assuming that its a primary school, from the teacher's point, they like kids who want to learn, and who are prepared to academically challenge them. So its better if your daughter has a questioning mind, and wants to know "why" and "how". The teachers like feedback from the kids as to what they're being told, and for the kids to think about what they're being told, rather than just accepting it.

The school I'm involved with also like the kids to take part in clubs and other after school activities, so that they are fully involved. Its all part of the development of the child, be it sporting, musical or something mentally taxing like chess. Also be prepared for teachers to spend a lot more time on school activities - lots of things happen on Saturday mornings, so be prepared for your daughter to commit to these as well.

Above all, the school wants the kid to enjoy their time there. Overall, if your daughter were to say that she wanted to be involved in the life of the school, rather than just go there, I'm sure they would be quite happy.

shays_mum

She's only 3 and i approached them, as they were the only one considering a bursary for her. Had a good long chat with the head & i loved the 'feel' of the school. At the moment she is in f/t montesorri nursey, so i have not enrolled her for anything after school as she's so tired!. Also i have a 11m old & am a f/t carer for my disabled mum...so alot on my plate at the mo.

devils_advocate

I'm not too sure about selection criteria for 3 year olds, so anything I say could only be general advice, and its probably all been said far better by the other posters! My previous post saw writted with 8 year old plus in mind, so obviously lots doesn't apply. You could however get the ideas from that and say thats how you want your daugher to develop in the future!

It's possibly wothwhile for you to say that you liked the feel of the school from when you went round it and that you liked the way that the pupils behaved with the teachers. Daughters development, etc. Say something like how you want your daughter to have the opportunities that the school provides, etc, as you're sure she would want to actively participate.

Best of luck!

Savvy_Sue

shays_mum wrote:

Also i have a 11m old & am a f/t carer for my disabled mum...so alot on my plate at the mo.

I know you're applying for the bursary for your daughter, but personally I think I would briefly mention these facts as well. Something along the lines of "difficult for me to give her the stimulation she needs", maybe? If they are considering your daughter and other applicants at the same way, then this would certainly be relevant.

shays_mum

thanks ppl!, got the half term to mull it all over

flossy_splodge

Just wondered what would happen if you simply expressed exactly what it is that DOES make you want to send the child there. If it is only the cost saving perhaps you could check if it is actually the best place. If that is coincidental could you expand on what you described as 'liking the feel' of the school. Exactly what did you mean by that. Also I'm afraid I would ask why they want this statement - are they intending to quote you on advertising literature? Depends on your ethics but if this is the reason ask them how they feel your gut feel about the place would best be expressed to help others understand????!!!!
Please don't assume as the school is private the education is going to be better. It may be or it may not be.

shays_mum

Well at first it was a cost thing, there fees are £2500+ per term. When i got there, the atmosphere of the school was amazing, the kids, staff etc, all went out of their way to make me feel most welcome!. I had a good few hours with the headmistress & she really took out time to make me feel comfortable, answering all questions etc etc. Also the fact that they only take 20 kids per year & according to ofstead nearly all of them go onto local independant grammer schools etc on scholarships!!, well what more could i want?!?!?