OPEN DAYS OFFERCHANCE TO FIND PERFECTPLACE

One of the best ways to know if asixth form or college is the right fit for you is to attend an open day

It’salso an ideal opportunity to learn moreabout the courses you areinterested in and ask any questions you might have.

Most open events include atourofthe school or college and its grounds which will include everything from the classrooms and library to the dinner hall and sports facilities.

By visiting in person, you can get afeel for the place wherecould be studying for the next couple of years. Therewill also be achance to meet the staff, including the headteacher or principal, as well students, who will be able to give you an insight into what it’slike day to day

Beforethe open day,make sureto make alist of afew key questions to ask in order to get the most out of the visit. Understanding how many students are in each class, as well as the structureof lessons, will give you an idea about how you will be educated.

Other questions to ask could include topics such as who parents or carers would talk to if they had any concerns about their child’sprogress or wellbeing.

It’salsoimportant to ask how the school or college challenges high achievers and supports those who require extra help as well as what strategies they have to ensurethat children learnand achieve well.

If you have aspecial interest such as playing amusical instrument or enjoy a particular sport then asking about extracurricular activities is also key.You could also ask if therewould be any trips and events to develop and widen your interests outside the classroom curriculum.

Often current pupils will be drafted in to show prospective students around their classrooms and this will give agood insight into what life is like at the school or college. If they areenthusiastic and motivated then this agoodsignthat they arehappy

When the open day is finished, it should give you agoodfeel for the school. Think about how you felt when you listened to stafforsaw the classrooms. Consider what you liked about the facilities and if you saw or heardanything that concerned you.

Colleges and sixth forms arealso turning to technology to help them showcase what they have to offer prospective pupils and their families. Virtualopen days became popular during the pandemic as away of showcasing the school’sfacilities. Some will also arrange online question and answer sessions.

If you can’tmake an open day,then most will be able to organise an individual tour at aconvenient time for you.