kamom:There has been much talk about \"All schools are good schools\". Like all parents with dragon babies, I have spent much time attending open houses of various schools. I picked 3 sec schools. The branded, the average neighbourhood school and the in between these two.
The Branded
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Almost full force from the school was a there at the Open House, even the PSG was out there, preparing and offering drinks and snacks. Full uniform groups, clubs and societies, sports. There were 2 trial classes going on. Teachers were everywhere. A student was the tour guide to walk around the school with each parent. We were shown to every corner of the school with the main rooms open for viewing. I was staring hard at an art piece and one teacher came and talked to me about it. There was a baby grand at the atrium, I asked my guide about the piano and he told me it was donated by a parent. There were 3 sessions of talk given by a senior staff. Very impressive
The average, neighbourhood school
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It was very quiet. One teacher was at the entrance to give a pamphlet, a souvenir and two sec 2 prefects were our guide. The PSG chairman was the only one present. No ECA groups, not even one (I double confirmed if the Open House was that day, I was given a resounding YES!). We walked around the school with nothing to see only closed and empty rooms. Obviously, there were no efforts put in, to have this event.
The in-between
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No ECA groups as they already have an Open House on a separate date. This was a meet the principal session. There was a talk by the principal. A good team of HODs was present to take all questions. There were just two many parents, instead of 1 session, it became 2 sessions and parents who were present for session 1 were ushered to a separate room for Q & A. I cannot say that it was impressive cos' it wasn't really an Open House but I see a committed team of teachers in that school.
.....with that experience, I questioned myself if indeed all schools are good schools? How do you define good? :?
Interesting read here on the same topic http://petunialee.blogspot.sg/2012/11/how-does-nyps-do-it.html
This is interesting. It appears that the good school is keen to market itself and give a good impression, even if it has the least need to, assuming that it is a school in hot demand. The second school you mentioned, the neighbourhood one, appears to have given up the fight to attract students.
Giving a good impression of the school to parents and potential students is very important, and usually directed by the Principal and the Student Council. It reflects to some extent on the management of the school and the pride the school and students have.