How to Get Your Child Ready for Private British Education in Dubai

There are a number of international schools in Dubai where a lot of expat families opt to send their children to.

British or English schools, particularly, are top choices because they tend to have a progressive approach toward schooling, yet they hold fast to traditional principles that have made British education among the best in the world.

For young children, however, a foreign brand of education offered by private schools appears to be intimidating. Many of them get this notion that these schools are incredibly strict and they are typically for young people who are either academically superior or need to get “straightened out.”

If you are transferring your child to a private English school in Dubai because you believe it has superior standards of education, it is imperative to prepare him or her for the transition. Your child may be anxious about the transfer especially if his ideas of private schooling were formed by what he or she had seen on TV and in the movies, or hearsay.

Education experts advise dealing with your young one truthfully and taking the time to explain the short- and long-term benefits of attending private British schools in Dubai. To help you with this vital task, here are some tips to implement:

1. Take your child on a tour of the school.

A school tour will allow your child to get a “feel” for the place. It would be an advantage if he or she ends up fancying the environment. But, if he or she does not, you have the chance to point out the strong physical qualities of the school such as important facilities like the school library, study hall, cafeteria and gymnasium.

2. Discuss your concerns about the “international school” experience your child will be getting.

Inquire about anything that concerns you or your child.

Are there traditions to uphold? How does the school deal with cultural differences since most students originate from different parts of the world? Is the school “spiritually-sensitive”? Are there ESL classes for students who do not speak English well?

Just prepare all of your queries when you meet with the school representative. This way, you can discuss the international school experience with your child in the best, most honest way possible.

The truth will allow your child to prepare for the experience. Meanwhile, you, as a parent will be able to provide your child with the appropriate guidance to make the situation easier.

3. Find out about important school events together with your child.

At a top British school in the city, important school events are already laid out even before the start of the new school year. Take note of all these so your entire family can gear up for the school year filled with a lot of unfamiliar experiences.

Family life and child development experts also point out that staying on top of these school activities will help you determine ways to make family and home life a complete source of comfort for your child. It is highly beneficial for children starting anew in a different school to find joy at home.

Most families these days leave the challenging task of adjusting to a new school entirely to the child. They believe that the experience can develop grit and resilience, but children develop those two qualities especially if they have supportive family behind them.

The bottom line here is, a happy and supportive family can make the challenges of adapting to a new and daunting school more bearable. So, stay on top of the school calendar so you can plan your family events (such as a “staycation” at a family hotel in Dubai during a long weekend off) in a more organized manner and give your child a good break to look forward to.

Sending your child to a prestigious school is a great way to secure his or her future.

However, it is important to take into consideration the anxiety the young one may be feeling about the high standards he or she needs to meet and the unique school dynamics.

Hopefully, with the advice above, your child will be able to adjust well to and thrive in the school he or she will be transferring to.