Making That Switch

The act of changing schools can be daunting for both parents and child alike. Here two parents share their journey and how you too can make that transition smoothly

- Rina Ahmad Sapiuddin

Changing schools can be incredibly exciting, but also nerve-racking and quite emotional. There are many unknowns. How will my child cope with seeing old friends less, and making new ones? Will their new teachers be supportive of their individual struggles? How am I going to keep it all together? While you can’t prepare for every change you’re going to meet, you can prepare at dealing with that change itself.

MAXIMISING LIVED EXPERIENCES

Alicia Chui spent her formative years at a local public school and left Malaysia at age 11, attended international schools both in Taiwan and Hong Kong before pursuing her higher education in the US. This education journey was to leave a lasting impact on the young Alicia. “When I had my two children, I too wanted them to maximise their lived experiences. My husband Andrew also studied at a local public school before moving on to a local college and eventually to Australia for university,” she says.

Because of their schooling experiences, Chui knew that they wanted their children to experience two very different education systems as she believed the exposure and experiences her children will gain will be invaluable and enable them to be more resilient.

RESEARCH IS KEY

Many schools offer a tour of the school grounds which is a great way of getting excited and removing the fear of the unknown. In Chui’s case, it was a crucial part of the process in choosing the school for her eldest daughter Audrey.

“We shortlisted a few schools, based on our own research, our preference for their curriculum as well as recommendations from friends who had older children attending those schools. Andrew and I would then make an appointment to meet with the principal or head of admissions for a chat and tour of the campus,” says Chui.