What are the Benefits of a Private School Open Event?
A private school Open Event can offer prospective pupils and their families the chance to visit the school and learn more about the school's culture, staff, and facilities at a specially organised, annual event.
Throughout this article, we'll discuss what you can expect from a private school Open Event and some of the various benefits of attending one. If you're unsure of what to expect, then this information should help.
What is a Private School Open Event?
A private school Open Event offers prospective families the chance to learn more about a school. It provides a realistic, first-hand insight into the school, going beyond what is seen on the website, social media, or any other promotional material.
It’s also a chance for the school to engage with prospective pupils and parents. The school’s staff, pupils and current parents will be present to answer any questions visitors may have.
Guided tours are a highlight of private school Open Events. It’s a chance for visitors to explore the school’s campus, facilities and resources while learning about the school’s ethos.
The High School of Glasgow’s Senior School tours are led by our Senior 3 pupils, allowing visitors to hear from those who know what it’s like to be a pupil best! There’s no better insight into our School than from those who’re actively enrolled in our curriculum, co-curricular activities, and all other aspects of school life.
Attending an Open Event is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the application process. Many schools will have a wealth of information regarding admissions on their website; however, Open Events allow prospective families to ask questions in real-time with further scope for discussion.
What are the Benefits of Private School Open Events?
As you can see, attending private school Open Events can offer a great deal of valuable information and feedback about a school.
Below, we'll discuss the specific benefits of attending a private school Open Event for prospective families.
Meeting with Teachers and Pupils
One of the primary benefits of attending a private school Open Event is that you have the chance to meet with the school’s teachers and pupils. Open Events are one of a few opportunities in which families can meet school representatives in a structured environment.
Meeting with teachers can benefit both parents and children alike.
Parents can learn about the school and different teaching techniques, while children can meet with their potential future teachers.
Understanding the School
An important benefit of a private school Open Event is to gain an understanding of the school, as your child has the opportunity to get a feel for what it would be like to attend, by visiting the classrooms and exploring the facilities! Very often, schools will have arranged fun activities during the tour which allow children to get hands on, for example, in Health and Food Technology (HFT), children are invited to decorate a cupcake, or try out a science experiment in one of the Science Labs!
Another important aspect of understanding a school is learning about its ethos and history. Much of what makes a private school different is how their history determines the values they hold and instil in their pupils. During a tour, visitors will be introduced to elements of the school’s values and ethos that is difficult to understand without experiencing it first-hand.
Meeting Other Families
The final benefit of attending a private school Open Event is meeting other parents and children who are interested in joining the school, as well as current parents.
This is an opportunity for parents who are considering enrolling their children in a private school to meet. They can share their experiences during the application process and take this opportunity to network. It provides a good insight into what it’s like to be a parent at the school and you can discuss their child’s experience. Simple questions like ‘what’s the school run like?’ and ‘is there a second hand uniform sale?’ are typical questions prospective parents may like to ask from those in the know!
This aspect of Open Events benefits children too. This is their time to meet peers who could potentially be future classmates. They can talk, play, and even form friendships with those whom they could spend their school years with.
If they’ve already had the opportunity to engage with pupils before starting, this can make the first day feel less daunting.
Final Thoughts
As discussed, attending a private school Open Event can be a valuable experience for both the visiting parents and children. It provides an opportunity to get a feel for the school's culture, curriculum, teaching staff, and facilities and is a crucial part of the admissions process.
It helps prospective families gain a deeper understanding of the school, meet teachers and pupils, and understand the community they may become a part of.
If you’re interested in visiting The High School of Glasgow, we hold annual Open Events at our Senior School and Junior School & Kindergarten every year in November. Tours are also available all year round and we encourage families to organise a tour if Open Events are months away as they provide another excellent insight into our school and reflect various aspects of our annual Open Events.