Private School Open Events: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Private School Open Events are an excellent opportunity for parents and pupils to learn more about a school's culture, curriculum, facilities, and general ethos. These events provide the perfect opportunity for prospective parents and pupils to experience what the school is like.
If you're considering sending your child to a private school, attending an Open Event is a great way to get a feel for the school's environment and determine if it's the right fit for you and your child.
We’ve noted below a few things that you can expect when attending a private school Open Event and how to prepare for it.
The Purpose of Private School Open Events
In this section, we'll discuss the purpose of Open Events and what happens while you’re there.
Purpose of Open Events
The main purpose of a private school Open Event is to provide prospective pupils and their families with an opportunity to learn more about the school.
It's a chance to see the facilities, meet teachers and leadership teams, and learn about the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a sense of what the school is like in person.
Open Events are typically held in the Autumn Term to help prepare families for the following school session.
How to Prepare for Private School Open Events
Before you attend a private school Open Event, it’s recommended you spend time preparing for it.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a private school Open Event.
Researching the School
Before attending an Open Event, it's important to research the school thoroughly.
Explore the school's website and social media profiles to learn more about their academic program, extra-curricular activities, and values. You may also want to read about some past pupils standout memories from their time at the School and if you have any family or friends who are former pupils, ask about their experience.
Preparing Questions
It’s a good idea to come up with a list of questions to ask during the Open Event. This will help you get the information you need to make an informed decision about whether the school is the right fit for you and your child. Some questions you may want to consider asking include:
- What is the pupil-to-teacher ratio?
- What extra-curricular activities are available?
- How do parents keep up to date with the school?
- What are the catering facilities like?
- How does the school support pupils with learning difficulties?
- What is the admissions process like?
Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit, make sure to check the school's website for details on the schedule and any requirements for attending. Most schools will require you to register in advance or may ask you to provide identification on the day of the visit.
Finally, make sure to arrive on time and be prepared to take notes and ask questions. This is your chance to have a first-hand look at the school and determine whether it’s right for your child. We recommend bringing your child or children along with you so they can experience the school as well.
What to Expect on the Day
When attending a private school Open Event, it's important to know what to expect so you can make the most of your visit. Here are the key things you can expect on the day:
Tours and Presentations
The Open Event will usually begin with a presentation from the Head Teacher or a member of the Leadership Team. This will give you an overview of the school's ethos, academic achievements, and extra-curricular activities. You will then be taken on a tour of the school by a pupil or member of staff.
The tour will typically include classrooms, sports facilities, the library, the ICT suite, science labs, drama studio, art department, music department and other key areas of the school. You'll get a chance to see how the school operates on a day-to-day basis and ask any questions you may have.
Interacting with Staff and Pupils
During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to speak to staff and pupils. This is a great chance to ask questions about the school and get a feel for the atmosphere. The best way to find out what it’s like to be a pupil at the High School is to speak to them!
Opportunity to Assess the School’s Facilities
You should also take note of the facilities available like the classrooms and sporting areas.
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What to Expect at The High School of Glasgow Open Events
At The High School of Glasgow, we typically hold our Open Events in November. Staff and pupils at the school all get involved to make our visitors’ time as valuable as it can be.
If you’re interested in attending either our Junior School or Senior School Open Events, click the button below to be redirected to our dedicated Admissions page.