Sending children to private schools has long been desirable among parents, and continues to be a growing trend. While national schools are clearly the more affordable option, privileged families should consider providing their young ones with education in private schools because of two predominant factors.
The first pertains to the facilities available. Given the higher school fees, parents expect a better learning environment with more advanced and well-maintained amenities, such as sports fields and courts, labs, and other recreational areas.
National government schools run on a limited budget, requiring funds to be allocated to the most pressing issues. This can sometimes mean longer periods before spaces and equipment get updated.
The types of facilities at private schools also vary significantly. Many will have invested in amenities such as swimming pools, rock climbing gyms, and performing arts studios for students to discover and build on their interests and talents.
It is important for a school to have well-functioning resources that accommodate students’ learning processes.
Teaching and learning
The second point concerns the lower student-to-teacher ratio at private schools compared with national schools. This allows educators to pay closer attention to each pupil, focusing on their learning needs and progress, and creating a more engaging educational experience.
Conversely, the high ratio of students to teachers at national schools makes it hard for educators to track the learning progress of individuals.
The common feedback is that national schools tend to prioritise students who are in the top classes, creating a learning gap between them and the so-called “weaker” ones. This is unfortunate as there could be untapped talents and interests among those who are deemed weaker.
When it comes to study, private schools often offer the national curriculum – that is, the Primary School Standard Curriculum (KSSR), and Secondary Schools Standard Curriculum (KSSM). Some private schools offer an international curriculum such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) alongside the national curriculum.
Many private schools have a sister international school, which allows them to collaborate with and draw inspiration from the international school, thus refining their teaching methodologies.
Private schools put a strong focus on students’ mental health and soft-skills development on top of their academic excellence and overall wellbeing. Students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities through interschool competitions to instill confidence, teamwork, and a competitive spirit.
In a nutshell, private schools provide a more holistic education through their learning environment and teaching approaches. If you have children starting school soon, you might want to explore the options for a private institution available to you.
Schooladvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.