Page 10 - Education February 2024

BEYOND THE NORM:

Unearthing Schools that Speak

to Your Child’s Individuality

s the academic season reaches its peak, our social media feeds Reflecting on my own school days, I recognise the dichotomy of
will soon be flooded with schools proudly displaying their those who excelled academically but lacked a passion for learning
Amatriculation results. Pass rates, distinctions, and university and vice versa. Acknowledging that individuals thrive in diverse
exemptions take center stage, rightfully applauded for years of hard fields based on interests, aptitudes, and talents is crucial. The
work and determination. It’s a sigh of relief for parents who’ve been matriculation celebration rightfully applauds those who excelled,
on this journey for over a decade. But amidst the cheers, it’s time to but what about the non-conformists?
shed light on those who don’t quite fit the conventional mould.
Parenting a child outside the conventional mould poses
With nearly two decades in teaching, mostly with Grades 4 and 5, I’ve challenges in today’s hyper-competitive educational landscape.
witnessed the academic journey of countless students. The pressure It’s tempting for parents to measure their child’s worth solely
for academic excellence, present from preschool to high school, by academic achievements, overlooking the possibility that the
raises questions about the essence of learning. A billboard advertising environment, not the child, might be the issue. I experienced
an “academic preschool” caught my eye, making me realise that this firsthand with my own son, who struggled in a sought-after
many confuse academics with learning. The latter, when nurtured, school that didn’t align with his emotional sensitivity.
becomes the foundation for successful academics. The focus on end
results places immense pressure on both children and schools. Early Realising that the round hole wasn’t suitable for my non-
educators play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s attitude toward conformist transformed his life. Changing his academic setting
learning. I’ve seen students who, though initially struggling, thrived allowed him to blossom, and the anxious, unhappy child regained
once they found their passion and overcame hurdles like anxiety or his joy. School should be a happy time for every child, and if it’s
learning challenges. not, it’s essential to consider alternatives.

Education | February 2024 | 8