Changing schools: Why you need to weigh the options

Feb 12, 2008

In the middle of the second term, Alex Kasolo changed his daughter from Wanyange girls to Iganga Girls School. The new school required him to pay fees for term one and two yet his daughter had not studied the first term in the school. This left him stunned and wondering what to do next.

Frederick Womakuyu

In the middle of the second term, Alex Kasolo changed his daughter from Wanyange girls to Iganga Girls School. The new school required him to pay fees for term one and two yet his daughter had not studied the first term in the school. This left him stunned and wondering what to do next.

He had already informed the former school of his intention to shift his daughter and going back would be like ‘fooling’ the school. But step-by-step, Kasolo convinced Wanyange and the school re-admitted his daughter.
For many children, the shift from one school to another is not easy.

Just as they are struggling with their emotions, like trying to understand and accept their physical and body changes which make them alternately distracted, forgetful, anxious, self-conscious and argumentative — everything about the school environment is changing too. A new school, separation from friends and adjusting to new challenges.

“It also means getting used to new teachers for each subject. Classes are harder and homework increases,” says Dr. Ambrose Mungoma, Lecturer of Education, Kyambogo University.

Many parents may think switching schools for their children is easy but experts give the following tips when changing the child’s school.

Peer pressure
According to Alan Barasa, counsellor and psychologist, Nkumba University, middle schoolers are acutely aware of what their friends think, and that affects their self-perception and values when they are shifted to a new school.

“A bright child may lose interest in school altogether. Though the child still wants good grades, he wants to match the new environment and this will affect their performance,” says Barasa.

Adjust to new teacher
“Instead of the supportive setting of the old school where the child had a teacher who challenged her strengths and understood the child’s weakness, the child may have a new teacher, with his or her own teaching style and expectations. Adjusting to new instructors can be daunting for even the most resilient child,” says Mungoma.

But if a parent must change their child’s school, Barasa says they should tour the new school with the child before the term starts, so the child can meet some of the teachers, and learn the layout of the school so that he at least knows how to find his classroom, canteen and toilets.”

According to Charles Kapere, teacher, Busoga High School, the new child must be provided with a teacher to mentor him or her incase of any problem. “A personal relationship with an adult who takes interest in a child’s learning is one of the most important factors in a new child’s success in that school,” says Kapere.

Friendship shift
Kapere adds that while your child is attending a new school, they may be sharing a lunch table or class bench with children from different backgrounds. But that does not rule out cliques, bullies and the pressure to conform which can leave a child feeling confused, angry, or in self-doubt. Mungoma says the fallout from all this social turmoil can be a roadblock to the child’s learning in the new school.

To help your child create meaningful friendships, Mary Muhozi, a child counsellor at Naguru Kindergarten, says the parent should remain approachable. “Encourage your child to open up about what is going on in school — but do not interrogate, and give advice only when asked. Your goal is to keep the child talking so the child realises she can count on you,” she says. “Communicating with you can help the child develop a better understanding of their feelings,” says Muhozi.

Kapere adds that a balanced diet, exercise and enough sleep can help a child manage stress of a new school better. “Car rides can be another great way of starting conversations with your child. Sitting side by side, not having to make eye contact, your child may feel less pressure and opens up,”says Kapare.

Muhozi also advises that boosting a child’s social skills by helping them learn to listen to authority and think positively about themselves can help them make meaningful friends at the new school.

A financially “Safe school"
“It is good to take a child to a school whose fees you can afford but also where you are likely to have negotiating leverage in terms of the fees paid,” says Mungoma. How do you identify financially safe schools? Carol Akello, an educational consultant in Kampala, says consider both public and private schools of different sizes in different locations. Then choose the fees structure that suit you.

The grades are poor
“In the new school the child is distracted, irritable, and may not even try— and his grades show it. Dr. William Odongo, a child psychologist at Mulago Hospital says empathise with frustrations — remind the child of your school difficulties. “Give your child emotional support, not a lecture. Schedule a meeting with the teacher, to help the child.” Help the child learn from their mistakes and stay positive about their performance.

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