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Open days provide the ideal way to find out what prospective schools offer beyond the academic provision

When choosing the right school for your child there are so many things to consider besides the academic offering, does your child excel at sport or have a talent for music that deserves to be developed?

Are the co-curricular opportunities a factor too? School is about children’s overall wellbeing with many providing a more holistic approach with emphasis being given to their all-round education and development.

Activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, World Challenge and Young Enterprise are a perfect way to develop resourcefulness and acquire leadership skills which can be transferred to the classroom. The range of activities available is astounding with everything from being able to be part of schools’ own local frequency radio station to rock climbing, yoga, silversmithing, Mandarin and debating – there really is something for everyone whatever their interest.

Many schools offer cyber, computing and coding classes allowing pupils to use the computer facilities to develop computational thinking skills encouraging students to gain knowledge and expertise in computing and coding in the real world.

For many pupils, the performing arts are a much-needed way to vent some energy and explore their creative side in addition to what is offered on the curriculum with specialist classes in dance and drama. Budding actors and actresses, singers and dancers should get involved in musical theatre with many schools producing end of term shows offering a wealth of opportunities for students to explore their artistic skills.

And if pupils are not technically minded, how about joining a construction club or even put your green fingers to the test at the gardening club.

While you may expect to find rugby, tennis, netball, cricket, hockey and lacrosse taking place on the sports fields, check out the additional sports for your child to try their hand at, some offer golf, American football, horse riding, rowing and sailing, giving youngsters the opportunity to enjoy some quality time outdoors while getting fit and having fun.

Leadership, community and public speaking all play a part in helping to shape students for the future, developing responsibility and greater awareness of the world at large, as do the expeditions and trips offered.

While an open day offers the chance to have a good look around a school, only by asking questions of pupils as well as staff, can you truly get a measure of the place.

Open days provide the ideal way to find out what prospective schools offer beyond the academic provision

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