Developing a Quality School

Early Identification and Analysis of Competency

A quality school is not measured by its physical attributes nor is it measured by whether it has adopted an international curriculum and uses English as its medium of instruction. Fees are also not a determining characteristic. A quality school cannot be copied from anywhere neither can it be copied into another school.

A quality school is one that has a local focus with the following characteristics:

1. The curriculum and lesson plans are not only for improving the students knowledge but also for personal development, life skill development and learning how to learn.
   
   
2. The school is run on a quality school Management System that provides the guidelines for planning, organization, implementing and evaluating learning activities.
   
   
3. Teachers use various methods of teaching and create a learning atmosphere that allows students to participate and enjoy learning.
   
   
4. From the paradigm, attitude and behaviour of teachers it is clear everyone is equal and that teachers become facilitators in the learning process.
   
   
5. Student programs are planned effectively to develop the interests, talents and skills of students. Students are given every opportunity to reach their full potential.
   
   
6. Resources to support educational needs are provided and effectively used to benefit the learning process.
   
   
7. Involvement and leadership from the community has become a useful resource and partnership in learning and even students are prepared to serve their community.

Because of these factors the quality school needs a systematic approach to the learning process.

The first aspect that needs consideration refers to effectiveness and accountability of the school management,

1. Organisational system: this is directly related to the governance of the school as an organisation including; Human Resource Management; Financial Management and Operational Management.
   
   
2. Educational Management: This is directly related to the main roles of the school as an educational system including the curriculum, student programs, planning, evaluation and assessment etc.
   
   
3. Buildings and Facilities: The planning and maintaining of all resources and their effective use in the learning process.

The second aspect is Human Resource Management including the principal, all educators and students. All training programs including support programs need to be planned covering paradigms, knowledge, skills and even attitudes and behaviour.

The third aspec is how the school is going to involve the community as a resource for the strudents. By community we refer to parents of students; the local community around the school or even the industrial sector.