Daniel Leo

Every parent knows and dreads this question: what is the right school for your child? With so many options out there, it’s not an easy choice to make. Factor in all the other considerations present and the selection process often gives parents a headache. One option that you can go for, though, is an international school that follows the Cambridge IGCSE program. There are plenty of benefits to choosing this school for your child. Here are some of the reasons why you won’t regret this choice. Learning Opportunities When you look for schooling options, you’re guided by the thought that you want options that can provide a range of wonderful learning opportunities. The best international school in Malaysia can do that for your child. With courses, programs, and more, your child has so many chances to grow, discover interests, and develop skills. International Recognition A school with a curriculum that is internationally recognized is to your child’s advantage. When your child starts applying to universities, they tend to have an advantage over everyone else. That curriculum alone means that your child has gone through rigorous academic training. That’s the kind of student any university or high school would love to have. Also, if your family is planning to go back to your country in the next few years, then you’ll want to pick a school that uses the same program like the one offered by the schools back home. That way, your child will have an easier transition. Learner-Centric Approach The IGCSE curriculum places the students in the middle of the course. Instead of the traditional approach wherein the teacher is at the center of everything, this curriculum turns that on its head. It encourages the child to learn more by using a variety of learning strategies. The school recognizes the fact that there are different types of learners. That means they don’t force the kids to learn at the same pace, hence the learner-centric approach. The student gets to control the pace. They aren’t forced to keep up with others and that impacts their development in a positive way. Curiosity and Critical Thinking The curriculum encourages kids to investigate a variety of subjects, topics, and issues. This allows them opportunities to learn the value of following up. They learn to keep asking questions, trying to find out why. That quality is crucial in building a student’s critical thinking skills. That also helps them understand concepts and ideas much more. With a curriculum that’s known for producing academically gifted kids, then you know that your child is in the right school. Emotional Intelligence It’s ideal to pick a school that also offers opportunities to improve the emotional intelligence of the students through extracurricular activities and programs. Whether it's through sports or the arts, a lot of international schools certainly fit the bill. You just need to need which one is right for your kid. By taking this into consideration, you create a future where it’s possible for your child to be academically talented and also emotionally intelligent.

Imagine the opportunity to study at the University of your choosing and in your dream country. Imagine learning a course of your choice in a diverse environment without worrying about paying back a student loan. Sounds impressive, right? These are all benefits that await you once you manage to win yourself a scholarship. A scholarship allows both the needy and the privileged learners yet academically gifted and determined to complete their studies. Quality education is essential for every child, and a scholarship will enable learners to fulfill their academic goals. So how do you, as a learner, increase your chances of winning a scholarship? The following are ways a learner can increase their chances of winning a scholarship for school students. 1. Applying for as many scholarships as possible A learner should identify and list as many scholarship opportunities as possible and send in applications. Limiting yourself to a few options reduces your chances of landing a scholarship. You may not be lucky as there are so many applicants. It is also essential that you do not ignore the small scholarships. For instance, if a particular scholarship offers a small amount of money that is not enough to cover all your university expenses, apply for it anyway. The money will come in handy when it comes to paying tuition fees or buying books, and even in paying for your house rent. 2. Being keen on who you list as your references The person you list as a reference can either increase or decrease your chances of winning a scholarship. You must be careful about who you submit as your referee. Make sure it is a person who can vouch for you. Also, ensure that your referee is a person who knows you well to avoid the chances of the referee contradicting the information you may have already provided. Once you submit your application, ensure that you alert your references to prevent them from being caught off guard. 3. Being thorough in writing your application Ensure that you submit an application form free from grammatical errors. Use formal language. Be careful with your word diction. Ensure you write an appealing resume highlighting all your achievements. Make sure your resume stands out. Before submitting your application, have a trusted friend read your application. They have a better chance of identifying the mistakes that may not have caught your eye; this ensures that you submit an error-free application. 4. Attach all your credentials Make a list of all the scholarship requirements. Ensure that you have all the required documents before submission and attach them. It is worth noting that all your documents should be genuine. Do not sugar-coat any information or provide false information as this will only reduce your chances of being considered. Ensure that you do not submit an application form without the required documents. 5. Observe the deadlines Most scholarships for school for students provide an application deadline. Be an early bird. Submitting your application early signals how serious and determined you are in getting the scholarship. Do not be those students who submit their applications long past the set deadlines and expect to be considered; nobody will take you seriously. So be timely in the submission of your application. 6. Standing out in the Interview Once you have been shortlisted and have to attend an interview, ensure that you are well-prepared and confident in convincing the interviewers why you deserve the scholarship. Prepare for the commonly asked questions and have ready yet honest answers. Make sure you ace the interview as it is where you make a physical impression about yourself. Winning a scholarship gives a learner a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a quality education. Therefore, the learner must be familiar with these ways of increasing their chances of winning a scholarship.