Not all school holiday programs are the same. In Melbourne specifically, there is a wide diversity in the interests and topics covered, various instructional methods, and price brackets.
Suppose your reason for sending your child to one of these programs is to have an enriching experience that they may not usually experience in school. In that case, finding the right one can be incredibly daunting.
Thankfully, there are many school holiday programs for Melbourne parents who have given their seal of approval, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one that's a good fit for your child. Here are some pointers to help you fine-tune your search.
1.) It should be something your child expresses interest in
It helps to actually consult the child about the type of after-school program they may want to be in. Several parents surprisingly neglect to do this fundamental step when they start shopping around for holiday programs.It goes without saying that your child will get the most out of a program that they have actually expressed interest in. Enrolling them in a program they aren't so interested in can make the child feel punished, and they may not get a good experience.
2.) The program should present enough of a challenge
While the program should be something your child wants to be in, it helps if the offered challenge is enough to push them beyond their current levels. This will help them get the most out of their time in the program and teach them lessons that may need to be learned in a classroom.Be sure to look up reviews of the program or ask other parents who have enrolled their children in the same program about their child's experiences, especially with the difficulty level and instructor's teaching methods.
3.) Look for an excellent instructor-to-student ratio
Generally speaking, you want as low a percentage of students to instructors as possible. However, the cost of a school holiday program often relates to how many students are assigned per instructor. Fewer students tend to mean higher rates, though this is only sometimes the case.However, there are other reasons to look for a lower ratio of students to teachers. Sessions tend to be more focused, and knowledge retention improves in classes with fewer students. This can be a significant consideration if you want your child to get the most out of the program.
4.) Check out retention rates
Programs with higher retention rates are more enjoyable, so checking for this specifically when looking up programs is helpful. While you might get an approximate number, checking out online reviews may give you a good idea of how many students drop out of the program.However, some children may enjoy a challenge. If reviews are positive and the retention rates are relatively low, that is pretty challenging and can be the right one for some kids. Discuss it with your child before enrolling them in these programs.
