Independant School Interview - help with what to ask

[Tenalady]

Very recently I have been plunged into a world that I have not visited before. My DS is a gifted child and he has been noted for his singing. He has the chance to join an independant school which will mean him boarding (its compulsory). He is keen, but I am not, maybe its me being selfish, after all I would of jumped at the chance at his age.

We have a parent interview with the head and I have become brain dead. If anyone has gone through this process then please give me some tips.

Thanks

Write a list of all the things which worry you, and don't be afraid of bringing the list out.

Isn't there anyway he could be a day boy and a Chorister somewhere? I know some choir schools are day schools.

Looked into that, they are all too far away to travel, the 5 or 6 schools within reasonable distance are boarders

Ask them about the possiblity of a sample day and night boarding. The Independent school I used to work in offered sample days and nights quite regularly. It will give your son the opportunity to meet his peer group and give him a brief insight into what boarding will entail, mealtimes, homework time etc.

Also, ask about extra curricular clubs, if they have any "sister" schools for joint music/drama productions, dances etc. Will your son be a weekly boarder and return home at weekend? If not as about weekend activities, curfews etc.

Ask what happens if he is unwell, are you phoned?

As a parent of a musical chorister, attending an independent school, the questions I would ask are:

1. How much music? What is the balance between academic, sporting and musical (check that they practice sport for all, and that the academics are up to scratch)
2. How much commitment do they expect out of school in terms of attendance at music festivals, choral doo-dahs and musical tours
3. What is the ethos of the music director? Ours makes the boys stay behind until they get the notes right. Are they relaxed in their pursuit of musical outstandingness
4. Will your DS have to do instrumental lessons as well? Most choristers have to do at least one instrument as well to complement the singing stuff
5. What is the pastoral care like? I'd never let DS board and I'd be incredibly careful about checking who is going to hug him when he buggers up a solo ...
6. How do they cope or find strategies for changing voices? What happens when their voices break?
7. Is there a lot of religion attached? Does he actually have to believe in God, take communion etc etc

There are more questions ...

Thank you everyone, that is really useful, off for the interview this morning x

How did you get on?

Interview done. First bit of showing around was very good with the Registrar. Got a chance to pose all the questions and more.

We were left in the office to wait for the Headmaster who eventually breezed in like a playful puppy! We were taken to his office where I was offered a coffee.

We had asked most of the questions on our way round so had nothing to ask left. He wanted to know about DS and his abilities. For some reason wanted to know what we did for a living! I hadnt even finished my small cup of coffee before we were ushered out back to the office. I cant help thinking we must of said something he didnt like. The crux of it all is it started well but felt like he was rushed.

Head didnt forget to tell us that there were 3 other candidates we were competing against to get the post.

He has offered DS a day at the school (no overnight stay) which is better than nothing.

Goodness I have had better feelings coming out of a job interview!

Ah well, just have to wait and see I guess, maybe apply to another school as a back up now that my DS has the bit between the teeth and would really like to do this.

Thanks for all suggestions I utilised all of them.

Ds had his interview for a private secondary in January, I thought we had blown it aswell, I really didn't feel confident when we left. They spent all of 5 minutes talking to ds, the only question he asked was about the school lunches! (typical boy) He admitted he couldn't remember anything about the school aswell as it had been a long time since we went to have a look around. We were told he'd need a second interview once he'd looked around again but they send him an offer a few days later which we were not expecting. Fingers crossed for you.

cant decide between loreto prep or bowdon prep?

Any pointers on loreto prep and Bowdon prep in Altrincham? My friend's daughter goes to Loreto but am not sure its for us? went to visit Bowdon it was good too but cant decide any advice?

I've no idea, you should start a new thread so more people will see it

thanks, i thought i had! will try agian.