Heritage Private School
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17 SUNDAY MAIL • February 23, 2014 special report PrivateEducation A look at some of what is available in Cyprus from kindergarten to university The reasons parents choose to send their kids to private schools are pretty similar around the world. But how do these fall into place in Cyprus asks TRACY PHILLIPS A question of choice HY do parents they are relevant in Cyprus. pline from a private school. around and sometimes get choose private Smaller class sizes may be And they usually get it. That rid of teachers that do not education? In an area where Cyprus state is because private schools have parental support. Es- Wa recent study schools can compete. The are able to pick the students sentially, it is the quality of published by the Friedman Ministry of Education has they want and weed out the the interaction in the class- Foundation in the US, re- made a pledge to keep class ones they don’t want. This is room that determines the sults showed that only about sizes in state schools at a a luxury that state schools quality of the teaching and 10 per cent of parents choose maximum of 24. So, in that cannot always provide. If stu- learning. Sometimes this a private school because of respect many private schools dents in the state sector get happens best in schools that higher ‘test scores’. In the may not offer classes that excluded from one school, do not appear on the surface UK or Cyprus read for this: are much, if at all, smaller. they only end up in another to have the best facilities. it’s not just about better However, while small classes one. Students in private But parents should be able exam results. The Friedman are often high on a parent’s schools have to meet the re- to choose a school based on Foundation for Education agenda, as it is usually equat- quired standards of behav- the aspects of education that Choice is the legacy of Nobel ed with that other parental iour. And at the same time, they value most. prize-winning economist Mil- favourite, more individual private schools can choose When it comes down to ex- ton Friedman and his wife, attention for the child, these the teachers they employ, ercising choice, private edu- Rose (who was also a noted two things should not be and have expectations of cation gives parents what economist). It exists to pro- that specifi cally surveyed ing thing about the results is confl ated. those teachers that the un- they want. Sometimes what mote their vision of choice in parents of children with that they seem to be pretty Private schools can often ions cannot undermine. they want is a highly compet- education. So it is hardly sur- scholarships, but you could universal. Having spent provide more individual at- As for a better learning en- itive, exam and results driv- prising that a study from this be forgiven for thinking that years putting three children tention because the teachers vironment, if teachers are en environment. Sometimes source suggests that educa- it was talking about parents through private education are required to stay longer competitively appointed and something quite different; tional choice is a good thing. in Cyprus. Even in an eco- in both Cyprus and the UK, hours and provide extra sup- expected to work long hours extra literacy support and But it is, isn’t it? nomic downturn, many peo- the parental responses seem port outside of mainstream to meet the learning needs the chance to take Drama The study asks how and ple are still prepared to pay surprisingly familiar. The top classes. They may also have of their students, it usually or Art as a serious subject. why parents choose private good money for something fi ve reasons given were: “bet- better training. This is the makes for a more dynamic Or just better sports facili- schools. It suggests that as important as their child’s ter student discipline” (50.9 kind of individual attention and interesting result in ties. And for many foreigners when it comes to education, education. per cent), “better learning that parents expect when the classroom. Sometimes in Cyprus, it is the opportu- parents from a wide range The study, entitled More environment” (50.8 per cent), they are paying huge fees. private schools can offer a nity for their child to learn in of ethnic, income, and social Than Scores: An Analysis “smaller class sizes” (48.9 per They do not expect to be broader curriculum and bet- English and get A Levels or backgrounds, even those of How and Why Parents cent), “improved student paying for private lessons on ter teaching resources as IB, with extra support to get without a college education Choose Private Schools, safety” (46.8 per cent), and top. And they should abso- well. This is not always the to a UK or US university. The themselves, are “active edu- asked parents to identify “more individual attention lutely not be paying for pri- case. But when the teaching point is that not every school cation consumers on behalf the top reasons why they for my child” (39.3 per cent). vate lessons on top. is not good and parents are will meet the needs of every of their children.” This was chose their child’s particu- Let’s take a closer look at It goes without saying that not happy, private schools are child. With private educa- a study conducted in the US lar school. And the interest- those responses and see why parents expect better disci- often quick to change things tion, parents have a choice. 18 PrivateEducation February 23, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL The Falcon School investing in a bright future for your child THE Falcon School provides an active, enquiring learning environment where every child is valued and encour- aged to bring out the best in themselves. Children learn to work together and think independently, building the skills for taking on the many new and exciting challenges of the modern world. The main language of the school is English. The school prides itself on • a continuous education for girls and boys from early When a student graduates years to university entrance from the Falcon School, • small class sizes in a family they are guaranteed to have environment the support of the school. • extensive facilities for This might take the form sports, music, drama, art of advice about university and pottery applications, references for • fully equipped science further study or employ- laboratories, classrooms ment, or simply a friend and facilities for academic with whom to share a mo- study ment of success. • networked ICT provision and Wi-fi access • extra-curricular activities for all ages and interests Entrance Examinations will take place on Monday • effective communication and contact, both person- What the students say – so many clubs and activi- kept informed about every- March 17 at 2pm. For information, contact the ally and through our school- “Our School really cares ties to choose from” thing we need to know” Admissions Secretary on 22 424781, www. base system about our education” “We all feel that we belong • structured support for in- “Our teachers listen to us What the parents say in a large family” falconschool.ac.cy dividual learning and per- and want to help us” “The School’s communica- “The small classes mean that sonal development “There is so much going on tion system means we are we all get to know each other” 19 SUNDAY MAIL • February 23, 2014 PrivateEducation The best of both worlds: University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus THE University of Central Lanca- shire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus), is If you would like to fi nd out located in Pyla, Larnaca. Now, in more about UCLan visit its second year of operations, the university is growing steadily and www.uclancyprus.ac.cy has completed the second phase or contact the admissions of construction, thus offering stu- team on admissions@ dents further learning facilities including a second lecture theatre uclancyprus.ac.cy or and Moot Court Room. Comple- tel: 24 694000. tion of studies at UCLan Cyprus will result in a joint award from the sign not only reproduces the look two universities of UCLan Cyprus and effect of a real court room, but and UCLan in the UK that will be represents court rooms of the fu- recognised across Europe and be- ture. yond. The Moot Court Room is repre- Bringing to Cyprus a world-class sentative of UCLan Cyprus’ com- reputation for academic excel- mitment to providing its students lence and innovative thinking, with the most technologically ad- UCLan’s aim is to develop future vanced learning experience in the business leaders and international eastern Mediterranean. Fully IT entrepreneurs with the skills and and AV-equipped, with both coun- business acumen for success in sel and judge able to portray their the modern global economy. This today’s businesses. evidence, representations and re- means it is able to offer a unique As well as benefi ting from the marks onto three large projector blend of knowledge, practical ex- highest British and Cypriot aca- screens, the Moot Court Room will perience and modern relevance to demic standards, students will enable UCLan Cyprus’ Law stu- equip students with the qualifi ca- have the advantage of a superlative dents to develop and practice their well as the opportunity to take the We not only teach the law, but we tions and skills for the internation- student experience in every aspect skills in advocacy in conditions as Law Clinic option in the fi nal year.