Ideal School
School is an essential setting for students as they grow while improving their skills for life after school. To achieve that, a school environment that facilitates learning needs to be created. Critics have argued that the current schools are not competent enough to create the environment students need. For me, an ideal school would be able to achieve both academic achievements for all the students and maximum social development. The first approach I would look for is to ask for suggestions from students regarding the learning environment. By understanding what they need or feel is important, I will be able to consider it and include it in my ideal school if necessary.
One of the most important factors to consider in the ideal school would be the infrastructure. The building to be used by the students would be ultra-modern for enhanced safety for all students. The classrooms would be small to avoid overcrowding. Also, all building would have sufficient lighting and have air-conditioned. Besides the classes, a modern and well-equipped library would be built. This will encourage students to visit it more to study, revise or carry out research. A world-class sports facility including a swimming pool and gymnasium would be built. This will improve the physical condition of the students.
On teaching, the tutor selected would have to adopt an individualized approach as opposed to the current system to ensure the needs of every student are attended. Considering that classrooms are small and each class has a small number of students, individualized teaching would be easily achievable. Students who do not understand what is being taught during class time can schedule a follow-up with the teacher any time. Also, I would discourage teachers from burdening students with pointless homework and exams. Instead, they would have to give constructive assignments. Practical demonstrations would be utilized wherever possible. A better teacher selection system would be implemented. Teachers would have to be highly knowledgeable, understanding, caring and adaptable to each student to qualify. The head of the institution, in charge of teachers and student, would have to be a visionary leader and the steering core. S/he would facilitate the achievement of my vision of every student reaching their potential.
Apart from the academic needs, students also have different needs which arise from factors such as racial diversity, gender, income and rural/urban settings. In my schools, all genders would be encouraged to enrol. Hopefully, gender proportions will be equal among the students, teachers and support staff. The school would accept students of all ethnicity. Racial diversity would also be observed while hiring teachers and other staff. The school would have zero-tolerance to racism. I would not want to see a student missing a position at my school due to financial constraints. Therefore, I would seek a diverse funding base to make the tuition fees as low as possible, thus affordable to the general population. My funding vision is in line with the suggestions of Burton Clark (Clark). Despite the differences the students might have, the ideal school will provide an environment where they improve their social interaction and growth as well as achieving maximum academic success possible.