school open day etiquette?! Post Reply

[tillywith2boys]

Hello there
Am about to start the rounds of going along to secondary school open days. Does anyone know... do you just turn up, or you have to book places? And do you bring along your child too, or are they just for parents? Silly questions, I know... just a bit daunted!

[tamara]

I agree it is all a bit daunting. I think the ones on Saturdays are just turn up affairs. The ones in the week seem a mixture. I would check online, or phone - often says to register . Some absolutely say that there are tours available on certain days every week by appointment only. That said I've never heard of anyone being thrown out

[Mummyneedswine]

Hi!
I am a secondary school teacher and think i can help you here! You won't need to book places, just turn up but it may be that there are several short talks from the head that you might want to go to. At my school (In Wimbledon) you get allocated a time for the talk when you arrive (they are every half hour/45mins i think). You should definitely bring your child as there should be lots of things going on that they can join in with. Also - it's important to get their view on things as they will be the ones having to trudge there every day..... (younger siblings are also always around and they get involved too).
Expect to be given a tour by a student (or a member of staff but a student is preferable!) and use that opportunity to ask them lots of questions about life at the school.
It seems that it is never too early to start the 'rounds' - we have had 5month pregnant people looking round for 11 years into the future before now!
It must be very difficult, i am dreading having to do it as a mum (not for a few years yet thank goodness!), but try and enjoy it, the kids and teachers there have given up a saturday so chat to them and have a laugh - you'll find out much more that way i promise!
happy to answer any more questions ....

[Mummyneedswine]

sorry - just seen the questions about the ones in the week. They will def be appointment only as lessons will be going on and they will have to be controlled. Quite useful to see the school in action for real not just 'on show' but also everyone will be far too busy to chat properly so you won't get to speak to as many people and it will be a lot more formal. Go on a saturday if at all possible....

[SW16]

At our school parents just turn up on the day, there is no need to book though often people do phone ahead to double check timings and register their interest. The pupils give tours and there is an opportunity to speak to staff. The headteacher also gives a talk, to give you more information as well as the schools values and aims. Some parents will come for the open day on the Saturday and then visit again during the week, to see a normal school day, which is welcomed. It is a really good opportunity to see the school and meet some of the staff and pupils, and to get a feel for the place. Also it is great when people bring their children along, it is good for them to see the school as well as for the adults.
Hope this helps!

[tillywith2boys]

Dear all
Thanks so much for your help. Gosh, people with babes in arms going along to secondary school... I fear I've left the whole thing a bit late then... find the whole thing very daunting, but the advice really helps. Will go along to a mixture of Saturdays and week days, with my best 'smart casual' outfit!