Al Siddiq International School

November 2022

Edukasi

Choosing the Right School for Your Child: Seven Key Factors Parents Should Consider

Most answers to the question of “How to choose the right school?” tend to be normative, such as: check whether the school has a good reputation or whether its students achieve high exam scores. While both are important considerations, they are not the only factors parents should focus on. Parents need to spend time understanding what kind of school will truly meet the needs of their children. Investing in education requires significant financial commitment, often incomparable even to purchasing a new house or car. That is why choosing the best school for our children can feel somewhat daunting—especially with the wide variety of schools available today. As parents, it is crucial to carefully evaluate a school before enrolling your child, since it is the child who will ultimately experience the education process. So, what essential aspects should you consider in selecting the right school for your children? The following points will help guide you: The primary factor that differentiates one school from another lies in the quality of its teaching staff and management. Schools with highly qualified, experienced teachers, supported by a competent management team, should be a top priority. First and foremost, parents need assurance that the teaching staff can provide a high-quality learning environment for their children. Beyond this, the competence of the school’s management ensures that all aspects of school operations are well-organized and effective. It is also important that the management is open to collaboration with parents in supporting their child’s educational journey. Another crucial factor is the curriculum. A strong curriculum not only emphasizes academic foundations but also places the child’s holistic development at its center. Check whether classroom activities are designed to help students develop essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Parents should also evaluate the breadth of learning experiences offered within the school’s curriculum, ensuring their child benefits from both intellectual and personal growth. Once you are confident in the teaching staff and curriculum, the next priority is safety. After all, your child’s well-being must be the highest concern when entrusting them to a school. Parents should ask detailed questions when reviewing a school’s safety standards. For example: Does the school have designated evacuation areas? Are safety facilities in place? How do staff members handle emergency procedures? Why should parents review a school’s teaching methodology, even when teachers are well-qualified? Because methodology reflects how effectively teachers deliver lessons and engage students in their learning experience. Parents should check whether teachers employ innovative methods that make learning engaging and interactive. Does the school allow students to express their ideas in class? Are discussions and project-based learning encouraged? These approaches greatly enrich the educational process. Parents certainly do not want their children confined solely to a rigid academic schedule. Extracurricular activities are essential to provide balance, enjoyment, and opportunities for talent development. Activities such as sports, arts, scouting, or life skills programs not only serve as recreation but also play a significant role in developing children’s social abilities, teamwork, and creativity. Well-designed extracurricular programs complement the quality of the academic experience. Location is another key factor when choosing a school. Proximity matters not only for reducing transportation costs but also for supporting a child’s daily learning process. Parents should evaluate the distance between home and school, as well as available access or school-provided transportation services. A closer location helps children arrive on time, reduces fatigue, and enables them to better engage in their studies. Above all, parents should consider the school’s culture and values. What principles does the school uphold? Does it have a clear code of ethics? A healthy school culture promotes teacher professionalism, continuous learning, innovative environments, and a sense of responsibility. The values instilled in a school significantly influence students’ mindsets and character. Parents should also evaluate whether the school’s values align with those practiced at home. Conclusion These seven key factors serve as a comprehensive guide for parents seeking the right school for their children. There is no need for confusion or hesitation—especially in areas such as Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede—when clear indicators such as teaching quality, management, curriculum, methodology, and safety standards are available for verification. While methodology and safety require close evaluation, it is equally important to understand the culture and values promoted by the school. The best next step is to visit the school directly—so that parents can make an informed choice with confidence and register their children without hesitation. Adapted by Yusuf Yudhana

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Parents Can Help Protect Children from Exposure to Pornography

In today’s digital era, providing education to children has become much easier, as a wide range of resources can be accessed through the internet. However, parents must remain vigilant when their children use the internet for learning. While online platforms can offer many positive benefits, it is important to acknowledge that the internet also carries significant risks. The internet is an open space where almost anything can be found, including harmful and inappropriate content such as pornography. Parents play a crucial role in preventing such negative influences from reaching their children. One effective step is to apply controlled restrictions. Although blocking pornographic or violent content is not always straightforward, with strong commitment and active supervision, parents can greatly reduce children’s exposure to harmful material. Below are several strategies that parents can implement:1. Utilize Security Applications or Software Specialized applications and software can filter harmful content from websites. These tools are designed to block sites containing certain keywords or inappropriate material. Examples include FamiSafe, Norton Family Parental Control, and Kidslox. 2. Apply Browser Blocking Options Most internet browsers are equipped with features to enhance security and restrict inappropriate content: Mozilla Firefox: Access the settings, choose the Add-On menu, and search for parental control extensions. Select an add-on with blocking features for keywords or content related to pornography. Google Chrome: Within the Preferences menu, activate the SafeSearch option, which helps filter out pornographic and other harmful content. 3. Enable Parental Control on the Operating System Devices with Windows 10 or later include built-in parental control features. Parents can create a dedicated email account for their child, then access the Account settings. Under Family & Other People, select Add a family member to establish monitoring and restrictions. 4. Regularly Review Device History For children who use smartphones or tablets to access the internet, parents should conduct routine checks of browsing history. Ensure that parental access is secured and settings cannot be altered by the child. Regular monitoring provides insight into the websites children visit and their overall online activity. 5. Restrict Application Usage Parents should control the types of applications that children may download or access. Establish clear boundaries and ensure that only age-appropriate and approved applications are permitted on their devices. 6. Activate Positive Internet Features Several internet service providers in Indonesia offer protective features to safeguard children from harmful content. For instance, IndiHome by Telkom Indonesia provides a Positive Internet feature that automatically blocks pornographic and inappropriate websites. This feature can be activated on both smartphones and laptops. Through consistent supervision and by utilizing available technological tools, parents can create a safer online environment for their children. Beyond protection, these efforts also help instill a sense of responsibility in children as they navigate the digital world.

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Hooray, School Holidays Are Here! Let’s Fill Them with These 5 Fun Activities

School holidays are the most awaited time for children—especially the long mid-year break, which is usually the longest holiday in their school calendar. After going through daily academic routines, children sometimes need a short pause to recharge and prevent prolonged stress. That’s why it is very important for parents to help make their children’s holidays more meaningful and enjoyable. Here are five exciting activities that parents can do together with their children: Backyard camping can be a fun and educational holiday experience for children. Through this activity, parents can teach many things—from knowledge about stars and planets to other natural wonders. All you need is a tent, a big blanket, some hot chocolate, and a full day of exciting family camping in the yard. The zoo is always a popular holiday destination. It allows children to explore and observe various animals directly. Nowadays, zoos are also more accessible as many are located within city centers. Alternatively, visiting a museum can be a great choice. Many modern museums now provide interactive activities, allowing children to learn new knowledge and discover interesting facts in a fun way. During the holidays, encourage children to go cycling, either in the morning or afternoon around the neighborhood or in a nearby park. Cycling offers many benefits: it helps build muscle strength, boosts confidence, increases happiness, enhances social skills, and improves motor coordination. Invite children to spend time gardening—especially if you have flowers or vegetable plants at home. This activity not only helps children understand nature and the environment but also allows them to explore new things, such as discovering insects living in the soil. Ball games can significantly improve children’s motor skills, as they involve hand-eye coordination and timing—both essential in child development. In addition, playing ball also teaches children teamwork, collaboration, and healthy competitiveness. Parents can encourage children to play in the yard or join them in a fun game. All of these activities can be done together during the school holidays. By engaging in such activities, children not only enjoy their free time but also remain physically active, which supports their growth and development throughout the holiday season.

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Al Siddiq International Implements an Effective Bilingual Education System to Prepare Students for Global Competition

Al Siddiq International applies an effective bilingual education system designed to prepare students for the challenges of global competition. English and Arabic serve as the two primary languages taught at the school, with a strong emphasis on developing language skills that support both academic needs and everyday communication. English is taught intensively, both in academic contexts and in general conversation, enabling students to become accustomed to communicating in this international language. Meanwhile, Arabic is also taught as an essential part of religious education, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Qur’anic texts and Islamic teachings. In addition, Al Siddiq International fosters students’ entrepreneurial spirit through various entrepreneurship programs. These initiatives aim to cultivate creativity, innovation, and independence among students. They are guided in developing critical thinking skills and in managing simple business ventures. Environmental awareness is also a core focus of the school, supported by a range of activities that instill values of care and responsibility for the environment. Through its combination of bilingual education, entrepreneurship, and environmental consciousness, Al Siddiq International prepares its students to become highly competitive individuals who are also committed to sustainability in the future.