Sri Ara Schools

My son & I really like the school esp the environment & small class size. Swimming classes are a real plus. The only reason I have not given 5 stars is because there are no music classes & the ECA is quite limited. The following are suggestions for some things I would love to see in the school. -It would be great to have keyboard /piano lessons included in the ECA line-up or even at least any instrument. If not from a fully qualified teacher, perhaps there is some talented musical student willing to do some part time work teaching the basics. -Music classes as part of the curriculum to teach the history of music, famous composers & their music, different types of instruments, music theory, etc. -Similarly, it would be nice if the Arts class could also include teaching the history of art, from cave drawings to famous artists & their stories, the Impressionists, etc, the different methods and how to use the light. -PE classes to include martial arts lessons for self defence -Foreign languages, either as part of the curriculum or ECA - French /Spanish /German /Japanese. Learning about the history & culture in addition to the language -Gardening, either as part of PE class or ECA. It would be great for kids to learn how to grow food (organically). They could learn how to set up a small patch & grow herbs, vegetables & flowers. It's a healthy, useful, fulfilling activity that provides real life knowledge. They could sell their produce to parents in a mini weekly /monthly farmers market (which would teach them commerce and also could be a small fundraiser for the school). Or supply to the Home Science club for them to learn how to prepare fresh wholesome meals. -Photography as ECA or part of Arts class. Learning about light, composition, focus, camera settings, photo editing (which would also be nice as part of computer class) -Science club, doing interesting experiments, astronomy, learning about famous scientists, how things work -Current chess club to be expanded into a Board Games Club.

We liked Sri Ara but it is certainly not the school for everyone. It is physically old, utilizing 2 old bungalow houses and the only facility is a big field. But it is quirky, and we had a very good impression of the teachers. It looked like the school took education seriously. We definitely have a positive feel about the environment. Feels like a big family. The school has 90 children in total, with 24 teachers. Yes, 24! A number of teachers have been there for years, which is very reassuring. It looks like a down to earth, caring and cosy environment.