Top Questions to Ask During a School Open Day
May 16, 2025
Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. A school open day offers a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the school’s ethos, offerings and expectations. Whether you are considering a school for the first time or evaluating options for a transition, asking the right questions can provide meaningful insights and guide your decision-making process.
At Crawford International, we encourage prospective families to use open days not only to gather information, but also to engage with our community and determine whether the school is the right fit for their child’s personal and academic journey.
Below are some important questions to ask during a school open day:
1. What Academic Support and Enrichment Programmes Are Available?
Understanding how a school supports academic excellence is key. Ask about:
- The school’s curriculum and whether it offers global frameworks such as the IEB, or International Baccalaureate.
- Academic enrichment opportunities, including extra classes, project-based learning, and digital literacy programmes.
- Support structures for students who need additional assistance, including access to remedial support, academic counselling, or adaptive technologies.
- How the school tracks student progress, At-Risk students, and encourages independent learning.
2. What Are the School’s Values, Culture, and Approach to Discipline?
School culture plays a significant role in a child’s development. Ask:
- What are the core values that shape the school’s educational philosophy?
- How are these values reflected in daily interactions and decision-making?
- What is the school’s approach to student conduct, behaviour management, and restorative practices?
- How are respect, inclusion, and diversity integrated into school life?
At Crawford International, we uphold student agency and personal accountability, and we believe in guiding students through supportive leadership and transparent dialogue.
3. What Facilities and Extracurricular Opportunities Are Available?
The learning environment extends beyond the classroom. Consider:
- The condition and quality of academic and recreational facilities such as, libraries, laboratories, sports fields, arts studios, and innovation spaces.
- The breadth of extracurricular activities: are there options in sport, performing arts, leadership, e-sports, or social entrepreneurship?
- How students are encouraged to discover and pursue their passions beyond the curriculum.
- What resources are in place to support health and wellbeing?
Modern, well-equipped facilities often reflect a school’s commitment to holistic development and future readiness.
4. Are Boarding or Day Options Available, and What Do They Entail?
If applicable, ask about:
- The boarding structure; full, weekly, or flexible boarding options.
- What pastoral care systems are in place for boarders?
- What are the routines, expectations, and support mechanisms within the boarding house?
- How does the boarding community interact with the day student population?
At Crawford International North Coast, for example, boarding students benefit from individual rooms, structured academic support and a strong sense of community.
5. How Can Parents Engage with Teachers, Students, and School Leadership?
A collaborative relationship between families and the school is essential. Ask:
- How accessible are teachers and campus leadership?
- What platforms are used for parent-school communication?
- Are there opportunities for parents to attend academic reviews, community events or student showcases?
- Can you speak to current students or parents during the open day to gain authentic insights?
At Crawford, we use platforms such as Toddle to ensure communication is responsive and transparent, and we value parents as active partners in the educational process.
An open day is more than a tour; it is an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that reveal how the school aligns with your child’s interests, learning needs, and future goals. Come prepared, take notes, and observe not just the answers you receive but the atmosphere and energy of the campus community.
By asking the right questions and engaging meaningfully with staff and students, you can make a confident and informed choice. Let the open day be the starting point of a lasting educational partnership.
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A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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