Weighing international schools against tradition

 “Some parents consider it fashionable to send their children to an international school.”

By K. Pushpakumara

Sri Lanka’s education system is at a crossroads, as parents weigh the merits of government and international schools. While some see private institutions as fashionable and globally focused, others value the structure and monitoring of government schools. Educators argue that parental involvement, discipline, and balance in language learning remain crucial.

Nowadays, international schools are rapidly spreading across the country. Some parents consider it fashionable to send their children to an international school. Others view studying in a government school as a positive choice and do not place much faith in international schools. 

Another group believes that government school education is outdated, while international schools produce children who are better prepared for the future world. Although opinions vary, I believe it is necessary to examine this matter logically.

When comparing international schools and government schools, the curriculum in government schools is designed according to national objectives and policies, whereas the curriculum in international schools is structured to align with specific examinations such as Cambridge and Edexcel. 

Teacher recruitment in government schools follows a formal procedure, and it is essential that candidates meet the required educational and professional qualifications. However, in private schools, recruitment procedures and the evaluation of teachers’ qualifications vary from school to school, with no uniform standard as observed in government schools.

In terms of activities, international schools are often at the forefront. One of the main reasons for this is that they employ skilled trainers and most parents of these schools are financially capable of bearing the necessary expenses. Regarding discipline, the prevailing opinion in today’s society is that discipline in private schools is weaker than in government schools. However, overall, I believe that discipline among children in both types of schools has deteriorated due to factors such as excessive and unnecessary exposure to the internet, social media, video games, increased use of drugs, and the weakening of the parent-child relationship.

While government schools are regularly monitored at divisional, zonal, provincial, and ministerial levels, private schools are not subject to such formal oversight. Nevertheless, with sufficient investment and the support of a few knowledgeable individuals, a private school can be established at any time. Rules and regulations in the country in this regard are not that strict.

In today’s society, some parents consider it fashionable to send their children to private schools. Such people often look down on government schools. They take pride in their children learning English and mastering it well, while they view Sinhala-medium education in government schools as less desirable. Each individual’s attitude is shaped by their intellectual level, educational background, and social standing. Even if these views differ, we are Sinhalese. We are Sri Lankans. Therefore, we should teach our language to our children. Although acquiring proficiency in English is essential for facing the world in the future, in my opinion, it should be learned alongside our mother tongue.

Children are the future of the country. A nation can progress in a positive direction only when the education level of its people is high. Parents should pay as much attention as possible to whether their children receive quality education, whether in a government school or an international school. It is not wise to expect everything to go well simply by enrolling them in school. Therefore, it should be remembered that parents also have a responsibility for the education of their children.

The writer is the Principal of Sujatha Adarsha Kanishta Vidyalaya, Imbulgoda