Home/alternative schooling

Kathy · Home/alternative schooling

Haize asked a question about this in the potting shed so though it would be best to answer it here.

E is my grandaughter Haize and her Mum (I'll call her R) has been studying accountancy and is now working full time to gain experience while she sits further exams. I look after Eve most of the time.

What I have to say here is in no way a judgement on anyone elses choices for their own children. I'm aware every area is different and we make our choices based on what we see and know. Smile

I'd never heard of alternative education when my 4 were wee and they have all said they wouldn't wish state schooling on their worst enemy, teachers not listening, classes too large, bullying from from both pupils and teachers. None of them have a lot positive memories about their school days. Having said that, they have all done well so far at Uni etc but say that was more to do with the encouragement and input in the home. I was a school board member for many years and am still friendly with the head of the local primary school. Even she doesn't like what's happening in state schools today and is retiring early.

The school we went to look at is Montessori based with Sathya Sai philosophies. It depends on the fees how many days E would attend, plus it is quite a long drive from where we live so all this will be discussed. If it is too expensive then she will be home schooled until such times as R is a fully qualified chartered acountant (well paid!!) The school also supports home schooling if your child wants/needs it.
It was a lovely place and although there were a lot of children there you hardly noticed them. No screaming, crying, whinging, it was really good to see. Eve was most upset when we had to leave so that was also a good sign.

There's plenty of info on the net, what I would say is, have a good look around, visit potential schools (state schools too), and most important, watch the children closely. They will tell you how good/bad the school is. Very Happy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori#Philosophy
http://www.sathyasaiehv.org.uk/

Any more questions just ask, if I can answer I will. Smile

lottie

That was really interesting Kathy. Although little grandson is only 8 monthe old we have already all been talking about schooling in the future, and wondering how we/they could afford private schooling if the local state school wasn't up to scratch. Or moving to an area with good schools.

All this though was the same when my children were at school. Schools go in and out of 'fashion' in different areas, and children often want to go where their friends go when they are older.

It is such a responsiblity when you have young ones and nowadays there are more opportunities and ideas schooling, including home education - which was not an option when mine were young either.

Our three older grand children are all at state school and all seem to love their time there - except oldest one 12 seems to have changed a lot since she went there, but that is just the age methinks. Things she loved and excelled at before -maths, english, etc are now 'boring' and theatre, dance, drama, are the only interesting things apparently!!!??? Rolling Eyes

It is nice to at least have the choice these days, and I will certainly encourage exploring all options, what ever they are at the time.

A good topic to start Kathy.

Haize

I have to say my younger school years were rather unenjoyable: They just don't seem to have the flexibility to cope with anything other than completely average children. I was incredibly slow with anything writing-related, but good with spelling and maths, so was put on the table of children with learning difficulties. They'd given up on me ever finishing anything myself, so they put me there to correct spelling, keeping us all out of the way of everyone else Rolling Eyes

Thanks very much for the info. I know it's going to be a while before we need to be thinking seriously about it all, but it's good to know the options!