state school v independent school

smartpicture

My daughter is currently doing a law degree in London.

She 'only' got a mixture of A's and B's at GCSE, but she was determined to get the 3 grade A's necessary to get onto a decent Law degree, and worked a huge number of hours to ensure that she did. Most of that work was done either off her own bat, or by asking for individual help from teachers at lunchtimes or from paying for extra tuition, rather than relying solely on the sixth form. If your daughter is equally determined, it is possible for her to achieve her dreams at her current school.

Getting less than straight A's will really mean going to a lower-ranked Uni and being less likely to end up working in Law, you definitely should be researching all of this information now. As well as the Times website, look at individual Unis and see what grades and subjects they're looking for - they definitely require 'traditional' subjects, with Law not only not required but usually not recommended. However, many 'traditional' subjects are also harder to get the grade As in, look up the %s for these too, at your school as well as the wider picture. Law degrees also have one of the highest drop-out rates, which you can also see online.

By all means encourage her to achieve her dreams, but the best hope of doing that is by doing lots of research yourself and helping yourself.

PS Having achieved her dream of studying Law at a decent Uni, my daughter now says it is the most boring subject imaginable and the last thing she will be doing as a career - so don't put all your eggs in one basket.

melancholly

smartpicture wrote: »

PS Having achieved her dream of studying Law at a decent Uni, my daughter now says it is the most boring subject imaginable and the last thing she will be doing as a career - so don't put all your eggs in one basket.

that's such a good point - law degrees are notoriously a bit dull (obviuosly there are exceptions), but it's a common experience. a more general degree is often the way to go, hopefully getting a training contract to pay for the conversion course.

i'd also suggest not really pushing anything too much - pressure on teenagers is a dangerous thing and most people have massive changes in what they think they want to do as they go through uni..... narrowing down options too soon can be restrictive.

badgerbread

just to show why she wants to change schools this might help explain a bit if you look at the link the school she goes to is Eastbrook
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/08/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/301_gcse_lea.stm

I can understand all your concerns about channelling all her energy into one area then hating it. Trust me I would never push her too much because that's what happened to me and I rebelled against it all so I know the dangers and as for pressure she has been through a lot and had a lot of problems which she has overcome so I make sure because of these problems (without going into too much detail) she knows she is ok to change her mind at any time and I would still be proud of her. I know it may come accross as me being a pushy mum but this is all coming from her. My other daughter who is due to do her G.C.S.E's next year is adamant she is not doing A levels which I respect and am trying to help her to make the right decisions which do not include taking A levels.

She has done G.C.S.E Law and loved it she has also done work experience with my sister (a qualified solicitor) and loved it She wants to do A Level Law because she loves the subject and is acheiving at the moment . there is always time for her to change her mind when it comes to deciding which course she wants to do for a degree. At the moment she is taking one step at a time.

MrsE_2

JMW77 wrote: »

I also would like my daughter to go to a private school for her A Levels,but we are still undecided as Uni costs are so high so probably better for us to save money for this.
And we don't have any where near £50,000 per year ,i would of thought you could afford the fees easily as it only 2 years so 6 terms i think.

I was surprised a family on £50,000 would consider fee-paying education, I'm amazed you say you don't earn anywhere near this & are considering it.

SAVVYSHOPPER

My daughter is also studying law at a top London uni - she was so excited when she got accepted but soon realised that it is not for her and she absolutely hates it. In her third year now and sticking with it to try and get a good degree. Make sure your daughter does some good research before she applies for law - it may turn out that she also finds it desperately dull. Also bear in mind that lots of Solicitors are not doing well in the current climate and are not taking on anywhere near the number of trainees that they did in the past

hth

xxSS

lostinrates

SAVVYSHOPPER wrote: »

Solicitors are not doing well in the current climate and are not taking on anywhere near the number of trainees that they did in the past

hth

xxSS

This is a vital point. Law courses have long been over subscribed, and are expensive if you haven't secured a TC. Lots of trainees had their TCs postponed, some with a grant. When these eventually get through the system their will be a lot of NQs all looking for jobs.

I'm surprised OPs sister hasn't raised the point about traditional subjects being important, or at least advisable for A-levels.

I think an awful lot might depend on what areas of law she wants to go into.


Another point is that, dh's corporate firm do a lot of work in very bleak inner city schools....something later your daughter might appreciate given her misgivings. DH went to (non UK) state ed. and many of his peers did: its not the old boys network many say it is: dh knew noone at his firm, or others at which he was offered places.

Is there really no FE college available for A levels, I left private at 6th form for a levels, and uni entrance from private (albeit more the public school end aiui) is increasingly an issue.

Mrs_Ryan

Couple of points here -

I have a friend who is a Solicitor with a good degree and extensive experience, and when she found herself out of work last year it took her almost a year to find work.

I also studied A-Level Law with a view to studying Law at University and was told a lot of universities dont like it - apparantly its to do with wanting students to come in with a fresh outlook that the universities can shape - I've since been told that's a load of rubbish but that was enough to make me give up and I went and studied Nursing instead. However, whether there is any truth in it I dont know?

frostyspice

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I also studied A-Level Law with a view to studying Law at University and was told a lot of universities dont like it - apparantly its to do with wanting students to come in with a fresh outlook that the universities can shape

Law departments at universities want traditional academic subjects at A-level, because as a previous poster said, these are harder to get top grades in. (So they kind of prove you're cleverer, if you do get an 'A').

A-level law is still seen as a bit of a doss where you cover the subject so superficially as to make it a waste of time. Law degrees are often very academic and theoretical (nothing like actually practising it, I'm afraid) and you need to be able to show at interview that you are analytical, able to sort the relevant from the irrelevant, able to make a case for any cause and frankly, quick-witted, sharp and clever. You won't get far in law with waffle.

RadoJo

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

How long ago was that- there's been a great deal of grade inflation in recent years.

What on earth are you trying to imply!! :rotfl:

I will admit it was a few years ago, but given that the sixth form did comprise a fair number of people with 11 A*s at GCSE, I don't think the difference would have been that big. The school I went to offered me a scholarship based mostly on the entrance exam which covered critical thinking, creativity and verbal reasoning. I think is why I was awarded a scholarship when other people who had taken the exam but had higher predicted grades weren't - the school was looking for people with a love of learning, not necessarily with the best all-round grades.

The main gist of my point was that nothing's set in stone - the OPs daughter sounds as though she'd be an asset to any school and if she wants to have a go it seems a shame to discourage her on the basis that it 'might not happen' when for all we know, she might stand a good chance.

jpbeautybabe

This is a very interesting thread as we too are thinking about a private school.My daughter is 11 and we are also told that 100% bursaries are available.Does anyone know what the chances are receiving these are? My daughter is very bright but can't make up our minds if private schools are wrapping children in cotton wool,as they don't experience people from all walks of life.What are your opinions/experiences of this.The school we're looking into is an all girls school.
Thanks in advance.