MSE Parents Club Part 15

r.mac_2

Good post Bruno

SugarSpun

r.mac wrote: »

Controversially, (AGAIN!!!) I think that uni places need to be less than they are now and there needs to be a shift towards the old style 'proper' degree subjects. Better traineeships/internships and apprenticeships needs to be set up and available to those who wish to learn/study in certain areas. Too many people go to university because they don't know what to do after school and with no idea of how it will help them in the workplace.

...

I meant that university should never be seen as unattainable and a normal educational transition for those who have the academic ability, want and need to for their future career.

I very much agree.

r.mac wrote: »

tia - I think you are a wonderful role model for your children. x

And with this.

And thanks all, this has been a really interesting discussion.

redmel1621

r.mac wrote: »

1`

I agree with the first part And we are similar to you - we aren't specifically saving for further education, just saving in general.

In answer to weezls question I might be quite controversial here, but I am already expecting LO to go to University a 'achieve' academically. Not in a pushy mother way, but I believe that you are only limited by your own expectations/belief in yourself and I don't ever want my expectations or beliefs to limit her IYSWIM. Obviously I will support her in whatever she chooses to do, regardless of academic achievement, so long as she always does her best.

If she goes to University, we plan to cover the cost of her fees and living costs (rent/bills/food). She can work in the holidays to earn beer money. If she needs more than that or has a large drink habit, she can get a part-time job

In answer to Bruno's question, I believe that parental input is the defining difference to childrens performance in school. An interested mum or dad who helps with homework, encourages when things are difficult and praises when things go well is invluable and worth millions more than a dissinterested parent 'paying' for private education....

That said, I hope to be one of those interested and supportive and helpful parents, who also send their child to a private school (but only when they are off high school age - I don't feel that the educational difference is worth the money at primary school age At least in our area).



I agree.

*I might not have written this very eloquently, I'm typing quite quickly s I want to go to bed, so excuse my expression! I know not everyone will agree with me, and what I've written isn't intended to offend anyone or suggest that a different way isn't better or right or be a judgement of anyone - it's just my opinion and how I would like to do things *

:mad:

I know you say you wrote this quickly but you have basically just implied the majority of parents on this forum are not interested, supportive or helpful....simply because they either choose not to or probably more likely, can't afford to send their children to private school.

Just off to un-interestedly feed my baby, and then un-helpfully change two nappies;)

BrunoM

Mel, for what it's worth, I read it differently: in the earlier paragraph, r.mac talks about how the defining item of importance is parental interest. Then she goes on to say she hopes to have that interest, and also hopes to send them to a private school. I took those to be two separate statements (particularly given that earlier paragraph!).
ETA In fact she specifies that parental involvement is way better and more important than paying to go private

gill_81uk

As Bruno said the"also" is key Mel. She wants to be an interested parent who spends time helping her children with homework etc and ALSO send them to private school, as opposed to an uninterested parent who sends their child to private school.

Re the university discussion, in my 6th form it was expected that everyone would go to university, and I felt I didn't have any choice being academic. However it was not for me and I ended up depressed and dropping out twice (attempted a few different courses!) I then returned home and went back to my Saturday job in a shoe shop....gradually progressing to manager. I don't have any regrets because I believe I wouldn't be the person I am today without going through what I did but I wouldn't want my child to be in that position so I fully intend to make all of his options clear to Thomas.

got-it-spend-it

BrunoM wrote: »

Mel, for what it's worth, I read it differently: in the earlier paragraph, r.mac talks about how the defining item of importance is parental interest. Then she goes on to say she hopes to have that interest, and also hopes to send them to a private school. I took those to be two separate statements (particularly given that earlier paragraph!).
ETA In fact she specifies that parental involvement is way better and more important than paying to go private

^^^I read it in the same way as Bruno, Mel. I don't for a second think that Rmac was suggesting that parents who don't send their children to private school are disinterested.

SugarSpun

I read it that way too Bruno.

:grouphug: Mel.

I've just realised I forgot to buy my parents something fairly traditional - we've always had a particular wine with Christmas dinner and I always bring it but since we're not going I was planning to stick a bottle in their bag. But I didn't buy it

SO tired, but I managed to complain about Surly Santa yesterday so we're going to go and see him again today and see if he's been spoken to and is managing to crack a smile, not yell at customers and not avoid tables full of children in favour of chatting to old ladies!

Becles

Just wondered if people are aware that education is changing?

Josh is currently in Year 9 and he will be the first year group that has to stay on in education or approved training until he is 17. James is currently in Year 7 and he is in the first year group that will have to stay until they are 18. After that all children have to be in education or approved training between the ages of 16-18.

Approved training means being an apprentice in various jobs such as tradesman, hairdresser, office admin etc. I think it's like the old YTS schemes.

The last Labour government introduced this and I've not heard anything to say it's been changed again, but it's something to keep in mind for many of the children on here.

I've got a day off work today :j Going to put all the Christmas decorations up. Charlotte is with my Mam this morning and then has her nursery party this afternoon, so she'll come home all hyper from that to a festive house :cool:

But as there is only me and the dogs in, I've made a huge mug of coffee and I'm lounging about with my feet up for half an hour first, just cos I fancied a treat

jillie1974

i am soooo not ready for Christmas....

need to get my brothers something, my sister and my bro's gf and get them posted/buy online and get delivered to Dublin...

havent ven a clue what to get them. i do have a bit of time for my sister as i told her i had already bought it but its too expensive to post so she is getting it early Jan when they come over. but my brothers....nada help!!

looking to spend £20 approx (i know not loads, but its a token gift, more from kian than anything) each and then something for my bro's g/f

r.mac_2

redmel1621 wrote: »

:mad:

I know you say you wrote this quickly but you have basically just implied the majority of parents on this forum are not interested, supportive or helpful....simply because they either choose not to or probably more likely, can't afford to send their children to private school.

Just off to un-interestedly feed my baby, and then un-helpfully change two nappies;)

Oh no Mel - that is NOT at all what I was saying. What I meant/thought I had said was that I think parental input is much more important and makes the difference much more than paying for education does.

I wasn't passing comment on what other parents on here do, but I just presumed that because we are on a 'parent thread' that we would all be interested parents? And by interested and helpful I mean sitting down with children and going over homework etc. All things I'm sure I've seen you post about

I want and aspire to be an 'interested' parent.

BUT, I also would like to send my child to a private school for her secondary education AND still be an interested parent. But that is because there are some exceptional secondry private schools in our area. And if I can afford buy her that education I would like to do so.

BrunoM wrote: »

Mel, for what it's worth, I read it differently: in the earlier paragraph, r.mac talks about how the defining item of importance is parental interest. Then she goes on to say she hopes to have that interest, and also hopes to send them to a private school. I took those to be two separate statements (particularly given that earlier paragraph!).
ETA In fact she specifies that parental involvement is way better and more important than paying to go private

This what what I was trying to say - thank you.