I’ve got a little way to go yet but I don’t particularly like the UK education system. I know we are very lucky to have it and I know it’s very good but after working in a school myself I hate the thought of all children being put in the same box and not encouraged to find ways of learning that works for them-and I’ve seen children getting very stressed at the age of 6-7 about the SATS.
I also really like the Finnish schooling system and would prefer to follow something similar to this.
But I’m worried about depriving my child of the traditional school system and the social aspect of school. I really want to do what is best for her and if going to school is best then I will do that, I’m not completely against schools at all and I enjoyed being at and working at a school but I do think that it is a bit of an outdated system.
I just want to hear people’s perspectives, good and bad, to help me make a decision when the time comes!
7 comments
Are you mad?! Getting rid of them for 6 hours a day is heaven compared to the insanity of them bouncing around the house everyday!
I know a few, and it isn’t what people may assume. It isn’t a lonely child sat with an unqualified Mum for teacher for six hours a day. There are lots of groups and a support network around, it just isn’t formal and structured. They seem to spend lots of time out of the house, stuff like forest schools, trips out. Seems quite tough to manage it all and their basics in the three Rs are likely somewhat behind their peers, but their wider learning is excellent.
We’ve considered it for (potential future) children but don’t know if we could afford it/commit the time requirements. I’ve known a couple of people who were home-schooled – some loved it and some hated it. It’s a real mixed bag. I think it can be done well but it needs to be very conscientiously done to make sure the child is getting a good education AND getting a good social and interpersonal education as well.
Personally I’m hoping to send them to just good schools and we can give further enrichment at home – I’ve heard that the early pre-school years and then home environment can have just as much of an impact on how a child does and how much they enjoy education.
Another option you could consider are Montessori schools.
It isn’t easy to do well. Consider a few things:
1. Even if you try to remove your child from the traditional school system, they are still going to have to sit UK qualifications if you want them to have a chance of getting a decent job after school. Your child will still be institutionalised whether in a school or at home. Do you feel comfortable teaching up to ten subjects at GCSE level? Realistically the answer should be no because any secondary school teacher will tell you that you need a subject specialist. You will need private tutors which is going to be very expensive.
2. Maybe slightly controversial and completely anecdotal but every homeschooled child I’ve met has been a bit…odd. They are going to need to join lots of clubs in the evenings so they can socialise with children their age.
3. You won’t really get a break unless you’re spending thousands on babysitters and private tutors. Are you prepared to be spending your entire day with your child and then drive them around to clubs after school? Can you even afford to do so?
With all the time, money and energy that this is going to consume, you may as well consider a private school. There are lots of more non-conventional private schools too that will offer something far different than a UK state school.
My nibblings were/are homeschooled.
My neice didn’t get on with it at all, she now goes to normal school where she’s a lot happier, she thrives in a social learning environment and likes competition. From what I’ve been told she did OK when meeting other kids in homeschool groups but terribly at home alone. My nephews get on with it really well and are both still homeschooled together.
Like you, my SIL worked in a school and didn’t like the approach they took, she said it felt more like a test mill than trying to give children a rounded education. They do see other kids as part of basically a homeschool network, and they go to scouts.
I think it’s important to respond to the child’s needs first and foremost and be willing to admit if it doesn’t work for them. Some children do really well with it and some don’t.
I used to know someone who was home schooled and they were a nice guy but they were heavily lacking in confidence and social skills when out in the real world. Im not saying this will be the case for everyone but its something to consider.
Personally i have always felt the benefits of going to school outweigh home schooling so my kids have gone to school. Also looking back on my childhood i think i would have been very lonely without my school friends.
Well we all homeschooled during the pandemic and for most it was an unmitigated disaster