to hate it when people talk about "indie" schools

[gobehindabushfgs]

in an attempt to make it sound cool, edgy and alternative? it isn't. it's private education. it's a right-wing, ultimately selfish decision.

"indie"

[NinkyNonker]

It's just short for independent.

[MissyMorrison87]

.... I've never in my life heard of any school being referred to as anything other than what it is. Where did you hear one being called "indie"??

[manicbmc]

Not necessarily right-wing or selfish - it's about personal choice and whether you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it.

Calling it 'indie' just makes it sound wanky though.

[NimpyWindowmash]

Never heard of this term. (btw, watch out there's a chip on your shoulder)

[amberleaf]

I agree, it also reminds me of when people refer to staffordshire bull terriers as 'Staffies' to make them sound all cute, soft and friendly.

[awaits flaming from the 'staffie' owners]

[MissyMorrison87]

Ahh now I'm less confused. It seems you have taken a shortening of the name completely out of context! independent being shortened sounds much more reasonable.

[gobehindabushfgs]

nope, no chip

could afford it, choose instead to support our local schools

if there were a chip on my shoulder, I would probably try and buy them better results by paying exhorbitant fees to a private business instead

[elphabadefiesgravity]

YABU. I call them indie schools when typing on forums in the same way as I use other internet accepted shortened versions of words.

I use the full word independent in real life conversation as that is whatthey are, independent from state control which is VERY important to me.

It the same as home ed people using the term HE or home ed instead of hoe eduacation etc etc.

[AMumInScotland]

I agree with NinkyNonker - it's just a shortened version of "independent" which is the proper name for "private" schools, because they are independent from the state education system. I don't think anyone is shortening it to make it sound cool, just because people always shorten long words.

And I don't think I'm even going to start comparing the "selfishness" of using them to the selfishness of buying in a good state catchment area or getting religion, because we'll be here all day...

[Hammy02]

How is it selfish for wanting a better education for your children? It isn't just very wealthy people that opt for independent schools. Plenty of people give up holidays, new cars etc to send their children to private school.

[Plumm]

Is it more selfish to pay for an independent school or more selfish to take up a place in an oversusbscribed state school?

[echt]

I don't get conflating of the supposed silliness of "indie" with the politics of choosing a private education.

[manicbmc]

So is it 'Indie' in a Beggars Banquet way? Or is it in a Temple of Doom way?

[GrimmaTheNome]

YANBU - 'indie' makes it sound like the kids should be grungy rather than smartly-uniformed, afaik there are one or two private schools which might qualify but on the whole, no, its silly.

But assuming that the decision to choose a private school is necessarily 'right wing' is also a bit silly too.

[IWantAnotherBaby]

YABU. What a ridiculous thing to get worked up about! Its just a useful abbreviation, and signifies absolutely nothing else at all. It is certainly nothing to do with the politics of the decision making process re stat or independent schooling!!

[Guildenstern]

Of all the things to hate, this has to be one of the most petty.

[NimpyWindowmash]

"could afford it, choose instead to support our local schools"

Ah, ok, so you choose to take up a place funded by Joe Public, when you could afford to pay yourself. That's morally very laudable, well done.

[elphabadefiesgravity]

I didn't realise that politics (apart from disagreeing with SATS and other state dictated initiatives) had anything to do with the decision to educate my children in a particular way.

[gobehindabushfgs]

did you not? bless

I also think teachers who head straight off to private schools should pay back their training grants

[freshmint]

you are a bit silly aren't you

having children is ultimately selfish ffs so climb down from your high horse

[BettyDouglas]

It's just a shortening of a word like uni. They are used a lot on the internet and in conversation.

Oh and some people have no ideology attached to their choice. They felt they had no choice because the only school they were offered was miles away and in special measures.

Do a poll in education and see how many parents in the private sector tell you they would have jumped at the chance to send their child to a half way decent state school.

[elphabadefiesgravity]

Oddly enought lots of parents including my dh at my chidlren's "indie" school support state schools by teaching in them!

[TheFallenMadonna]

I also dislike it. Admittedly my own objections to private education influence me too...

[BettyDouglas]

I know a woman who thinks using a car is selfish. Oh and her biggest pet hate is people who fly to go on holiday. She believes that to be utterly unnecessary and selfish.

[CaptainNancy]

"Selfish"? So parents of children with SEN/LD shouldn't seek the best provision for their children because that's selfish rather than meeting their needs?

Who cares what people calls schools, as long as they nurture and support all children to be the best they can?

Though I accept your point if it's applied to Bedales!