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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

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Original poster

Specialist School Thread

82 replies

happylilac · 14/11/2018 23:59

Not very sure if it's a good idea to start such a thread. Specialist school can cause controversy, like boarding school or home education...

Well, mine has just started his this term, coming from a very ordinary primary school and a very ordinary family background. We didn't plan this, but it happened and here we are, supporting his specialist training at the tender age of 11.

Just thought it might be fun to exchange some posts with those who are in, have left, are thinking of applying or simply interested. I know very little of specialist schools in dance and music, and absolutely zero idea in other fields. I once heard of tennis specialist school. Does it really exist? What would it be like??

Just curious really.

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Original poster

happylilac · 03/01/2019 20:11

Technically speaking we visited two schools. We were just curious for the first visit. We liked the experience but DS didn't feel he would need to go so we dismissed the route completely. A year or so later, we visited another one - not to see the school but as DS had an opportunity to have a short lesson there. This time, DS was sold, like, 100%. It could be timing rather than just the school itself but DS definitely knew it was for him without any doubt. He's happy at the moment but as you say it's not 'normal' environment so we'll review the situation regularly I'm sure.

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Owlm · 03/01/2019 18:16

littlelads an advice audition sounds the way to go. Love the why not attitude, much less pressure

Owlm · 03/01/2019 18:14

Thanks Herts, Dd plays violin and started piano a few months ago. I have not heard of St Marys, we are very reliant on mds but will look into it.

They are all faraway from us happylilac so distance won't really affect us. I'm hoping Dd will know straight away if the environment is for her when we visit. I'd prefer for her to be in one school for the duration of secondary. But you are right, this is not a 'normal' environment so you have to be sensitive to their changing needs.

Original poster

happylilac · 03/01/2019 12:14

DS auditioned only one but it was mainly due to the circumstance we were in (didn't mean to apply yet but things happened very quickly at the last minute). I felt we should have looked at other schools before jumping in to grab the unexpected offer but dropped the thought in the end as we felt the school would be the right fit for DS, not just musically but environmentally, and DS really liked it. Location was also a huge factor for us even for boarding as DS was still quite young and didn't want to send him away somewhere too far.

I had a few concerns at the beginning but it's turned out to be good things for DS so I am glad we trusted our instinct. On the other hand, someone left the school since DS joined. Not sure if the DC has gone to home-ed, other specialist school or non-specialist school. But all I can say is it's OK to change the direction/school if you realise it's not working. It' difficult to predict what works and how it turns out until you try.

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MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals1 · 03/01/2019 11:35

It is fully aided by the Scottish government; most pupils who attend get at least partial if not full cover. I believe it is, or was at one point, the 2nd most expensive school in the uk if you paid full fees (not surprising considering it has 3 members of staff to every pupil). I know that Yehudi Menuhin had some connection to the school - he might have set it up or just had a close partnership with it?

Hertsessex · 03/01/2019 11:26

Must admit I had barely heard of St Mary's as not part of MDS I guess (and typical England focus :)) Is the Scottish government aided places scheme similar in terms of parent contribution to MDS? Just had a quick look and see it is a similar size to YMS but seems to offer wider range of instruments. That must be a challenge but guess it works.

MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals1 · 03/01/2019 11:13

@Hertsessex - that's a good summary, though you forgot St Mary's, which is very small, but diverse, in a small part of a very quiet city.

littleladsdad · 03/01/2019 11:08

Owlm DS had a couple of advice auditions at one school and was due to have a main audition there. In the meantime, however, he had auditioned at two other schools, on a 'why not' basis and received offers. We went with one of these - we just really liked the feel of the place. Herts observations above are spot on.

Hertsessex · 03/01/2019 09:53

Would also says a lot depends on which instrument, feeling with head of department, teachers etc. Which instrument does your DC play?

Hertsessex · 03/01/2019 09:51

Just auditioned at one given location and specific teacher(s) we wanted but plenty seem to audition at more than one and there is some movement between the schools later.

Yehudi Menuhin - obviously strings/piano focus and relatively small. Some say best place if really want to focus on being a solo player but seems a bit too narrow for me (although DC not a string player so what do I know)
Chets/Purcell quite similar in many ways. Chets city location and bit bigger in terms of numbers. Purcell more suburbs and bit more spread out. Some prefer city feel and others bit more space. Chets probably better performance facilities in school but Purcell gets to use London venues quite often (Wigmore, Cadogan, Barbican, South Bank etc.). Jazz seems to be handled differently. Both have jazz departments but Purcell allows first jazz which don't think is the case at Chets.
Wells - different beast as part of bigger non-specialist school. Makes it better for non-music study.

Owlm · 03/01/2019 09:21

Happy New Year everyone! I was wondering if there are particular strengths at the different music specialist schools? Did your DC's audition for all of them and see which one gives a place, or did you have only 1 specific that you would consider? I ask because they all seem similar to me. We are yet to view 2. A friend only viewed and auditioned 1 school and has been happy. I wonder if different schools are more suited to a 'type' of musician.

Original poster

happylilac · 10/12/2018 11:31

I felt I wasn't good enough as a parent of a young (serious) musician at the beginning. Well, as you know, piccolo! But I come to think of my ignorance as bliss (for now...). I was worried so much that I nearly influenced DS with my endless (and probably mostly unnecessary) concerns. I know what you mean about trust, but to be honest trusting teachers and school are my only choice as I have no knowledge nor experience in this level of commitment in music. I decided not to try to look for 'a problem' constantly especially when I have no clue. Instead I decided to trust them. Let them take over. As long as DS is happy and progressing healthily I can continue trusting them.

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Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2018 10:54

That sounds perfect, happylilac!
I think an amount of ignorance can be bliss, if you know you can trust the school and his teachers to be keeping an eye on things.
I'd love not to have to stress about whether my DCs have done homework, revision, practice etc!

Original poster

happylilac · 10/12/2018 10:39

I initially felt so sad that I wasn't going to get involved in his musical journey as much as I used to be. I liked sitting in his lessons and rehearsals, and I went to all the concerts he performed. Now I can't sit in his lessons/rehearsals and can't attend all his concerts. I even don't know what he's learning currently - I do know a few but not all.

However, I actually find myself still very much part of his journey. OK I don't know the details as I don't go to the lessons/concerts but there are still a few odd jobs I can do for him such as preparing his concert clothes, purchasing strings and music, contacting luthiers, listening to the pieces set by his musicianship teacher together, listening to his compositions (can't listen to the whole thing as he can show me only on the piano or violin when it's actually written for quartet and so on, but still nice to get to listen...), etc.

It's definitely much less stressful because I don't carry all the responsibilities on my shoulders any more (and I am not a musician myself so it was such heavy responsibilities really!), nor I don't act as his time-keeper (no need to remind him to practise nor how much to do...). In some ways I'm probably getting the best bit - less stressful but still being part of it.

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Owlm · 10/12/2018 01:46

Oh yes the Christmas marathon is in full swing. I'm sure it must be completely strange not to be involved musically. That would take a lot of getting used to. Like all of us with musical Dc's, I am very involved. I long for peace and calm sometimes - but I know it would be difficult in reality. It'd definitely have to be the right school, right fit, for me to trust them with Dd.

Original poster

happylilac · 07/12/2018 23:50

He came back tonight because he's a weekly boarder. But yes the school break early like the independents so he'll be home everyday very soon. His violin lesson has finished actually. The teacher has gone now and won't be back till next year. So he'll have 4 weeks of lesson free...

This time last year was a marathon of Christmassy concerts but very quiet this year!

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Owlm · 07/12/2018 23:39

Oh yes, but pilot is a brilliantly, expensive play B To be honest I can't see Dd doing a 'normal' job. She's all about the music and singing constantly around the house. But I like to reassure her that her journey is not set in stone. And knowing there's other options aswell as h.ed if music specialist doesn't work out, eases the pressure.

Does your Ds school break for Christmas hols earlier happy? Like the independents?

Original poster

happylilac · 07/12/2018 23:18

Hi Romany, nice to see you.

DS came back home seemingly very much inspired and determined. But then he often goes back to a normal 11 years old as he spends more time in our very ordinary home environment.

Let's see if his determination lasts during this weekend! Assume quite tough as the festive season started so we have a few friends gatherings on Sat and Sun (which is fun!!).

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RomanyRoots · 07/12/2018 13:10

Owlm

Hey, pilot is a brilliant plan B. Try as I have I can't get her to look at a plan B, which is great for dedication but scary at the same time.
I do think they should follow their dreams though because so many people are stuck in jobs they don't like or have settled for.

I do think with specialist schools you need to be constantly evaluating the suitability of fit. Children change as they grow up and what is suitable at 8 might not be at 14.
It's funny that OP states the controversy of boarding, specialist school and H.ed, as in our situation if the school became a bad fit, we would H.ed again, for the suitability of the education she could choose.
But they are all different and they have to do whats right for them.

Owlm · 07/12/2018 12:47

Hi Romany, I really love how driven and motivated your Dd is. She knows what she wants and is going for it.

I do hope whatever direction Dd takes she is as persistent and motivated. Mine still has pilot as her plan b

RomanyRoots · 07/12/2018 12:21

Hello happy

My dd is at specialist music school, currently Y10, and started for Y7.
She is thriving and absolutely loves it.
We did hear that academics aren't always brilliant as emphasis is on the music, but that didn't concern dd as she won't look at a plan B and has never really been academic.
Have just got predictions for GCSE, music 8/9 everything else 4/5.
As long as she manages 2 A level A- E and 3 GCSE old A-C she will be ok for her chosen conservatoire.

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 23:03

So would I if mine stayed at non-specialist school.

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Trumpetboysmum · 05/12/2018 22:43

I would probably say the same if he was at specialist school too

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 22:41

The last sentence of Trumpet's post is what I'm exactly feeling even though our choice seems to be the opposite.

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Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 22:29

As you probably know, Trumpet, there are many paths available. It totally depends on the child, family and the circumstances whether specialist school would be greatly beneficial. I know many talented DCs with bright future as a musician choose to stay away from specialist education and that works for them. Your DS is managing well with your great support and most importantly he's happy.

We can't provide what we don't have. If we try to pretend we could, then disasters would start. DS is at specialist school but it doesn't mean everything is covered. He doesn't have what others have, and that's the situation he is in and has to make do with the resources he's got and given somewhat.

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