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Extra-curricular activities

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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 · 15/11/2018 13:56

What I am also curious to know is drama. While early specialist training can be crucial to some types of dancers and instrumentalists, I cannot see much merit to start narrowed education for drama. If it was DS's choice, I would more likely to tell him to complete A-level or even a degree with lots of acting studies and activities outside school/university. Broader education and experience would add more depth to them and that would make them more attractive as an actor. But I don't know anything about drama and may be being hugely ignorant.

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Original poster
happylilac · 15/11/2018 13:14

Oh sorry, I misunderstood. Blush He's in music. He did JD and also is academic so I see what you mean. Also, your DD is doing a lot more than DS. He doesn't do 12-13 hours of ensembles etc. So really, specialist school isn't a must as you say, even if you are very serious. It's just a choice available for some DCs.

We concluded it's best to let him try while he was so full of passion (so he would enjoy the experience and be happier) and also young enough to have a choice later. If he decides to stay after 16 then he will probably go on to the path (or I should say, he will 'try' to go on to the path..), but until then he has a chance to change the direction, more likely before GCSEs start (13+) or after GCSEs (16+). Things are still quite fluid.

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W00t · 15/11/2018 12:46

I know what they are- I was asking which type he is at!

FWIW, we turned down DD's place at a music school, in favour of academically selective secondary, because we felt 11 was too young to decide where her life was going. She has done conservatoire junior department alongside school; with JD, school ensembles, and others, she does 12-13 hours a week of music, before adding any practice.

Original poster
happylilac · 15/11/2018 12:28

Would also be nice to hear from those whose DCs started at relatively older age (16+?) and perhaps share pros and cons of starting early/late. Though I know it's totally personal and each would have different view/experience.

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Original poster
happylilac · 15/11/2018 12:21

W00t, schools that provide DCs specialist training in their chosen area, such as performing art, tennis, etc.

AlexanderHamilton, DS is in his first year and he is Y7. Still lots of things are unknown for us so keen to keep as many doors open as possible. Depending on how things go, we will look at 13+ or 16+. But for now, we are letting DS enjoy the opportunities he's given. Your DD sounds like doing very well. Some DCs seem to know what they want from very young age.

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AlexanderHamilton · 15/11/2018 10:30

There are a few of us on mumsnet with kids at vocational school. Dd strted in Year 7 and is now in the first year of Upper School doing her diploma.

W00t · 15/11/2018 09:21

Well, what type of specialist school is it?