New Batch of Year 13 parents this way!

I know Kitten! She got a taste for it when her (West Indian) Grandmother made Pina Coladas in the summer.
It did make me smile when that’s what she asked for!

DD's only alcohol intake so far has been communion wine! I can't see that changing any time soon which I am relieved about as it is one less worry.

Just had a text from DD asking me to buy her a bottle of Malibu to take to a party tonight (says she’ll buy her own pineapple juice!) 🙄^^ She doesn’t like anything fizzy so her alcohol options are a bit limited.
Generally they do take their own with them, it’s just me that prefers to provide when it’s at our house, mainly to avoid vodka puke 🤢
DD has only just started trying alcohol really, she had no interest for a long time despite most of her friends drinking at parties for at least the last 2 or 3 years.
DD2 (16) however, has much more of a wild side . . She was having parties and sleepovers that included cider long before her sister.

"I am beginning to realise that my dd exists in a very different universe to the oxbridge applicants."

Same here
DD hardly drinks at all, but will have the odd glass of sweet cider, but a party/sleepover with no alcohol at all would be unthinkable now. I am very strict though and told everyone at DD's last party that I expected the toilets to be used for all bodily fluids, and anyone not doing so would be going home.

Ursula I wouldn't dare take DD out of school in year 13. Is your half term exceptionally early?

We are flying long haul on Saturday for a fabulous holiday and she is already contemplating what she will wear to a Hallowe'en party the day we get back.

I am beginning to realise that my dd exists in a very different universe to the oxbridge applicants.

Sad but true.

Same here Ursula

They all bring their own in our part of the world.

I have supplied beer, cider and a few alcopop things several times. I always insist on texting/emailing parents (dd still has mostly the same group of friends since primary) prior to any “gathering” and letting them know that some alcohol will be provided and I’d prefer them not to bring anything additional. This stops them bringing stupid stuff like bottles of vodka and jaegermeister (have heard stories about many a messy party where this has happened) I’d prefer to be in control and know exactly what they’re all drinking.
I think the only way you could be charged for supplying it is if a parent pressed charges. So by getting the other parents approval beforehand I think that risk is removed.

😂

Definitely not a party, he is just having a few friends over.

chocolate that's a good idea. We have a beer drawer in the fridge anyway, which I periodically remember to restock.

You can also buy ready mixed shandy and low alcohol beer as well.
The word party wasn't mentioned, but chocolate that's why dds 18th is being held at a local restaurant so that only those over 18 can buy alcoholic drinks (should they wish to).

TheSecond
just a word of warning about supplying alcohol to under-18s. I was told by a police officer that adults that supply alcohol for a party, knowing that there will be under-18s there, could be charged (I can't remember what offence he said it was). I buy some cans of cider (fairly low alcohol) every now again with my Tesco delivery, on the basis that if DD has friends round, I know that they are likely to drink them, but I can honestly state that I didn't buy the alcohol for the purpose of being drunk by 17-year-olds. Hope that makes sense.

I think that depends on the size of the bottles TheSecond and if any of the group will be driving!

Well done to all those who have received offers, and fingers crossed for those who are waiting.

Question unrelated to UCAS: when your Y13 has friends round for a gathering (mostly 17 year olds with a couple of 18 year olds), do you provide some beer/cider, and if so, how many bottles per guest?

Well Done Drummer’s DS. Everything crossed 🤞

Oxford has the same time line as Cambridge. Invitation to interview end of November, with the interviews first 2 weeks in December.
Aptitude tests are beginning of November, and I assume they use the results of those to decide who they’ll interview - around half of applicants I think.
I have no idea if/how they let dc know if they haven’t got an interview - probably just an update on track. Brutal.

Thanks all. The deed is done, application sent and his school are pretty on the ball so I expect they will add their bit soon.
I'm certainly a lot happier now it's done and ds1 is a lot calmer- he has even smiled!
Let the wait begin.