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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Why is nobody talking about how LITTLE kids go to college now

37 replies

Dadism · 31/08/2018 18:21

I feel rather angry about our further education system. I have kids attending Oaklands College in St Albans, Herts. So far they go into college a total of 2 days a week. The rest is 'self-guided'. In other words, show us the money and get online and do it yourself.

Now I feel old as.. in my day... and at school, you go in EVERY day and get taught EVERY day. How is this good enough now?

Nevermind that Oaklands College doesn't even have up-to-date software to teach (it's only 5 years out of date but when you are a designer, why does that matter.. grrr).

I can't find an easy way of complaining that wouldn't put my kids in an awkward position and I can imagine when they leave just not bothering.

There are great websites for students to review schools, colleges and Universities, but not for parents, who often have a true insight into standards.

Anyone else found a way of complaining and who to or frustrated with this nonsense?

OP posts:
Moussemoose · 01/09/2018 16:24

The government funds 16 hours of education a week - more or less.

It's not enough, we are short changing 16 - 19 year olds. This mostly impacts on young people who do vocational courses so no one cares.

LoniceraJaponica · 01/09/2018 16:21

We have a 6th form college in town and a school that has a 6th form in a local rural market town. If say two students at both places are taking the same number of A levels then theoretically they should both have the same number of contact hours.

The difference is that most students stay at the school during their frees because there is nowhere else to go other than Tesco. In town there are far more distractions, and the students aren't restricted to travelling to and from their education by school buses.

Also, the academic requirements for entry into the school 6th form are higher than the college, so the students at the school are more motivated to learn and pass their A levels. A lot of the less academic students at the 6th form college in town tend not to turn up to every lesson.

MargaretDribble · 01/09/2018 15:47

I had exactly the same conversation with my son's College. I was told it was so students could have a part time job while they were at College.
They could actually run some of the two year courses over one year, because some of them have very little content.

LIZS · 01/09/2018 15:34

Curriculums and qualifications change. Over time emphasis has moved from formal taught lessons and workshops to classroom based, practical and independent learning. Some courses require more contact hours than others. If your dc were resitting level 2/gcse their structured timetable might be fuller. What are their courses?

Original poster
Dadism · 01/09/2018 15:30

Oaklands college isn't just Agriculture. Teenagers is the age group. When I went to college (and all my friends) it was FULL time. Why isn't it any more? That's my point.

OP posts:
FourFriedChickensDryWhiteToast · 31/08/2018 18:42

isn't Oaklands an agricultural college?

TroubledLichen · 31/08/2018 18:39

Presuming the ‘kids’ are actually young adults as college is usually 16+ so it’s supposed to be the time that parents take a step back (in preparation for work or university). You say there are websites for students to review said college so if your DD is unhappy with the standard of education she can write her own review and/or take it up with her course administrator(s).

StealthPolarBear · 31/08/2018 18:36

The op has explained what she means

FourFriedChickensDryWhiteToast · 31/08/2018 18:36

oh lol - how LITTLE kids go to college - now I understand.Grin

Preparing them for uni I suppose..Grin

FourFriedChickensDryWhiteToast · 31/08/2018 18:34

what do you mean by 'little kids'? 6 or 7?
My son was at college when he was 14, it is relatively normal.
Not sure what your point is anyway.

LIZS · 31/08/2018 18:32

You don't have to pay though. It will vary according to what is being studied and the facilities are available outside the guided learning hours. Dn had a pt job when not required to attend college and many are also on apprenticeship schemes.

Tobuyornot99 · 31/08/2018 18:29

College isn't school though, so they will need to be self directed and motivated, as a preparation for uni / work.
Is it usual to pay for college?