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Original poster

School support with extra-curricular interests / talents

61 replies

folkmamma · 11/10/2019 10:20

Hoping for some examples of adaptions / compromises your DC's secondary schools have made to support them with their vocations/talents - eg elite sports training, music, theatre work etc.

My DD is a musician and actress. She has a busy panto season ahead as well as keeping up with her training at JD in London. Trying to negotiate some concessions on homework and additional time for practice within the school day. Would be really helpful to have some examples of precedent!!

TIA :-)

OP posts:
Original poster
folkmamma · 11/10/2019 19:23

🤣🤣🤣 loving all the judgy...

OP posts:
my2bundles · 11/10/2019 17:44

The schools priority is her education and the education of every other child in school, it's really not in the schools interests to fit in random pupils outside interests. It's the role of the parent to fit that around school. Getting authorised absence for funerals etc is proving difficult for many people so they are unlikely to be accommodating to what you are asking.

underneaththeash · 11/10/2019 16:01

I know someone's child who is in a west end show who has a later start some days when she's up late, but that's in primary school. I think it's unlikely that a secondary school would do it though as it's optional activity and they'd worry about setting a precedent.

I'm having trouble at the moment getting DS1's surgery and recovery date down as an authorised absence.

pikapikachu · 11/10/2019 15:31

Our neighbour's son plays a country level and has to do all homework. He gets authorised absence for international matches.

Original poster
folkmamma · 11/10/2019 15:21

FWIW I'm not suggesting her education is compromised, or that she doesn't do homework etc. Just asking if anyone has experience of working with a school to facilitate fitting everything in.

Home Ed and specialist school while a better option for her are not financially viable.

OP posts:
Original poster
folkmamma · 11/10/2019 15:20

FWIW I'm not suggesting her education is compromised, or that she doesn't do homework etc. Just asking if anyone has experience of working with a school to facilitate fitting everything in.

Home Ed and specialist school while a better option for her are not financially viable.

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 11/10/2019 15:14

DD has girls in her form and year group who play sport on national level plus a friend who is a child actress.

They do get authorised absences but they are required to study their academic work alongside their commitments.

If the actress is away for filming they have a tutor with them who helps and kind of “home educate” them during breaks.

Have you thought about a private theatre/performing arts school instead of normal secondary? These ones do teach differently and training is done during the day so home time is for home work. This is what parents to a girl in DD’s primary school did.

LIZS · 11/10/2019 15:11

How old is she? Unless it is a vocational school practice fits around the school day. I have known time off to be allowed for matinees and exams.

my2bundles · 11/10/2019 15:02

Surely practise should be done in her own time. Her education should be prioritised as highly as her music and acting. My child has a particular talent but I wouldn't dream of sacrificing his education for it.

JoJoSM2 · 11/10/2019 14:26

Are you sure you'd want her to not do homework or catch up on school work? It could put her in a difficult position come GCSE time and limit her options.

At school, I did stuff that meant I was away for several weeks every year (and lots of time devoted in the week too). I always studied and took my textbooks along when I was away not jeopardise my education.

Hersetta427 · 11/10/2019 14:18

I am not sure whatever concession a particular school may allow could be used as precedent at another school.

DD's school offers no leeway - she plays a sport at GB level and manages national team training, club training and a full homework schedule from her top state school. They have allowed authorised absence when occasionally she has had to travel internationally for matches but they do like to crow about her achievements (none of which she does at school) in the school newsletter.

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