I teach in an independent school AMA

[CraftyGin]

Just as the title says.

Do you think it is unfair that richer children get a better education than poorer ones?

We all have choices in education. Money gives you more choices.

Lack of money has many disadvantages for children, not just in education. Lack of parental aspiration is a divider, too.

All children in the U.K. have access to a good education. Let’s keep that in perspective.

I agree that lack of money has many disadvantages for children, not just education. But I don't agree that this is fair. This thread is about education, so I'm not asking you if in some way you further poorer housing for some children. I'm asking you about schooling.
As for keeping our advantages as a Western developed nation in perspective, of course. UK children are definitely advantaged over those in some other countries. But again, I want to stick to the topic you've raised. In this country, some children get a better education because their parents are richer. This matters. Education is a major factor in social mobility. Do you think this is unfair?

What do you most think about private schools are better than state?

My children go to a private prep school, but are still very young

Have you ever taught in a state school?

@bringbackfonzi life is intrinsically unfair. Some people travel business class, some go economy. Some shop at waitrose, some use Aldi. Some dress in Gucci and some wear Asda George...

LIFE is a competition, and is unfair, and some people choose to spend their money on education (be that buying a house in the right catchment or paying fees) that's the way of the world.

Friend of mine teaches in a private secondary school. The pupils all say thank you to her as they leave each lesson.

Is it a prep school and do you have children at the school and get a hefty fees discount?

OP - what do you think the biggest influence over behaviour is? Behaviour is usually better in private schools - does that come from the home lives/parents or from the school having stricter rules or higher behaviour standards?

I have follow on questions, but they depend on the answer to my first one.

@bringbackfonzi are you aware that many schools for children with SEN are independent? I would have loved my DC to go to the local mainstream, but sadly most state schools cant meet SEN or other SpLDs needs, even milder ones. Now that is unfair.

In this country, some children get a better education because their parents are richer.

In Mumsnet land, this would not be a philosophical truth.

Better is not a particularly scientific term.

What does better mean to you?

What do you most think about private schools are better than state?

I think because smaller schools are able to provide a more individualised education.

What do you believe are the advantages to you as a teacher (not to the pupils) of private education?

Have you ever taught in a state school?

I did my teaching practice in the state sector, as well as my NQT year.

Friend of mine teaches in a private secondary school. The pupils all say thank you to her as they leave each lesson.

“Thank you for the lesson” is pretty standard, as are handshakes at the end of the day/week/term.

Is it a prep school and do you have children at the school and get a hefty fees discount?

I teach in a senior school and my last school-age child does not come here.

I have been in a school where my DDs received 50%/60%/70% remission respectively. This was made up of academic scholarship, sibling discount, and Teacher remission. In reality, I went to the head and bursar saying, “this is what my au pair costs, make me a deal”.

Ok, so your answer seems to be, yes I think it's unfair, but it doesn't bother me. That's life.
That's interesting. I do often wonder how teachers at private schools think about this.
For other people, its being unfair might be something to object to or try to work against.

Are children who are likely not to achieve high grades managed out back to the state sector?

Do you teach primary students?

If so: Is a private primary school much better than a small good state school with with well behaved kids? Are primary children in large classes at a disadvantage to students in small classes, even where strong and positive parental support is available at home?

OP - what do you think the biggest influence over behaviour is? Behaviour is usually better in private schools - does that come from the home lives/parents or from the school having stricter rules or higher behaviour standards?

This is a tough one, as you do get shocking behaviour in independent schools. Children of arrogant parents can be arrogant, and they get back up from home. You also get poor behaviour from children with SEND because you are not meeting their needs at that time.

Inherently good behaviour comes from children whose families clearly value education and recognise that achievement means hard work, and are willing to do their bit at home (eg by eating with their children and having conversations about current affairs).

I think having clear family values builds character and resilience, which helps with learning.

Ok, so your answer seems to be, yes I think it's unfair, but it doesn't bother me. That's life.
That's interesting. I do often wonder how teachers at private schools think about this.
For other people, its being unfair might be something to object to or try to work against.

Fairness works both ways though. DH and I have worked hard to get where we are and being able to provide for our children by ourselves. is something that is important to us.

In what ways (if any) does the curriculum differ from state education? Does your school teach Latin/classics and what benefits do you think this provides?

What do you believe are the advantages to you as a teacher (not to the pupils) of private education?

Loads. The obvious thing right now is that i have 19 weeks holiday a year, so I get to be a SAHM too.

Small class sizes means that marking is easier. Differentiation is easier as I know each child really well. I don’t really have to answer to anyone in terms of teaching style.

Are children who are likely not to achieve high grades managed out back to the state sector?

Absolutely not. Bums on seats is more important.

We do not worry too much about high grades, rather, “are they meeting their MidYIS prediction?”