To think that the English state education is useless

[balotelli]

Having seen 2 dc go through the English state education system I have no intention of putting dc3 through it.

It taught me very little that I have used since. The vast majority of the useful info and lessons I need for my life to function and be enjoyed have been sourced from mu own initative since leaving state education.

My 2 dc have never been taught to budget, cook, parent etc at school. Everything they know on these subjects have been learnt at home from their parents.

The hours spent in the classroom were of very litttle use since leaving education. Both have jobs and have learnt well on the job and in fe but have never had to know,

how many wives Henry the 8th had, what the average rainfall in the Amazon rain forrest is, any algebra, trigonometry, physics, chemistry or biology.

While I know it is important to have a base knowledge of many subjects and an idea of what may be a passion that can spark a later carreer, I think that kids today spend way too long learning utter useless crap in school , being tested and stressed out of their developing minds for way too long and from a ridiculously early age.

There I feel better now.

I think it is the school's job to teach your children how many wives Henry V111 had and your job, as a parent, to teach them how to budget, cook and be a good parent.

You seem to think that the school should be raising your dc. Sorry, but that's your job.

Imagine a world where no one knew any world history or science or geography. Being able to budget is not more important than those subjects and falls under parental responsibility primarily.

Er you get taught those things in private school too (history etc)?

You as a parent also have a responsibility to teach your child life skills, not just schools. You cant hand them over at the gates and wash your hands.

Subjects like history, maths, art etc teach you a range of skills eg problem solving, being creative, empathy etc beyond the basic facts.

So YABU. Yes there are shit schools out there but I don't think the whole system is a failure.

YABU

English state education is not useless

HTH

State education served me well (and I was one of those pesky council estate kids!).

YABVU

Cooking, budgeting, parenting etc absolutely should be taught at home. It is a schools job to educate, not raise your kids. Thats your job.

And you clearly understand why they teach a base knowledge of all subjects, so whats the problem?

I agree that there is too much testing, but they are not taught crap. its totally dependent on a persons career as to which bits are useful and which bits are never used. Teachers dont have crysal balls!

You think schools should teach children how to parent? Blimey.

Schools exist to educate children in the academic subjects you mention, not teach them how to raise their own children. Why haven't YOU taught them how to cook?

Why do you want school to take over your duties as a parent?

Erm. YABU.

So what do you as a parent take responsibility for teaching then?

And you do realise that schools in other countries also teach reading, writing, maths, languages, arts and sciences? It's not a uniquely UK practice.

And all the examples you've given in history, geography, maths and science, would be taught in all schools, not just state.

I think the very fact that you're writing with fairly accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation should be a hint that indeed school did teach you something you've used since.

Here, have a to sweeten your mood.

All those subjects you mention enrich your life. Take biology. Off the top of my head:

A basic understanding of nutrition. An understanding that we are ultimately dependent on plants, both nutritionally and for oxygen. Ecological awareness, and food webs. The names of different parts of the body. The human reproductive system, and how contraceptives work.

None of that's necessary, eh?

Good grief. I see where we are all going wrong now.

I shall contact the DofE in my local authority and tell them we must stop teaching academic subjects and forthwith concentrate on life skills.

But wait ... we do those too! Home Ec, PSE etc.

And for what it's worth - you and your DC are applying your knowledge learned in school on a daily basis. You just don't realise it.

YABVU. If you didn't make the most of your opportunities that's your problem. I did very well out out English state education and will be sending my kids through that system too. It's not always perfect everywhere but the criticism you level at it (teaching too much) is ridiculous.

Sorry it's about what state school my son finshes his school at 2:15 they have 3 double lessons a day in year 7 the day is dominated by the Cora subjects, he has a rock climbing wall, the do tai chi (sp) they have a fully kitted out working radio sation also they have a deal with the feeder primary school do all who want can get work experince so no child leaves with out having work experince so they have somthing extra to put on Theri uni application.

They also boast 18 diffrent clubs including Charles dickens apreaction club

Btw he attends a state school

In my view unless you can afford to pay for a top flight private school then your child in my view is getting a education on a par with a good state school

In some private schools the behaviour of the children are awful, parents pay their way out of their childs mister meaners private school often shy away from tacking poor parenting and deny bullying is happening as for better manners often the children treat the school staff as ,the help,

Their are some sink state schools my sons one is not in that bracket they address the staff by standing, the staff address the children miss..... Or Mr........

Blazers are worn at all times and their are stiff penalties for not towing the line

The local private school are only 3% ahead in terms of exam results that's why it would cost around 30k more to try and by a home Ny were near my sons school

GCSE Biology specification

Some state schools are awesome including my child's
So have a

So are you thinking of going "private" then OP for your DC3?

Because as someone said up thread the private schools pretty much follow the same curriculum!

Or are you going to Home Ed?

YABU schools are supposed to educate children about academic subjects, parents are supposed to teach life skills.
Knowledge about history, geography,science etc. helps us to understand the world around us so we can make informed decisions.

Why don't you let Gove know what you expect from a state education? I'm sure he'll be able to cram some more parenting lessons into the NC.

My mother declined to allow me to take Home Economics t my highly academic school, saying that she could teach me that at home, or if Ihad half an ounze of sense (in old money) I would learn on my own time as soon as I left home. She was right. YABVU,and ridiculous.