to move DD from her nice independent school where she has a scholarship because her brother didn't get offered one? (PART 2)

[middleschoolmuddle]

...just in case there is something else I need to hear.

Just don't get the angst over Latin. Having been to a proper top of the tables girls school there was a year of compulsory Latin in year 8 and then all but half a dozen people ditched or for home economics. It was never even offered for A level. I don't believe that there's any better take up now.

Where were you in that group Cantdecide? Did you do more than the compulsory year?

Cos' it's a bit like saying "we all had to learn the alphabet and then everyone dropped reading and writing; don't see what all the fuss is about ..."

Amber and OT are one and the same of course. Recognise the writing style.

Amber and OT are one and the same of course. Recognise the writing style.

That's a strange conclusion to make.

ifyourawizard why so rude?

It's interesting hearing everyone's experiences, hardly harmful to anyone is it?

Blimey the conspiracy theorists are out in force.

I thought I was meant to be the OP?

No, I'm Spartacus the OP!

Though possible my Capitals are not Cultured enough?

Pretty sure Amber is not a troll or the OP. I too recognise the OP and although have never met her in RL (anyway what does that guarantee) - I am pretty sure she is for real.

Lots of people dabble in private schools in pre-prep stage and get hooked but then realise they can't really afford it.

I think OP needs to just knuckle down and get a job in a nice private school - major or minor and enjoy the staff discount in fees.

Where's OP gone, anyway?

Amber if you actually know her in RL what do you recommend she does?

Further on the languages thing, can I point out that a student who is wanting to study modern languages at uni level should not drop all but one language before GCSE. Without looking back (I'd lose the will to live if I did!) I think that's what OP suggested her dd might want to do. I know that's not what the OP was about but it's worth knowing. If you want to apply to uni to study languages as your main course, it's better if you have 2 languages at A Level, and at the least at GCSE, even if you don't continue with these languages. It demonstrates a certain linguistic skill. So dropping French and Latin not a good idea. And I know of what I speak - regardless of whether you acquire your education at minor or major public school or at the local comp, and whether you are applying to Oxbridge or not. Even although my degree is decades old, bladdy bla.

She's doesn't want to do languages Topaz. I had hoped she'd keep on with French as they've done half of the GCSE syllabus already but she's decided to stick with German. It's now a toss up between music and French. She reckons she'll go with sciences at A level.

Anyone who knows anything about me would know I read Latin with Ancient Greek at university, so I wouldn't suggest it had little value! I'm definitely not the OP - I have one of the most transparent identities on this forum!

In answer to the question, I don't set a lot of store by independent schools, having been a bit fucked up by one myself. If I were the OP I think I'd be looking to relocate the family to an area with a strong state/grammar for all three DCs, but I know her daughter is very happy and settled in her current environment and therein lies the dilemma.

That's okay then, innit. Though 'doing languages' would be a fun little activity till she marries a rich man, whether it's YB or not. - I've been on MN too much of late - badly sprained ankle which requires far too much sitting on one's arse.

Latin to GCSE is far more maths / science based than language based IME (as a mathematician who did Latin GCSE).

It's not overly useful for a scientist but it does make you think through language / tenses etc so helped me get much better grades at GCSE Spanish / French than I really deserved. And far far more useful than technology and geography (cos they were completely useless!)

Actually, now I come to think of it hardly any of my GCSEs were any use. (And I did 11 of the blinking things!) Other than the ones that I took for A level the only thing I can think of is that Spanish opened up the opportunity to flirt with cute Spanish lads on holiday.