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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To tell the school that ds won’t be doing online pe games lessons

19 replies

Veuvestar · 01/02/2021 22:51

Their online policy is that all the kids are signed in and complete work at normal lesson time, full timetable. Most lessons are fully interactive.
Today my sister offered to take him for a bike ride instead of his online lesson. They were gone for 45 minutes and they sprinted for a large part of it.
He was outside, fresh coastal air. I can honestly count on one hand the number of times he has been out since Christmas. Surely this is better for him? the online class is his teacher exercising to a video of some fitness woman. You can just about make it out, the sound is shocking and ds loses interest within 5 minutes.
I should be able to tell the school this, yes?
It’s a private school and he’s 13

OP posts:

TheChip · 01/02/2021 22:54

My children's school would be happy to be told of a different exercise activity. They say as long as something is being done, that is all that matters. Just for me to message their work over, or a quick update on what has been done.

I'd be surprised if any school would complain that a child was offered an activity better suited to the child.

ineedaholidaynow · 01/02/2021 22:54

Have school asked where he was?

Mosschopz · 01/02/2021 22:55

You’re paying for his education, you tell them what to do!

peanutbuttermilkshake · 01/02/2021 22:56

Agreed - he’s getting far more exercise outside on a bike than he is in front of a screen doing a few star jumps. That being said I expect they might say to you he can just do both and should be going on his bike rides outside of schooling hours and participating in the online PE class as normal...

HeddaGarbled · 01/02/2021 22:56

Does it need to be one or the other? Can’t it be both?

Poppins2016 · 01/02/2021 22:58

I can see both points of view, but in your shoes I would have done the same and used the opportunity to give your son some outdoor exercise and fresh air.

waydownwego · 01/02/2021 23:01

It's a private school - they typically let you do what you want, especially if you can explain the reason behind it. Go for it.

PrincessOfAllOurTarts · 01/02/2021 23:03

@HeddaGarbled

Does it need to be one or the other? Can’t it be both?

It can't be both for us as by the time the time the live lessons finish it's dark.

Original poster

Veuvestar · 01/02/2021 23:09

My sister just has Mondays off, which coincides with his lesson, she wants to get fit and likes riding with him. She motivates him, he does nothing I ask. I don’t actually have a bike and have a back condition so not that mobile!

OP posts:

Cocomarine · 01/02/2021 23:12

Odd thread. Why don’t you have the courage of your convictions?

Original poster

Veuvestar · 01/02/2021 23:12

I’m not really the type of parent that tells the school what to do. They haven’t asked where he was, he was there for registration but I’d rather tell them He’s not doing it rather than pretend he’s on the call and have to faff around signing him out etc.

OP posts:

Leeds2 · 01/02/2021 23:13

My friend's 15 year old son is at private school, and he is told during PE lessons to do an activity of his own choice at home. Think my friend has to confirm that he has done it, but no-one checks. I don't think your DS's school would be that bothered, particularly as it sounds like DS was doing a "better" activity.

Original poster

Veuvestar · 01/02/2021 23:18

Cocomarine- just asking
I think it should be up to me to decide what’s best for him, but unsure when it comes to school routine

OP posts:

littlemisslozza · 01/02/2021 23:22

I can't see why you'd think this is an issue? Surely he can register and tell the teacher he's going to go on a bike ride. Mine have done similar,. absolutely no problem, in fact they are pleased to hear that they are doing it. You're making a big deal of nothing.

MintCassis · 01/02/2021 23:25

Polite email to his teacher to explain he is making the most of an opportunity to exercise outdoors. Depends on school policy whether they’d check where he was if he didn’t sign in for one lesson.

violetcobra · 01/02/2021 23:27

I can't imagine the school would mind

AintPageantMaterial · 01/02/2021 23:28

DD15’s school (also private) was insisting that they logged on and engaged online but, after some parents enquired/complained, they have agreed that any activity away from screens and/or outside is beneficial and they are no longer required to login.

Indecisive12 · 02/02/2021 00:04

Mine have been doing their own thing sometimes, they have PE on different days so we save it up and they either do one of the tasks set but do it together or they go for a bike ride or hike. I just send a message or photo saying what they’ve done.

NoSquirrels · 02/02/2021 00:20

Just tell them. They won’t make a fuss!

They have to offer ‘PE’ as part of the curriculum but they’re limited as to what’s possible over video for kids in different places. They’ll probably be delighted he’s getting some ‘proper’ exercise instead.

Just tell them!

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