Grind Schools

[ComeAsYouAreAsAFriend]

Just after some thoughts on anyone that has experience of the "grind" schools for leaving cert. As in the Institutes of education etc. Do you think they are a good fit for a child with additional needs? Autism and dyslexia. My dd1 is in mainstream 5th year and struggling with the workload. I am wondering whether a streamlined system such as the grind school where they focus mainly on getting through the leaving cert would work better for her. She is bright but struggles to concentrate, study, do exams. Basically every skill you need to get through the leaving.

Would love some thoughts from anyone that has experience of the grind schools or even better if you teach in one. Thanks

I know one lad who went to a grind school in Cork. He said Essex they had lessons , exam prep etc in the mornings then sat a mock exam in the afternoons. It did take away the nerves he said . Mind you it was 10+ years ago. But I'd say they don't change the formula much...if it ain't broke etc?

From what I hear, they don't do pastoral care or PE or any of the fun things schools offer. Workload will be higher.
They are fine for a resit (which is uncommon now) or for kids who need a non school environment. I don't think theyd be great for ASD or dyslexia, do you not have a school which an ASD unit nearby? They maybe be a good fit or offer good advice.

Nephew has just finished 6th year in the Institute. My sister says it is very much a self learning environment. As in if you work , that’s fine. More like a college environment. However homework is optional. Corrected if submitted (on time). Regular exams. Could have 2/3 a week sometimes. As they cater to students from abroad applying to universities outside Ireland who require predicted grades.

He started the one year 6th year but it was too pressured and decided to repeat 5th year.
They do have pastoral care , more counsellors hired this year. However they are in huge demand both for pastoral and career advice.

It is all about the Leaving Cert so no fun activities. It is v busy with big classes. I know DN enjoyed it but he did sports in a club outside school and went there solely for subject choice.

It's very exam focused and there's no sports / fun things / distraction.

Children are expected to get on with the workload and e.g. do their own study during a free period.

Some classes are incredibly busy, particularly the more popular ones like pass maths.

Easy to get lost in the Institute but also a wide range of people / social groups.

Thanks all, from the descriptions you have provided definitely not a good fit for my daughter. I think I will explore one a one study skills and exam prep support which is really what she needs

@turkeyboots her school does have a unit but she is fine in the mainstream, it is just doing exams that is the main issue for her, she panics and leaves which you obviously can't do in the leaving cert