questioning schools....

[busymomtoone]

After a wonderful half term break with lots of activities and socialising, I am questioning whether I need to rethink DD's education. Not getting into a philosophy of independent vs state schools, just genuine soul-searching and need for support/suggestions. DDs school very academic and children seem to spend much of school day doing clubs/activities/ being fast-tracked for gym/netball etc., very little playground and child-time - she is very happy but also very tired, she is 7 and has a very high IQ (assessed by a specialist for complicated reasons to do with health) - eg reading age of 12; and seems happy with classmates, but whereas I thought she would stay there right through to 18, I am now questioning whether a little more freedom to play and explore interests/fun might be better - have looked at other (secondary) schools websites and they seem to do art exhibitions/have journalists and tv crews in for various days/ do more "off curriculum and exam results" type things. Might be post hols blues (met some home-educated children over hols too) but just questioning.... anyone else ever feel like this? How do you ever know if you are "getting it right"?
Please no nasty comments or dogma - genuine appeal for thoughts!! Thanks

After many obsessive years this is what I know...

There is no perfect answer. If you go with the jolly, more relaxed school, you will prob start to worry about the academic side after a while etc etc.

If she's very happy, leave her where she is.

When does your daughter seem happiest and most "herself": term-time or during the school holidays? To me, that would be a key clue to what she needs.

I rate happiness as the most important thing. No point in having a brilliant education and missing out on childhood. Of course, it may be possible to "have it all", but that may or may not happen in your daughter's current school.

My friend's superbright DD always got tired towards the end of term. It wasn't the school that made her tired, she made herself tired because she was that sort of driven person.

Not meaning to have a go at you or anything but ... you are implying that school might be too full-on but then tell us about "a wonderful half term break with lots of activities and socialising". So when you do get the chance to chill you don't take it. What does that say about you or your DD? (don't know which one: don't know who was the driving force here)

If she is happy (you said that twice) then I would leave it be. The grass is always greener etc etc.

As pps have said, one single question with one simple answer is all you need.

Is she happy?

If yes, leave her.

If no, then rethink.

Thanks for all your feedback and good/helpful points. Reckon you are prob right Hullygully, thanks! Senua, it's true we didn't take the chance to rest over hols, but I suppose I mean she is more tired or weary at school where as she was quite fired up and enjoyed learning/doing a lot during the hols - but you are right that she is quite driven and never does anything less than 110 percent so it could be just that. Really appreciate your comments - sometimes it's just really hard to know what's for the best - not sure there is any perfect answer!

If your child is happy at her school then that's half the battle.
Leave her there.