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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

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Original poster

Specialist School Thread

82 replies

happylilac · 14/11/2018 23:59

Not very sure if it's a good idea to start such a thread. Specialist school can cause controversy, like boarding school or home education...

Well, mine has just started his this term, coming from a very ordinary primary school and a very ordinary family background. We didn't plan this, but it happened and here we are, supporting his specialist training at the tender age of 11.

Just thought it might be fun to exchange some posts with those who are in, have left, are thinking of applying or simply interested. I know very little of specialist schools in dance and music, and absolutely zero idea in other fields. I once heard of tennis specialist school. Does it really exist? What would it be like??

Just curious really.

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Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 12:40

Excellent news, 4strings.

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jessstan2 · 05/12/2018 12:48

I'm so happy for you happylilac! It's good to let children follow their hearts and to encourage them.

(Mine is a very successful musician and plays all over the world.)

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 13:35

Thank you jessstan2. So wonderful to hear from a parent of a very successful musician.

We weren't very confident with our decision. Partly because we aren't a musician family and also because DS's interest in music suddenly and rapidly developed in the last couple of years so hadn't had enough time to digest the idea of DS pursuing music so seriously. DS had a wobbly start too due to being so new to boarding (and again we weren't prepared well enough for it). But he's finally finding his feet there and has started enjoying the opportunities and experiences more and more everyday. I think he's definitely happier there than at any other school right now. That's the whole point of our decision - his happiness and well-being.

Specialist school is tough but any school would be tough. I know many DCs at non-specialist school are juggling, struggling and working hard. You just have a different kind of demands to deal with. And I personally think DS is happier to deal with the challenges and difficulties for what he loves and cares rather than something he cannot see the point of all the hard-working.

It's still too early to say whether we made a right decision but it seems working nicely at the moment.

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Alsoplayspiccolo · 05/12/2018 14:04

happylilac, so much wisdom in your last post.
Secondary school IS a struggle/ juggle for a lot of children, especially those with non-academic interests. At least in a specialist school, you don't have to negotiate to get those interests recognised and accommodated. We're lucky - DS's school has actually offered for him to drop a subject, just to allow him down time, because they can see how much extra curricular stuff he does as a music scholar. He wouldn't get that at the local state school, not would be get the playing opportunities he does, so it's a win-win.

anniehm · 05/12/2018 14:25

Dd1 was offered a place a music school at 9 but we couldn't afford the parent contribution - it's sliding scale but doesn't take into account outgoings enough! She stayed in state school and did county orchestra. Dd2 however won a place at boarding school at 16 and loves it, military Stem only so very specialist however injuries aside she will be a commissioned officer at 22 so if it suit them it's an excellent option (and yes I spent a lot of time trying to persuade her not to go but she was determined!). Despite her positive experience I'm not convinced that boarding is ever right under 16 unless for logistical reasons eg islanders, it's so regimented and until 16 what kids need is an all round education and lots of love (dd2 has lots of friends who have boarded since young and they have a lot of issues with attachment!)

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 14:56

Great to hear your DS's school has been so supportive, piccolo.

Contrary to what we are doing, I agree with you, annihm, on the boarding issues. I do think there have to be lots of good reasons for sending younger DCs away. Obviously some are totally fine and happy, but in general younger DCs need love and care for healthy development. I skype with DS everyday and exchange messages through a day. Often he does it out of duty as he's so keen to go back to play with his friends. But I am hoping he feels I am reachable whenever he needs me, and knows that I am thinking of him, care about him. He comes home at weekends and has longish holidays so hopefully we can survive. But I do feel he wasn't particularly ready to be away. Some DCs are at his age but not mine.

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Trumpetboysmum · 05/12/2018 21:15

We can’t really afford our contribution to specialist school fees either so for now ds is at his local school . They are really supportive but he hasn’t been allowed to drop any subjects ( that would be ideal piccolo)- so he’s doing 11 GCSEs!! But so far he’s just about managing . And with a lot of organisation from me and my taxi service I think he’s getting the best of both worlds - sort of !! I’m not entirely convinced by our decision but he’s happy so that’s the main thing !!

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 22:29

As you probably know, Trumpet, there are many paths available. It totally depends on the child, family and the circumstances whether specialist school would be greatly beneficial. I know many talented DCs with bright future as a musician choose to stay away from specialist education and that works for them. Your DS is managing well with your great support and most importantly he's happy.

We can't provide what we don't have. If we try to pretend we could, then disasters would start. DS is at specialist school but it doesn't mean everything is covered. He doesn't have what others have, and that's the situation he is in and has to make do with the resources he's got and given somewhat.

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Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 22:41

The last sentence of Trumpet's post is what I'm exactly feeling even though our choice seems to be the opposite.

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Trumpetboysmum · 05/12/2018 22:43

I would probably say the same if he was at specialist school too

Original poster

happylilac · 05/12/2018 23:03

So would I if mine stayed at non-specialist school.

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RomanyRoots · 07/12/2018 12:21

Hello happy

My dd is at specialist music school, currently Y10, and started for Y7.
She is thriving and absolutely loves it.
We did hear that academics aren't always brilliant as emphasis is on the music, but that didn't concern dd as she won't look at a plan B and has never really been academic.
Have just got predictions for GCSE, music 8/9 everything else 4/5.
As long as she manages 2 A level A- E and 3 GCSE old A-C she will be ok for her chosen conservatoire.

Owlm · 07/12/2018 12:47

Hi Romany, I really love how driven and motivated your Dd is. She knows what she wants and is going for it.

I do hope whatever direction Dd takes she is as persistent and motivated. Mine still has pilot as her plan b

RomanyRoots · 07/12/2018 13:10

Owlm

Hey, pilot is a brilliant plan B. Try as I have I can't get her to look at a plan B, which is great for dedication but scary at the same time.
I do think they should follow their dreams though because so many people are stuck in jobs they don't like or have settled for.

I do think with specialist schools you need to be constantly evaluating the suitability of fit. Children change as they grow up and what is suitable at 8 might not be at 14.
It's funny that OP states the controversy of boarding, specialist school and H.ed, as in our situation if the school became a bad fit, we would H.ed again, for the suitability of the education she could choose.
But they are all different and they have to do whats right for them.

Original poster

happylilac · 07/12/2018 23:18

Hi Romany, nice to see you.

DS came back home seemingly very much inspired and determined. But then he often goes back to a normal 11 years old as he spends more time in our very ordinary home environment.

Let's see if his determination lasts during this weekend! Assume quite tough as the festive season started so we have a few friends gatherings on Sat and Sun (which is fun!!).

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Owlm · 07/12/2018 23:39

Oh yes, but pilot is a brilliantly, expensive play B To be honest I can't see Dd doing a 'normal' job. She's all about the music and singing constantly around the house. But I like to reassure her that her journey is not set in stone. And knowing there's other options aswell as h.ed if music specialist doesn't work out, eases the pressure.

Does your Ds school break for Christmas hols earlier happy? Like the independents?

Original poster

happylilac · 07/12/2018 23:50

He came back tonight because he's a weekly boarder. But yes the school break early like the independents so he'll be home everyday very soon. His violin lesson has finished actually. The teacher has gone now and won't be back till next year. So he'll have 4 weeks of lesson free...

This time last year was a marathon of Christmassy concerts but very quiet this year!

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Owlm · 10/12/2018 01:46

Oh yes the Christmas marathon is in full swing. I'm sure it must be completely strange not to be involved musically. That would take a lot of getting used to. Like all of us with musical Dc's, I am very involved. I long for peace and calm sometimes - but I know it would be difficult in reality. It'd definitely have to be the right school, right fit, for me to trust them with Dd.

Original poster

happylilac · 10/12/2018 10:39

I initially felt so sad that I wasn't going to get involved in his musical journey as much as I used to be. I liked sitting in his lessons and rehearsals, and I went to all the concerts he performed. Now I can't sit in his lessons/rehearsals and can't attend all his concerts. I even don't know what he's learning currently - I do know a few but not all.

However, I actually find myself still very much part of his journey. OK I don't know the details as I don't go to the lessons/concerts but there are still a few odd jobs I can do for him such as preparing his concert clothes, purchasing strings and music, contacting luthiers, listening to the pieces set by his musicianship teacher together, listening to his compositions (can't listen to the whole thing as he can show me only on the piano or violin when it's actually written for quartet and so on, but still nice to get to listen...), etc.

It's definitely much less stressful because I don't carry all the responsibilities on my shoulders any more (and I am not a musician myself so it was such heavy responsibilities really!), nor I don't act as his time-keeper (no need to remind him to practise nor how much to do...). In some ways I'm probably getting the best bit - less stressful but still being part of it.

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Alsoplayspiccolo · 10/12/2018 10:54

That sounds perfect, happylilac!
I think an amount of ignorance can be bliss, if you know you can trust the school and his teachers to be keeping an eye on things.
I'd love not to have to stress about whether my DCs have done homework, revision, practice etc!

Original poster

happylilac · 10/12/2018 11:31

I felt I wasn't good enough as a parent of a young (serious) musician at the beginning. Well, as you know, piccolo! But I come to think of my ignorance as bliss (for now...). I was worried so much that I nearly influenced DS with my endless (and probably mostly unnecessary) concerns. I know what you mean about trust, but to be honest trusting teachers and school are my only choice as I have no knowledge nor experience in this level of commitment in music. I decided not to try to look for 'a problem' constantly especially when I have no clue. Instead I decided to trust them. Let them take over. As long as DS is happy and progressing healthily I can continue trusting them.

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Owlm · 03/01/2019 09:21

Happy New Year everyone! I was wondering if there are particular strengths at the different music specialist schools? Did your DC's audition for all of them and see which one gives a place, or did you have only 1 specific that you would consider? I ask because they all seem similar to me. We are yet to view 2. A friend only viewed and auditioned 1 school and has been happy. I wonder if different schools are more suited to a 'type' of musician.

Hertsessex · 03/01/2019 09:51

Just auditioned at one given location and specific teacher(s) we wanted but plenty seem to audition at more than one and there is some movement between the schools later.

Yehudi Menuhin - obviously strings/piano focus and relatively small. Some say best place if really want to focus on being a solo player but seems a bit too narrow for me (although DC not a string player so what do I know)
Chets/Purcell quite similar in many ways. Chets city location and bit bigger in terms of numbers. Purcell more suburbs and bit more spread out. Some prefer city feel and others bit more space. Chets probably better performance facilities in school but Purcell gets to use London venues quite often (Wigmore, Cadogan, Barbican, South Bank etc.). Jazz seems to be handled differently. Both have jazz departments but Purcell allows first jazz which don't think is the case at Chets.
Wells - different beast as part of bigger non-specialist school. Makes it better for non-music study.

Hertsessex · 03/01/2019 09:53

Would also says a lot depends on which instrument, feeling with head of department, teachers etc. Which instrument does your DC play?

littleladsdad · 03/01/2019 11:08

Owlm DS had a couple of advice auditions at one school and was due to have a main audition there. In the meantime, however, he had auditioned at two other schools, on a 'why not' basis and received offers. We went with one of these - we just really liked the feel of the place. Herts observations above are spot on.

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