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Original poster

Year 12 - first half term DONE.

999 replies

OhYouBadBadKitten · 19/10/2016 13:25

new thread so we don't get lost. Well done to all our dc whether doing btech (or breach as autocorrect prefers to call it) or a levels. 1/6 of the way through this year. (blimey)

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MsAwesomeDragon · 27/11/2016 19:12

Dd is getting more driving lessons. It really is expensive easy when they are 17 already. If she wasn't getting driving lessons it would be cash or equipment for her world challenge trip next year. Again, it's easy if there's something they are saving up for/really interested in.

Ideas from the sixth formers that I teach. Lots are getting electronic gadgets, laptops, phones, games consoles, etc. Quite a few are getting nice clothes that they wouldn't get just because (designer labels mostly). Some are getting cash to spend on alcohol and parties whatever they want. Some are getting quite niche presents to do with particular hobbies they do (replica shield and sword for historical reenactments, baking equipment, good hockey stick, etc). Mostly electronic gadgets though.

NoHaudinMaWheest · 27/11/2016 19:48

Dd is getting books mainly and a few bits and pieces for her sewing and knitting hobbies.

EllenJanethickerknickers · 27/11/2016 20:41

I'm getting DS2 and DS3 a young driver experience which is basically a taster driving lesson on private land. It costs more than a standard driving lesson but they don't need a provisional licence or to be 17. DS2 is 17 but his ASD makes him younger. He's not confident enough to have 'proper' lessons yet. Might be worth it for your 16yo if she is keen? I just googled young driver and a national company do them in lots of venues. They do one once a month or so in my town on a massive car park on a Sunday.

EllenJanethickerknickers · 27/11/2016 20:42

www.youngdriver.eu/

This is the one I found.

Icouldbeknitting · 28/11/2016 07:18

Ellen DS has done one of those and really enjoyed it. He did an hour and was looking much better at the end than the beginning. They had a course laid out, roundabouts, parking bays and lots of turns. They get a book with what they've covered ticked off in it. They go out with driving instructors in their cars.

EllenJanethickerknickers · 28/11/2016 09:03

I'm glad it was good, Icould. It looked all right but it's hard to know without recommendation. Thanks! Smile

Icouldbeknitting · 28/11/2016 09:26

I will confess that I found it terrifying Ellen. There were eight or more cars driving around and directly in front of us was a loop where there were often two cars driving towards each other. I had visions of a head on collision happening right in front of me. He's also gone to a local place where you go round an old airfield in your own car with a parent, which is where I learned to drive with my dad. That was less successful, the combination of overcontrolling father, shiny Mini and easily distracted child was not a good one. Next time he's going with me in the ancient Picasso.

This year I have few ideas for Christmas presents, usually DS has a list a mile long. He's getting some driving theory books, a computer game and clothes so far. I asked him what he wanted and the answer was "I don't know, surprise me". Thanks for that DS. I do have a track record of buying him surprises that are more exciting than the things he's asked for but this year I'm struggling.

HesMyLobster · 28/11/2016 17:25

Oh some fantastic ideas Thankyou! I'll definitely have a look at a young drivers course, that's perfect!

FantasyAndHope · 28/11/2016 18:50

Term here is nearly done! She has this week and next week to go, she's exhausted though
Alevels have really taken it out of her

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 28/11/2016 18:57

dd is exhausted too - shes often not getting in til gone 7 - extension stuff and ridiculous travel times. It's so full on! Thank goodness she loves it, else itd be just torture I reckon! 3 weeks to go here.

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FantasyAndHope · 28/11/2016 19:10

Dd often isn't finishing work till 10pm always got essays and research to do she does love it though!

Icouldbeknitting · 01/12/2016 14:19

We have two weeks left in term, it seems to have gone past so quickly. I still don't have a clue how DS is doing, he thinks he's fine and I will find out the other side of the story at parent's evening before the end of term. He is still a very happy slacker so I will see whether he is managing to get away with the effort I'm assuming he's putting in during his free periods.

There was a hiccup this week with signs that his friendship group is starting to drift apart. I did the whole "people change, new environment, new friends" talk and pointed out that they would be splitting up in the summer of 2017 anyway. I'm glad that there are only two weeks left in term as I think the natural break will be good for the situation (although there is never a break as they are all joined at the hip electronically)

chocolateworshipper · 01/12/2016 19:19

Wow - we are so close to completing a whole term of Y12! Well done to all of us and our DCs for making it this far.

DD finally went to see the head of the SEN unit today. Surprise, surprise, there IS lots of help available for her with her dyslexia - they just don't turn up on your doorstep and put it in your lap for you.

TheSecondOfHerName · 01/12/2016 19:22

All DS1 wants for Christmas is money towards his ticket for Reading next summer.

TheSecondOfHerName · 01/12/2016 19:25

DH organised DS1's provisional driving licence for him. For some reason he decided to use DS1's passport photo for it. The one that was taken when he was 11. 😄 Luckily DS1 saw the funny side and says it's an incentive for him to pass, as then he can choose the photo for his actual licence.

Icouldbeknitting · 01/12/2016 20:11

TheSecond we looked into provisional licences recently because DH came home with this idea that DS could sit the theory part with a moped licence and get it out of the way early. Well yes, you can sit the motorcycle theory with a moped licence but not the car theory - go sit in the corner DH. I got as far as looking at photos and the easiest option (if you have the right sort of passport) is to have them extract the current passport photo. All you have to do is tick a box. I have looked at the current passport and we won't be going down that route when the time comes because it's the one where DS looks like a trainee bank robber. It should have occupation listed as "thug".

Santa is bringing a driving test theory book and a current copy of the Highway Code. DS saw an advert for the Dyson hairdryer and thought he'd have one of those - they are £300 so I think not.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 01/12/2016 20:35

It feels like we are on the home straight of this term :) maths comp for dd tomorrow and then after that nothing much going on other than christmas stuff. Feeling a bit de-mob happy as I'll get 10 days break too. Parents evening next week - I'm working so it will just be dh. I don't think there will be any surprises, she's working hard and is really happy.

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TheSecondOfHerName · 01/12/2016 21:39

the easiest option (if you have the right sort of passport) is to have them extract the current passport photo

Ah, that would explain it. Unfortunately DS1's current photo is from several years ago!

EllenJanethickerknickers · 02/12/2016 01:04

My DS1 used his passport photo from his passport, from when he was 13, for his provisional licence and when he passed his test he just got the examiner to order him a full licence, which automatically used the same photo! Don't make this mistake. He couldn't use it as ID (when buying alcohol etc) as the shops didn't believe it was him. Grin He got a new passport this year and paid to have his driving licence changed to match.

muffinmonster · 03/12/2016 14:32

Another one looking forward to the holidays here. DS has spent all week rehearsing for and then performing in the school. Parent-teacher meeting on Monday (finally, some feedback!), Christmas concert on Wednesday, then Grade 8 piano exam on Thursday. Couple of carol service after that…

… and relax.

Thanks for the Christmas present ideas, everyone - I'm really stuck this year. DS hasn't a clue and my whole family are after me to know what he wants.

muffinmonster · 03/12/2016 14:33

Performing in the school play, that is.

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 05/12/2016 18:58

Wow!! your ds is rather busy Muffin! You'll all be ready to collapse!

Reports and PT meetings here too this week. It seems odd to get this information but in a couple of years time there will be absolutely nothing. There doesn't seem to be a weaning process.

9 days to go til holidays, then I'm working another few days before I too can collapse. Looking forward to it, but I bet both of us will be looking at each other wondering what to do with spare time!

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ShanghaiDiva · 06/12/2016 11:46

Ds finishes on the 16th for 3 weeks, but has to get through exams this week and next first.
Dd (year 6) also has exams all this week - bonkers at her age.
Flying to Delhi on 17th so having Xmas this weekend.

FantasyAndHope · 06/12/2016 12:54

Dd finished this week she's relieved I finish next week. Busy week of events at school
Then next week she's off to see the Boyf in Redcar, going to be awkward to see my baby grow!

Original poster
OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/12/2016 13:17

What sort of Christmas traditions do you have Shanghai?

I can't believe it's nearly Christmas! first cards popped through the door today prompting minor panic as I haven't actually bought any, or started shopping. And we have friends and family coming this weekend. Busy time with work too. I'm procrastinating instead by cleaning the fridge and the oven, which won't get christmas or work sorted!

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