Why is nobody talking about how LITTLE kids go to college now

[Dadism]

I feel rather angry about our further education system. I have kids attending Oaklands College in St Albans, Herts. So far they go into college a total of 2 days a week. The rest is 'self-guided'. In other words, show us the money and get online and do it yourself.

Now I feel old as.. in my day... and at school, you go in EVERY day and get taught EVERY day. How is this good enough now?

Nevermind that Oaklands College doesn't even have up-to-date software to teach (it's only 5 years out of date but when you are a designer, why does that matter.. grrr).

I can't find an easy way of complaining that wouldn't put my kids in an awkward position and I can imagine when they leave just not bothering.

There are great websites for students to review schools, colleges and Universities, but not for parents, who often have a true insight into standards.

Anyone else found a way of complaining and who to or frustrated with this nonsense?

The college is giving you 'flannel' because they can't say........

"the Tory government has not care or interest in FE. FE is chronically underfunded because in the U.K. we only care about academically bright young people. If you care so much contact your MP and lobby them. Also did you vote Tory because if you did you are to blame."

It’s not that the college doesn’t care. There’s nothing they can do - like other colleges they don’t have the money to buy new software and teach 5 days a week.

Send them to sixth form instead? My ds has to be in school from 8:30-4pm every weekday no exceptions, they are allowed off school grounds at lunchtimes but thats it.

@Moussemoose The reason plumbing and other trades traditionally have lower contact time is it is expected you will have an apprenticeship to fill the other days/hours. You learn much more on the job than at college (I have a trade). The issue is that any apprenticeship, let alone a good one with a company that wants to train you rather than have a cheap skivvy, is like rocking horse poo these days. My neighbour's son is currently attending college to gain the same trade as I have. He's completed his first year and still hasn't got an apprenticeship (not through lack of trying). It is very worrying to me that someone can do 3yrs of 2 half days/week then go out to work as a qualified tradesperson (albeit only with a City & Guilds rather than C&G and NVQ). My trade is very varied so with so very little college contact time you would be qualified having only really covered each aspect once.
And before it's asked, I would love to take on an apprentice one day but I'm currently working very pt whilst my DCs are small. I couldn't guarantee them hours at the moment. When I am able I would like to pay it forward.

@skankingpiglet

An apprenticeship would be 4 days a week at work and 1 day in college. A full time L3 course would have no work place element to it and all the practical work would be assessed in college workshops.

A level 3 course in one of the trades would be 15 hours a week about 50% of that is practical and that would leave you fully qualified. Ideally there would be work experience but it is difficult to find because employers won't expend the effort on it.

Employers are reluctant to organise work experience or apprenticeships and the government won't college courses properly. That is why we need Polish plumbers and that won't change after Brexit.

Look to Germany where apprenticeships and vocational education is properly funded.

the further education system is a disgrace. It so woefully underfunded and the government doesn't support it or have clear plan of what to do.

I can see your frustration. I think your problem is the 'requires improvement' rating given by Ofsted - if you read the report it will give you a fuller picture about what is happening at the college. What you describe isn't the standard offering in FE. If you want your family to attend more sessions then I would go into the college and see what is on offer. If it is a level 2 course then 2 days is possible with additional GCSE's, if it is a level 3 course then check they aren't supposed to be working on projects in college - sorry you haven't provided much information so it is difficult to advise.

I hear you. And my dd's still on holiday until 17th Sept - that'll be 3 MONTHS OFF! She's champing at the bit to go back, and has been for at least a month.

Oh yeah, and Oaklands College are teaching creative classes using Adobe Suite which is over 5 years out of date as they can't afford the latest licences. Shouldn't be doing this, outrageous.

So what have you done to change the situation in the past month OP?

Have you rehashed the thread for a reason?

6th form was not full time at my fee paying gels school in the 80's
we had LOADS of free periods

I agree with Bombardier - do something more proactive to improve things for your DC - meet up with their personal tutor, ask about extra curricular activities and stop rehashing an old thread just to moan about the college.