Early years provision ..hmmm....

[emy72]

I wonder what you all make of this.

My DD is really good friends with a little girl who is in a state school in a different country (in Europe).

We've known her since she was a baby. She is 6 and a half, so 1 year older than my DD1 and she's been at school all of last year for the first year.

Having spent loads of time with her this summer, I was amazed at what they have taught her at school.

She can hold a basic conversation with my DD1 in English; she is learning to play the piano; she has been taught Opera and taken to see Opera etc....; she does ballet twice a week; she can read and write fluently; she has a pretty outstanding knowledge of geography, maths (money etc) and I could go on forever! I know her mum told me they have specialist teachers for most subjects....

Her mum is on her own and does two jobs (days and nights) to make meets end and she's at school all day and then with her elderly grandma, so I know for a fact that there is no hothousing going on at home!

Having experienced schooling with my DD1 in this country, I would say that this little girl is receiving a completely different education and from what I see she and her family are super thrilled with it.

I wonder what people make of that.....personally I find it a little depressing......but that's just me!!! It would be really interesting to do a comparative analysis of what other countries' early years provision looks like........just out of interest!

Firstly, there's been lots of studies done comparing us to other European countries and it's common knowledge that we do badly. We start the academics much earlier yet we're further behind by 11! Our total disregard for teaching a second language at an early age is frankly, an embarrassment.

Secondly, I'd say the difference in ability between the end of Reception and the end of Y1 is vast. Reception very much laying down the foundations then it all comes together in Y1. You will be amazed by how much more articulate and able they are by the end of Y1.

Lastly, try not to compare too much. Both girls may be very different in their abilities and/or learning styles. Your friend's DD is also a year older and at 5/6 that's still quite a gap developmentally.

As long as your DD is happy and progressing well I wouldn't worry. You can always arrange for piano lessons on Sat mornings if you're keen.

A year is a big gap at 6.

DS2 is 6. He can read fluently in two languages, writes fairly well (when he feels like it!), he is fascinated by history especially Celts and Romans and can bore you to tears tell you lots about the subject, he has been to ballets and classical concerts, he will start piano lessons when he is about 6.5 or 7 (as his brother did). So not really that dissimilar.

So you may find that in a year's time your DD is doing a lot of what you have listed.

Try not to worry too much, in a lot of European countries they don't even start teaching them to read etc until they are 7!

You're right myredcardigan, it is impossible to compare children in such different set ups and ages anyway....

....it was more a point of interest in terms of the opportunities children get across Europe - I have heard other similar stories before, but I thought I'd share this one as it was one I had the chance to observe myself! Food for thought for me anyway?! ;o)

domesticsluttery - but did your son learn to read fluently in two languages at school? And will he start piano lessons at school for free?

That was more my point....

I think domesticsluttery is in Wales so is likely her DS has learned to read in two languages at school . Not sure about piano lessons though.

Yes he has learnt to read two languages fluently at school.

The piano lessons won't be free though, although he could have heavily subsidised violin or trumpet lessons in school once he turned 7.

Through school for free (or for very minimal cost, eg 50p a week for some after school clubs) they have the chance to play sports including football, hockey, rounders, cross country etc (including competitively), compete in individual and group singing and reciting competitions, compete in dance competitions, learn to sew and knit... so I am quite happy with what my DC are offered in school.

domesticsluttery; can we move near you ;o)
my kids don't get any of that...just goes to show how patchy provision is!!!

The thing with our school is that its a small village school with a sense of community and we as parents help out to make things like this happen.

Several dads have trained as coaches to train the football teams. Other sporty parents help out with other sports events. Several musical parents help out with the choir etc. A group of us who can knit/sew/cross stitch etc run the craft club. We also have a pretty good bunch of teachers who don't mind still being there at 5pm supervising the clubs!

At the beginning of every year there is a big school meeting and parents are asked to write down what skills they have that they would be happy to share with the children. last year we set up the craft club (which makes cards and decorative items to sell to raise money for the school). We also set up a school garden, and sold some of the produce. Some parents (and grandparents) listen to children reading, some help to teach them to cross the road, some take groups out orienteering!

I know it sounds cheesy, but its the fact that most people are willing to put something it that means that the children can all get something out of it.

Sorry, I didn't mean that to sound as though I didn't think that other people did this (realised I may have come over a bit judgey pants) I just wanted to show how you can create opportunities in a pretty ordinary state school.

domesticsluttery; what an inspiring story - thanks for sharing...it's not cheesy at all!!

I'm very happy with the provision in my infants school.

They go on several outings a year. They can do football, tennis, gymnastics and dance in after school clubs. They can do gardening and choir in lunch time.

Unfortunately they have to learn French in the juniors - which I wish they wouldn't.

They can get music lessons in the juniors - which seems plenty young enough for me.

Right - I knew it was time to move to Wales.