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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Dream school for your kids?

26 replies

Dreamschool87 · 05/10/2020 22:20

I was having this conversation with DH. We’re both ideologically in favour of state education, but we’re not in love with our child’s school and asked ourselves what our dream school would be - private or state. And I was wondering: what would the dream school look like?!

I think this school in Bali would be my dream: www.greenschool.org/

That’s a bit unrealistic as we’re not moving to Bali anytime soon! I don’t think I’ve found one that looks as dreamy in the UK.

What would your dream school for your DC be?

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flourandeggs · 06/10/2020 11:06

For me it always comes down to a simple question... education or childhood? I want my children to have a lovely childhood not a world class education. I like unstressful environments with a big emphasis on creativity and where children are allowed to become who they are but aren’t moulded into a certain type of child. Short school day, outdoor space, really good mix of children and reflect society accurately.

Original poster

Dreamschool87 · 06/10/2020 12:57

flourandeggs I COMPLETELY agree! That’s why I love the look of that Green School.

And I think that’s what I’m struggling to see in a lot of schools (though it’s absolutely not their fault): an non-stressful environment with a big emphasis on happiness, and a truly diverse reflection of society.

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spudsuliked · 06/10/2020 13:33

We've made a lot of sacrifices to send our children to democratic schools with beautiful grounds, not quite Bali but I really feel it has given them a wonderful childhood and a love of learning that we found lacking in state schools. Obviously it's not perfect and they can't please everyone but I can honestly say my children have gone into school happily every single day and even on weekends when they're able to, they genuinely love it.. and that makes my dream school!

flourandeggs · 06/10/2020 14:37

@spudsuliked. we found exactly this in the State sector so I guess as ever it is down to individual schools not sector. All our local privates were hot houses/ results driven (I know not all of them are, it was our geography that let us down) but the primary we found was just fabulous and our children have all absolutely adored it, we feel so blessed. Places that give magical childhoods are few and far between, and are down to leadership and community, and how lucky we were that we didn't have to do anymore than pay our taxes for our children to attend!

spudsuliked · 06/10/2020 14:43

@flourandeggs that's great! Well done. It's so nice to feel contentment with where our children are everyday

wigornian · 06/10/2020 17:01

Green School looks lovely - looking at the current exchange rate, it's cheaper than the school my DS goes to!

Fennelandlovage · 07/10/2020 07:27

I agree with @flourandeggs - we also found this in the state sector. Creative with lots of opportunities for kids of all types to be involved in so many projects and opportunities. Wonderful outdoor spaces which are used widely in the curriculum. A highly diverse school population and wonderful leadership. Both (very different) dc have been joyful and happy throughout, and have learnt to be their best selves through this school. It is rare I realise though.

justanotherneighinparadise · 07/10/2020 07:29

Right now my dream school would be one where the bubbles aren’t constantly under threat so my kids aren’t actually there. Any school that actually teaches my school on the premises is my dream school.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 07/10/2020 07:32

Secondary level.... We've found a free school that would be perfect for our DD. They spend a lot of time outside, on expeditions and trips etc. It's only 50 children per year. It's also lottery entry, so we can't do anything to improve her chances.

flourandeggs · 07/10/2020 08:28

@Fennelandlovage we are both so lucky! I wake up in cold sweat worried it might change one day. I love the sense of reality our primary gives my children too ... I went to one of those very smart behind high walls single sex schools and emerged into the world and was horrified it wasn’t like the world I knew inside and it took me years to find my way!

TakeMeToYourLiar · 07/10/2020 09:01

this school has recently opened near me. If they introduce a bus our way would strongly consider it for DS, it looks wonderful

Original poster

Dreamschool87 · 07/10/2020 12:35

takemetoyourliar wow that school looks amazing! Damn if only it wasn’t so far away from where I live!

They even put the Green School as one of their inspirations!

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ohnothisagain · 07/10/2020 12:45

We are lucky - my kids attend my absolute dream school, a prep in the UK.
Focus is on nurture, but somehow (without ever compromising on their core values) they achieve amazing results.
All the teaches are incredibly dedicated, my severely dyslexic son loves school and hits age related expectations in all subjects. there is drama, music, art, forrest school, loads of pastoral care, and no pressure or pushing. Just guiding and helping. It is the most amazing school.

MutteringDarkly · 07/10/2020 14:00

This is why it's great there are so many varied differently-wonderful schools in the world :-) My DC love structure, secure systems and a calm fairly book-based environment. Loads of flexible creative time would be their idea of torture, but doubtless many children's idea of heaven!

TakeMeToYourLiar · 08/10/2020 08:03

@Dreamschool87

takemetoyourliar wow that school looks amazing! Damn if only it wasn’t so far away from where I live!

They even put the Green School as one of their inspirations!

It looks brilliant doesn't it.

They are meant to be starting a bus service this way soon. It would suit DS so much but I'm really not sure we would have the funds

Guymere · 08/10/2020 11:18

I think it’s very interesting how the dream for many is going back to the type of education we experienced in the 60s and 70s when the curriculum was dreamt up by each school and no one ever checked if anyone learnt much. Few went to university. My sisters spent a lot of time outside “Learning” at the local stream. It didn’t seem idyllic to them and my mother was very concerned about their progress. Lots of parents were concerned too so this type of laissez faire education was dropped pretty much by everyone and certainly meant the national curriculum was introduced. This at least meant certain standards were introduced. My mum used to say discovery topics are all well and good but not being able to read and write properly seriously holds you back!

I was lucky enough to give my own DC plenty of countryside and the opportunity to do what they wanted on our land outside school. They built dens, built obstacle courses for their bikes and generally played outside with other village kids. I can see why the big outside appeals but I think you, as a parent, can make that happen. I’ve also no doubt some children would hate it imposed on them by school. They simply don’t like the cold and wet!

I think mine enjoyed a blend of decent state schools and a top drawer prep and, importantly, our home life. I don’t see the role of a school to replace play or holiday activities that you could provide. Outside learning isn’t necessarily better learning. An interesting curriculum that’s enriched with exciting activities is the best in my view. Hopefully with parents taking an active role in learning both within the school environment and outside.

flourandeggs · 08/10/2020 13:08

@Guymere really interesting point you make. I wonder if it is because of the environmental crisis we face? Just been listening to David Attenborough on 5 live and feeling sick to my stomach. I love my children having outdoor education because I hope that it inspires them to live differently. I do want them to have a proper core curriculum education too of course but so much of the curriculum can be taught using outdoor spaces. Mine are all STEM lovers and so happy when they are creating, building, discovering in their schools’ outdoor spaces. Sounds like your tribe have fabulous outdoor experiences at home but some kids need to be led that way through school and teacher example.

BendingSpoons · 08/10/2020 14:04

@Guymere I watched a TV programme a few years ago where a group of 16yos experienced school from different decades. It talked about what you are referencing and the modern kids weren't that impressed with the lack of learning, although possibly this is because they are so used to a certain way.

ohnothisagain · 08/10/2020 15:51

@Guymere this type of education is a lot harder to implement and a lot easier to get wrong. This is why our school is my dream school- excellent results (better than many selective schools), and a holistic child centred approach. But that requires a lot of work, experience and very motivated adults being examples. It is very easy to just “let the kids be”, and ignore results. But the ones who get if right are truly exceptional.

Guymere · 08/10/2020 17:16

I can certainly see where people are coming from and in the past many did get it wrong. Hence the need to change.

I did watch the programme I think you are referring to. I think DC like structure. Just not the rigidity of a totally formal education. I think great teachers can inspire and get good results irrespective of location. Many city schools cannot get near much open space so they have to be creative. I don’t think creativity is just about being outside. It’s far more nuanced than that.

I also agree that the current climate debate has meant people are getting out more and of course worrying about the future more. However I think you need an appropriate blend of skills, confidence and knowledge to lead a happy life and this isn’t always about being forced outside.

HyperHippo · 09/10/2020 23:08

Coming from a different angle here...

Mine is one which makes my child genuinely interested in learning and really enjoy it. I want my child to be taught in a way which makes them feel confident and equipped with knowledge. I want them to understand what a privilege learning is and be inspired to take their interests and turn it into a genuinely fulfilling career one day. Whatever that may be - scientist, fashion designer, marketing, teaching, running a shop or whatever else! I want them to have this in an environment which is right for them - be it an academic one or a smaller school which is more hands on with support.

Alongside it, I do want them to enjoy childhood, feel success and learn in an environment with genuine relationships and warmth rather than hostile, cross, over-worked and under supported teachers.

I want them to be valued for who they are and feel part of the community. I want it to be there special place that they love going to and are proud to be part of.

Guymere · 10/10/2020 09:20

I would totally agree with you. I think teaching is key, whatever set up the school has in terms of outside space, ethos and care of the individual child. No child thrives with poor teaching, whatever the reason.

ohnothisagain · 10/10/2020 09:34

I do agree. I think that is what makes our school so incredibly. They attract exceptional, caring and dedicated teachers, and enable them to teach. While they do have a great site, they don’t have many of the facilities other private schools have - but they more than make up for it by their ability to select and enable staff.
I had maybe 2 exceptional teachers during my time in school, some good ones, and loads of ok. And most of them were not supported to teach, they had to fight overcrowding, admin etc.
My oldest is in year 3 and had 4 exceptional teachers so far, and the rest was very, very good (they have specialist teachers for science etc, so quite a lot of teachers). And the teachers can actually teach, and don’t waste half of their time on crowd control.

purpleme12 · 10/10/2020 09:41

More play
I don't know why so much play has to go when they leave reception.
I really don't like that
Plus I'm sure they start keeping them in more when reception ends when it's rainy at break time, I think it's good to play outside
In reception at ours they've got a lovely playground with a small climbing frame, Mud kitchen, bikes etc etc then year one it's none of that!
I hate that

Guymere · 10/10/2020 15:22

I think a private school isn’t attainable for the majority. So teachers with specialisms are far rarer in the state sector.

My DC didn’t have any unstructured play in YR. Frankly they didn’t want it or need it. I felt the curriculum for them was far more imaginative and they loved it. Y1 definitely didn’t have play but again it wasn’t necessary. They did various experiments with water, sand etc but not play with toys.

I have been a governor of a school where play was very much employed in yr. However they had lots of under achieving dc who needed extra time to access the curriculum. I think if dc are ready to learn, don’t disappoint them at school. When going to school my DC could do lots of things but I’m very aware other dc cannot. So YR should be structured for all to make progress. But it should vary from school to school to reflect intake.

Mind wouldn’t have gone near a mud kitchen! By Y1 both we’re learning the recorder and having decent speaking parts in the school Christmas production. So different aspects to the curriculum suit different dc. Just get some mud at home!

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