is private REALLY better?

[ChuppaChups]

just out of interest, i would appreciate some OPINIONS on this area as i am seriously considering the move to private from state. The main reason being is we are now financially able to do so.

So, is it better and why?

Thanks

Interesting figures, I would have though the Dorset figure would have been higher as there are just so many independent schools here but we do have the grammar system.

Our neighbour asked us the other day which prep school our dd was in and was amazed when we said she was at the local state primary. He then asked if she would still manage to get a place at a local public school, to which I said I hoped she would get into the state school in which I teach. The shock on his face was quite funny.

Kemble when we thought about using the private system we did not do it for academic results, as I think dd will do very well wherever she goes. We wanted a wider variety of extra curricular opportunities. The local schools offered very little. I suspect that many other parents are motivated by that.

We moved because I did not want dd to grow up where we lived. we discovered that down here schools offer much more as could we if we made changes to our work life balance.

Flatcap, I agree that extra-curricular activities are generally more abundant in the private sector, but I agree with lots of people (including you) on here that that's where parents come in. My DDs are yet to start school. but my intention is that they should be state educated, and that DH and I will spend lots of time doing lovely, varied activities with them at weekends and in holidays.

The joy of the state sector is that those extra curricular activities can be made available for thse children who would not normally be able to afford them. My dd primary has links with a local riding school and we get discounted riding lessons as do other schools in the area. At the secondary school I teach in pupils can get sailing lessons again much cheaper than they would elsewhere, if the cant afford them still we find the money. Lots of other examples as well.

Thanks UQdad. Those statistics are really interesting.

Yes- a huge thankyou. The local figures will help our current fight to keep 3-tier!
The figures prove what we have always thought- that in areas with a grammar system private schools are almost unnecessary.

By the way I never said that Peri's were better than primary teachers. Just that many primary teachers hate the way we are able to deviate from the national curriculum and provide depth! The exact things we are looking for at private school. If that happens to show up a percentage of primary teachers as poor teachers, then so be it!

What on earth is your neighbour like, flatcap? I'm really shocked that anyone would be shocked at the idea of a child going to a local state secondary school!

I doubt they hate you being able to deviate from national curriculum, if you can deviate within the classroom then surely they can as well. I have a feeling it is your tone that irritates them.

lol I only have 2 neighbours and I doubt either has been any has been anywhere near a state school. They do quite like the school I teach in though as we have posh buildings!

karise, you still haven't clarfied what you actually do. Peri just means that you go from school to school. You could be a flute teacher, for all we know.

We all have to make choices on behalf of our children. The important thing is to choose the best option for a particular child based on what is available locally. In the meantime I aim to work from within the system to improve things for all children whilst continuing to fight for what is best in our area. Just because I have taken DD out of state, doesn't mean I will give up on it. For one it will be paying DD's fees & another, I want to help as many children as I can whatever school they go to!

Great win for Lewis by the way! I'm sure all our wishes are with Filippe..

I am slightly concerned at your talk to save a 3 tier system as that is what is happening in my area. I hope you will not be going into my dd primary under the illusion that she needs saving from the low expectations of her deadly dull primary school teacher.

Why should it matter what I teach? It's the way I teach that matters surely
I think to reveal this info would reveal to many who I am, as lots of parents know me I would rather keep that private!
What irritates teachers is that parents pay me to do what can't be offered in the state classroom!

And now we all don't have to make choices on behalf of our children, that choice is a luxury.

Hmmm. Dubious.

Go on then, educate me as a lowly state teacher, how are you saving the state system?

Everybody has choices!

Agreed.

We dont all have choices when it comes to education, most people have to send their child to the local school.

That was to Kemble.

Bet you really show those bring state primary teachers how to do it, eh? [hmmm]

bOring - not bring

"What irritates teachers is that parents pay me to do what can't be offered in the state classroom!"

I'm with flatcap - I'm betting that isn't really what irritates them.

Something that can't be offered in the state classroom?

I can help those who traditionally get lost in state yes! Mainly by opening their eyes to new ways of doing things that just aren't available in a classroom environment.
And yes, even those in the most diprived parts of the country have the option of at least 2 or 3 different schools!

I doubt revealing what you teach will expose your identity karise but I'm now thinking the clarinet or the violin... I was just wondering about the nature of the experience you claim to have.