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

Blimey- 56pc !! Didn't know that. Seems like our generation really aspired to sending kids to PS. Part of the consuption boom along with 3 hols and 2 cars?

We are really enjoying Canada TDiddy. It's currently 40C, so the cold is not a problem at the moment! Actually where we live (BC) it doesn't get that cold (by Canadian standards) even in winter, although we do get a fair bit of snow for a couple of months.

One thing I really like here is that all the schools seem to get good results, there are only two private schools (both religious and with a totally different ethos, very tied into their church communities and focused on volunteering and fund raising. Not something you can buy into really) and no one seems to worry too much. As we would have been worrying a lot in the UK given where we lived, and everyone in NYC was also worrying, it's quite refreshing! The children go to their local school, and will then go to the local high school with all their friends. Nice and simple.

Of course we still have problems with ds's behavioural issues, but we've had them everywhere. He's just an interesting child to have in a classroom!

Nook- I really think that a no PS society would be better. There would still be good schools. But I confess that I go against my principles because I see other people buying advantage for their kids and I instinctively say well if they are doing that and I can afford it then I will too as I have seen the lasting effects of others not being educated. Also as a partial "outsider", I tend to want to take less risks with DCs education. That is where I am but I am not entirely comfortable with the choice and I am reviewing secondary options in both sectors.

Hmm, all of my Canadian relatives were privately educated. I don't think it is that unusual, especially in Ontario.

As I said I'm in BC (and in the interior where there aren't very many rich people - much less income variation). The different provinces in Canada are really almost like different countries when it comes to anything internal.

56%? Really Seeker? Blimey!

Canada has it sussed with healthcare as well. A US relation was frustrated there one Xmas when he tried to jump the queue but couldn't.

Well again that depends on the province. Here n BC private healthcare is actually illegal except for things not offered by the provincial system, but that's not so across the board (and of course you can always go across the border).

I have to laugh at the many people championing state school who have moved house or gone out of catchment to find the best school for their child!
These same people are happy to say they disagree with private education
It doesn't matter of you spend the 100k on a house in the right catchment or a private education. We are all looking for the best education we can find & it proposterous that these people can criticise those of us who choose to stay in our happy beautiful home and buy the education outright!
(hides behind the sofa before anyone throws things!)

mrz- I am a peri by the way (often dreaded by primary teachers for waking the children's brains up & making lessons too much fun )

I agree with you there karise. They don't see spending 100k extra on a house in a 'good catchment' area the same as spending 100k on school fees. Strange!!

No missiles from this direction, karise.

I am very happy to be part of my town centre community, but to choose the best education for my children.

I don't doubt in the least that if you can afford private schooling there may be benefits in going for it. Smaller class sizes are just one benefit and probably the one I'd think of first.

On the other hand it depends what you want from a school. My DS's school's recent OFSTED (and I know OFSTED can be treated with derision around here) was assessed as Outstanding for Pastoral care of their students which shows in the individual attention and support they give all the children attending the school. I doubt that even if I could afford it I would move DS to a private school from his state one which has offered such fantastic support to him (he has developmental dyspraxia).

Your money and your decision but depends in the end how happy and settled your children are in their state school and if they are doing well.

Bright children can do well in state schools too. My friend's DS gained all A* in his GCSE exams and straight A's at A Level. All from his education in what was, frankly, not the best state school in the world.

The VAK learning styles thing is surely overplayed. Lots of questions about its place in the classroom.

And at karise's last post.

i could afford private education. But I chose state for my children.

I really can't get my mind around that choice, Seeker.

I was hoping that the peri comment was a joke because if it isn't, it's a crap comment. PLEASE be a joke?

Me too seeker.

Different principles scienceteacher - in our case anyway.

One wonders Seeker if your DC hadn't passed the 11+ if you'd still be such a firm supporter of State education

My principle is that I can't imagine anything more important that children's education. I could not leave it to chance.

Mrz asked me what I do...

Karsie- I send my kids to PS but as mentioned I have doubts. Altho' house prices are high not 100pc certain of getting into good school locally. I don't use this sort of thread to defend any position. But instead, I use it to explore other people's ideas , thoughts etc. Pointless having a big fight about who is right/wrong but more useful to discuss all the pros and cons and learn about how others see things.

For some PS parents, their worst nightmare is that they have actually wasted their money and that the local grammar/comp would have produced the same result.

Is it really so hard to understand that some people have a principled objection to private education?

Yes, I know that scienceteacher. You may have mentioned it before

Yes, cambridgegirl, I would still have made that choice. And I will for my ds, who has just finished year 3.

scienceteacher - I know you can't. I think that's because I have very different ideas about what education is about than you do.