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Secondary education

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Original poster

GCSEs 2018 (18) Well that's all over, let's get the party started

999 replies

Stickerrocks · 23/08/2018 14:17

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/secondary/3341060-GCSEs-2018-17-What-will-be-in-your-coffee-cup-on-Thursday

OP posts:
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6
Oratory1 · 03/09/2018 22:31

Had the same problem but found one in our local shop that doesn’t look big or bulky and is very light but somehow fits three lever arch files and a laptop with good protection. I’ll send the details in the morning. It’s not very cool looking but not hideous either. DS is very happy with it as he hates carrying anything separately for some reason.

whistl · 03/09/2018 22:43

I have ordered a new backpack tonight. To be honest, I'm not sure it will be big enough for a level arch file and a laptop, but we'll give it a go. This could end up being expensive if I have to buy a series of them before finally I get lucky.

I felt a bit old this evening because - although I've never thought about it really - my idea of a good backpack is one with lots of pockets and from DS's reaction, there cannot be more than two zips, and better still just one on a boxy looking thing.

AChickenCalledKorma · 03/09/2018 22:48

Delighted to hear your DS had a good first day Whistl Smile

DD1 enrolled today and has her official lanyard, which is exactly the same colour scheme as the staff passes in my workplace. So that feels odd.

And I met one of her primary school teachers who I know socially, and thoroughly enjoyed telling her that she got straight nines. It was lovely to be able to share it with someone that had a stake in her early education.

BlueBelle123 · 04/09/2018 07:09

Achicken I'm sure her teacher wasn't at all surprised Wink

On the bag front DS won't take a lever arch file but leave those at home and put his notes in each evening.

Twinplusone · 04/09/2018 07:16

Oratory laptop for 6th form? DD has one but I didn’t consider she would need to take it in with her. Sorry new to all this, she is my eldest DC and I left school at 16.

On a different subject, up thread we were discussing coping with DC leaving home. Inspired by this I’m looking at trying to fill my time by getting fit/losing weight. I know there are more relevant threads on MN for this but you lot rock on here so wanted your advice. Thinking about joining the gym so I can go when convenient for me but I seriously lack motivation. For that reason classes work better for me but I work full time, DH home late in the week so I feed the kids etc. Therefore weekends are better for me but hardly any classes on at my local sports centre, I could go further afield but again don’t know whether I’ll stick to it if it requires effort!! Told you I lacked motivation, clearly why I’m obsess Blush I used to do Body Pump (lifting weights to music) on Sunday’s a few years ago and that did tone me up but class has stopped running now, but has got me thinking about the gym and benefit of weights. Sigh.... any thoughts?

Twinplusone · 04/09/2018 07:20

Bluebelle123 DD was considering logistics of taking 3 lever arch files backwards and forwards to 6th form. I did say maybe she could leave at home and only carry the notes, but met with disapproval. As already mentioned I left school at 16, feeling way out of my depth giving advice and don’t get me started on Uni, such a minefield. Shock

BlueBelle123 · 04/09/2018 07:25

twin now you are talking about something I do know aboutSmile.....I love running you require minimal equipment a good pair of trainers and a bit of lyra and its so easy to fit around any schedule. If you are interested there are a lot of clubs out there that run beginner classes 0 to 5k kind of thing or you could follow a walk run program on line, there are so many races (not at all competitive) that you could set as your goal to spur you on.....plus it really lifts your mood, its a win win Grin

Oratory1 · 04/09/2018 07:46

Hi twin. DS used a laptop from year 10 due to his dyslexia. A number of his peers did too but not all. School now have ‘bring your own device to school’ (BYOD) where all dc have to have a functioning laptop or tablet in school. I think more and more dc type notes and homework but it will depend very much on the child,the subject, the school and even the individual teacher.

At uni though everything seems to be on line so probably good practise to get used to it now.

Oratory1 · 04/09/2018 07:48

Really need to start getting fit (if nothing else then in preparation for those holidays we will shortly be able to take) but it’s lapsed so much I know it’s going to be horrible getting started. I found swimming a good way to get started as I can go anytime just a pain its a bit of a drive to the pool.

Twinplusone · 04/09/2018 07:49

Bluebelle123 I used to run a bit before kids, I say run, more of a plod. I completed a few 10ks around the hour mark. I’ve done a bit of running since then but not stuck to it. My friend has just started a couch to 5k program so I could do that.. umm it’s just sticking to it and motivation to go out on my own. A couple of local clubs but their beginner times don’t fit with my limited schedule

Oratory1 · 04/09/2018 07:50

The girls use the just bring notes home and then file but I know that wouldn’t happen with DS he needs to take his files to class - hence the delight at the ,pmagic mary poppies bag

Twinplusone · 04/09/2018 07:51

oratory feel your pain on the fitness front. My fitness has lapsed too. Want a buddy?

PeggyIsInTheNarrative · 04/09/2018 07:52

Twin not a gym class or weights but is there a Parkrun near you? Every Saturday morning year round. Very encouraging atmosphere and opportunities to help so as social as you want.

Oratory1 · 04/09/2018 07:53

Just looked and it’s a Targus make but no other details on it at all sorry

PeggyIsInTheNarrative · 04/09/2018 07:54

Sorry Twin just saw you have done 10k. Parkrun would be gentle then!

bpisok · 04/09/2018 07:56

I have taken a more radical approach to fitness - we are getting a puppy (she comes to tomorrow). My theory is that's it should help with empty nest syndrome too.
TBH I am a bit scared since we will be first time dog parents. I think I will now be obsessed about DDog!!!
I may need words of wisdom from @Sostenueto and any other dog owners!!!

Oratory1 · 04/09/2018 07:59

Would love to run but being so unfit and overweight (put on a stone in the last year - can I blame gcse s) and dodgy back and knees I’m not sure I could. Classes are probably my best bet but it’s tricky finding the right level. I probably can’t cope with the cardio ones I used to do but tried Pilates and was bored silly - any ideas ?

LooseAtTheSeams · 04/09/2018 08:02

I joined a gym but lapsed over the summer - but once I know my work schedule I find I can fit it in. My plan, if I manage to stick to i2 gym sessions and one yoga.
Agree about running being easier to fit in but I have to be really careful not to do more harm than good so prefer the treadmill these days!
One of my students did a presentation on Zumba last term - he's convinced it's the answer to keeping fit!

whistl · 04/09/2018 08:16

I'll be reading the advice about getting fit carefully. Its something that i need to do urgently!, but I've no idea where to start.

I'm a master at finding reasons why not though! And here's my first... isn't running going to be too hard on the knees when you are (ok, I am) very overweight?

I was thinking cycling, but that's too dangerous when you are so unfit that you'd be wobbling about because your legs are like jelly. Then i was thinking one of those static bike things to attach to the bike so I could do it in the garden where no one can see me, until at least I have the strength to risk going out on the quiet paths without probably falling off.

What I really would like is to get addicted to exercise. Currently I hate every second of it and the little voice in my head keeps suggesting I just stop.

LooseAtTheSeams · 04/09/2018 08:23

Whistl the answer is Pilates!

PeggyIsInTheNarrative · 04/09/2018 08:34

Whistl a really safe way to start would be to ask practice nurse/GP/physio to refer you to the Exercise Referral Scheme. There are dedicated gym sessions and classes like aqua aerobics. Everyone in the session is exercising with health issue - back pain, diabetes, weight etc and many have not used a gym before or not for a long time. People have an assessment with a specialist instructor and then a personalised plan to get you going.

Sorry if I have underestimated where you are starting like I did with Twin but it may help someone overcome the fear of even going in a gym.

Bpisok we must have a pic of pup. Loads of puppy support in MN Doghouse topic. People with dogs are fitter!

Cherryburn · 04/09/2018 08:40

I’ll also be watching the get fit tips. I also want to get back into yoga. Need to get on and do it.

On the files/notes question, DS is going to try using a concertina file thing for collecting notes at school then file at home in lever arch files. I know I’m going to have to nag him to keep on top of it, but it’s preferable to lugging a very heavy bag everywhere. DD did the latter and the weight of her bag was ridiculous very quickly.

whistl · 04/09/2018 08:45

Peggy I am ashamed to admit that I did that 18 months ago. I went to the first session (held at the local council run gym), saw myself in the mirror and the memory of what i looked like haunted me such that i never went back. I intended to but the days turned into a week, then a fortnight, then a month, then six months.
I've blown it, haven't I? The GP would be loathe to give me a second chance?

TerfTerf2 · 04/09/2018 08:51

Hi all,
Had a bit of a SM break for a few days and read a good book, but now we're back to school! DS2 starts Y10 today, and overslept!

DS1 has induction on Friday and Monday (incl a 'societies fair', like Freshers fair), then classes begin next Tuesday. He finally finished the holiday homework last night, and applied for a lifeguarding job! He has had a Herschel backpack for s couple of years, it's lasted very well, but I do t think he'll be taking his laptop in every day. Their classes' content will be put on the school intranet every day so if he misses something he can review it.

Re fitness - I've now been a member at the leisure centre/gym for 3 years and am officially addicted Grin Am still overweight but so much fitter that I've ever been. I am lucky I can go during the day but there's also lots of evening classes. I have tried: boxercise, aerobics, salsa, Zumba, body attack, spin, MetaPWR, TRX, step, kettlebells and body combat. I also go in gym and do some gentle jogging, cycling and knee exercises, And swim 3 times a week. I started with a friend and we have kept each other motivated. It's so very inclusive and friendly, lots of oldies as well as fit young men GrinGrin I love it. I can also beat both sons in an arm wrestle...

If anyone wants to start on MyFitnessPal I'm happy to have new friends on there to help my motivation too!!

Best wishes to all our sixth formers this week.. and to all the mummies feeling empty nestie Thanks

PeggyIsInTheNarrative · 04/09/2018 08:58

Whistl if you can, go back to the GP or nurse or even contact the course direct to see if you need a new referral at all or whether you can just restart.

Any HCP or trainer worth their salt knows that behaviour change is really hard and they should do all they can do help you overcome whatever your obstacles are. If you tell them what you said here about how hard it was they should bloody well be supportive.