What's most important to you when it comes to your child’s education? Share with the GDST for the chance to win a £300 John Lewis voucher!

[EmmaMumsnet]

NOW CLOSED

We all know that education is important and the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a family of 25 schools across the UK, would like to know what’s most important to you when it comes to your children’s education. Please share your thoughts below to be entered into the voucher prize draw.

When thinking about 'what makes a good education', what do you think is most important? Are strong academic results what make a good education? Or do you think there is too much focus on exams in schools? Does a well-rounded education involve sports and creative arts? Does learning languages and communication skills give children better life skills?

Whatever you think is important for your children’s education, please share it below and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Terms and conditions apply

There is far too much emphasis on exams and results in academic subjects which is pushing all creativity and quite a lot of fun out of the curriculum. Children are tested too often and too early. Teachers are not valued as professionals in our current society and our experiences and judgements often seem to count for nothing. We are often vilified by the gov't and by the right wing media and this, I feel, has a huge impact on behaviour as children, and their parents, are almost encouraged to not respect their teachers.

A good education is one where teachers are given more control over the curriculum and are allowed to be flexible in their approach to teaching.

A good education is one where children of all abilities are valued; where children are encouraged to think for themselves as well as following others; where they're able to work alone and collaboratively; where they're given the opportunity to develop skills and interests that are not necessarily academic or going to be used in a usual workplace; where children are looked after and are treated as individual people; where children feel safe and one where children are allowed to fail and are then encouraged to build on that failure without being made to feel bad about it.

Sorry if this is garbled and makes little sense. I wrote this over about 2 hours because I kept being disturbed!

I agree that there is far too much emphasis on standardised testing and competitive data gathering at the expense of creativity and critical thinking (so much harder to teach and assess).

That my kids are happy and that they feel safe and supported in their education.

There is far too much focus on exams, results and league tables leaving many subjects marginalised (and therefore giving some students far less opportunity to succeed). As a teacher myself, it is important for me that my child is happy and is given plenty of opportunities to improve his skills, knowledge and understanding. I have seen time and again how poor behaviour disrupts the learning of everyone in the classroom if support from senior manage is lacking so I would want my child to be in a school where disruption is dealt with effectively and quickly.

I think there is too much focus on exams in schools, and can affect a child's mental and physical health. There is enough pressure on children to succeed from social media, and schools themselves. There should be a goo balance of education, and some focus on the essentials (mathematics and English language), which gives an opportunity to apprenticeships, and further education. I think class sizes are to big to have sufficient pastoral care, tracking of progress, and a good relationship with a form tutor, or head of year. I would want my children to succeed, pass exams as long as they have the capability. Happiness, and good mental health is just as important.

In this day and age, the safety & security of the child, as well as the Educational aspect.
Adele 👍🏻

Finding the right school that suits your child is difficult but essential! Making sure they’re happy going to school everyday makes all the difference as you learn the best when you’re relaxed and at ease!

It's really important for us that our DS is happy at school and enjoys being there.

My child's health. Nothing is worth making a child anxious and unsettled for.

I'd like children to be confident and outgoing, well-rounded individuals. I think it's important that they see themselves as valuable and have good self-esteem. Schools sometimes stamp out individuality and creative thought in the interests of getting through the curriculum and maintaining order in packed classrooms with high pupil to teacher ratios. It would be lovely if they could take the time to identify and nurture each child's unique skills and interests.

I just want my child to be happy when learning

Most important to me is that my child is happy and safe.

The most important thing is that they are allowed to express themselves and find out about the world.

For us it's the opportunity for every child to play to their strengths, whether that be academic, music or art.

To be encouraged and valued for trying, in any area be it academic subjects, arts or sports. To have opportunities to take responsibility, show kindness / compassion to others. To come out with a range of skills they will actually use as grownups and the resilience to see that things won't always go right but they can always have another go and improve their situation.

I would like to see critical thinking and practical skils like budgeting and meal prep included as well as academic subjects. I hated PE but do see its value now as an adult.

That each child's needs are met. Eldest goes to the school with the best SENCO as he has multiple needs and we need educators that understand them. Middle is currently awaiting a place and we're hoping for a different school that has better sports facilities as he's super energetic and we want that directed positively. Youngest is at a Forest school as he's very bright (much smarter than the older two) and I want his explorer side encouraged rather than him get hot housed.

It hasn't been a case of picking an approach so much as working out what we think is best for each kid.

I want my children to be encouraged in areas they enjoy and supported in areas in which they excel or need extra help. I want them to enjoy their education and feel fulfilled and excited about learning and hope they continue to want to learn long after their formal education ends. I hope the schools they go to look after their pastoral needs too and take bullying seriously.

At dd'd age, the most important thing is that she is happy.

Being supported with additional needs and actually being able to access their right to education would be a great start

It's a balance with happiness and other activities to bring out a rounded child

I think that a child needs to enjoy their learning and be allowed to develop a curiosity of the world around them. I also feel there is too much focus on grades and academic attainment, rather than nurturing a confident, caring and happy child.

Life skills are most important

They need to be happy - a happy child that is loved will reach their full potential!

It's important to gain an understanding of life skills as well as academic qualifications. Children should be praised when they have done well but also understand that they don't always get everything right. Teachers have a very demanding job and often end up doing a lot of parenting throughout the school day. Caregivers at home should reflect this and do their bit too.
Social media and technology allow children to tap into learning styles that suit them the best to unlock their true potential, schools offering lots of different learning aides are better serving our children.
There are enormous pressures on children to do well and to be and act a certain way. I believe play is just as important as learning when they are very young