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

A broad curriculum and a great choice of lunchtime clubs and after school activities that will include interests for all types of children.

The world as it is today, so competitive, if your child has the ability, then academic for me, is the most important, as long as they have an appropriate amount of stress relieving activities, (my DS plays the drums in the garage to let out his stress and musicality) once they have their qualifications, the language skills will come later.

It’s more important that they are in a safe and supported environment, as this gives them the best chance of success

To learn in an environment where they feel happy over and above anything else. Modern teaching methods are so different to when I was young so it takes a lot of reading and researching for us to understand what/how they are learning now.

Building resilience in children is important to me. A school that allows children to try different things without feeling they need to excel in everything they do. Helping them to build confidence in facing adversity. One really important aspect of my daughter’s school is helping others, whether fundraising for woman’s aid, organising lunches for local elderly people or mentoring younger pupils this has helped her develop into a kind, thoughtful, supportive young person.

That they are happy

I feel very strongly that not as much pressure should be placed on the kids! It detracts from learning, more emphasis should be on the quality of learning (less supply teachers!) & less on targets which appear to be mainly there for the benefit of the school

Interesting how many on this thread had hideous experiences at GDST schools, and how few are coming on to say they had a lovely time.

Maybe we should form a traumatised old girls club.

The upmost important thing is that the child is happy at school.

Being stretched academically, being taught at their level, not just "You can pass, so that's enough". Encouraging a love of learning, not passing exams.

Being happy, feeling like they belong in a school.

Building confidence.

That Education is enjoyable, multifaceted and tailored to the learners individual needs. Not a one cap fits all scenario.

They have to be happy and enjoy being in school.

Letting them have enough free time, that means no homework so they can actually be kids

Preparation for a different working environment. Just as the time of the boomers is now different for millenials et al. My kids generation are going to experience a different environment once they enter the workforce.

That she is being properly taught and not just given text books to get on with. Coaching and following the curriculum is what is important to me

Trying to balance good solid education with learning to be with others socially. I believe education should be, and can be, fun, and we used DVDs a lot, as well as reading, and enjoying spending time with them.

Most important to me is whether he is happy to go to school and enjoys it. Along with that is whether he has friends to play with and that he always tries his best no matter what the curriculum area.

Trying to get the basics especially English and maths but also to not put too much pressure on x

I think is important to nuture a questioning mind, creativity and resilience

good teachers

For me it isreally important to have access to outdoor space and not just for sports but for gardening, building, craft etc. I also want my child to have creative opportunities and please try of mess making. I have a young child so I'm sure his needs will change as he grows.

A nurturing environment with lots of inventive classes.

Most important is the children are happy at school and develop with confidence

That they have friends, feel valued, and find it enjoyable.

That my child is happy and able to reach his full potential.