Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

The Naked Crepe

999 replies

MrsSchadenfreude · 20/09/2016 18:40

Psst, over here!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Blackduck · 01/10/2016 20:40

Yes but so much of Oxford and Cambridge is not what you know but who you know.... or rather who daddy and mummy are - it's a shit system..,

MrsWobble3 · 01/10/2016 20:49

BD - do you think that is still true? Having observed the process for the last couple of years I really don't think it is. Undoubtedly interviewing well is essential and that requires a level of self confidence that seems to come much more easily to those from privileged backgrounds. But I don't think any amount of interview polish can get you in if the academic potential isn't also there.

Stropps - I didn't like page 1 but am now on p29 and enjoying it.

Stropperella · 01/10/2016 21:02

Hmm, well I am quite astounded at some of the young people that I know who have got to Oxbridge from top public schools. And equally amazed by some of the people from more ordinary backgrounds who haven't. Money and connections and years spent in big name independent schools do seem to make it more likely that one might end up at Oxbridge.

Blackduck · 01/10/2016 21:05

I wasn't talking so much about getting in but what happens afterwards. I could have gone, but didn't. I'm was trying to say that so many people who went to either and then go on to amazing things started from a different position and had connections - it's not a level playing field.....

Stropperella · 01/10/2016 21:05

Although I am very pleased to note that our local upper school had something like 9 Oxbridge successes this year. However, I'm sure Wycombe Abbey, Eton and the like scored a few more than that. Level playing field? Nope.

Blackduck · 01/10/2016 21:05

Strops just said it better than me....

Stropperella · 01/10/2016 21:06

X-posts BD - great minds Grin

Blackduck · 01/10/2016 21:07

Strops are we sharing the brain cell this evening? (Likewise ds's school who managed 7)

Original poster
MrsSchadenfreude · 01/10/2016 21:14

I assess at the civil service fast stream assessment centre periodically, and you can tell the public school applicants a mile off (which unfortunately seems to be quite a lot of them). It's the confidence, the Polish, the general self-assurance. The candidates all blur into one.

OP posts:
MrsWobble3 · 01/10/2016 21:18

I quite agree with you re the what happens afterwards. I do quite a lot of grad recruitment interviews and it is so obvious the difference parental connections make to work experience opportunities. And once you've got some experience it's then easier to get more. I think this is a much bigger injustice than Oxbridge to be honest and has a much bigger impact on future prospects and earnings.

Stropperella · 01/10/2016 21:24

True, Mrswobble, and I think the proliferation of horrible unpaid "internships" is making this much worse.

Original poster
MrsSchadenfreude · 01/10/2016 21:31

Unpaid internships give me the absolute rage. I'm afraid I actively discriminated against those who had these on their CVs when I was recruiting in my last job. Much better to have someone who had worked in a care home or McDonald's - at least I knew I'd be getting a grafter who wasn't afraid of hard work, rather than someone entitled, who thought admin work was beneath her.

OP posts:
Stropperella · 01/10/2016 22:17

Well, dd has just messaged to say: a) she has got her old job at the butcher's back for the month she is off at Christmas, and b) she will be here in about 15 mins SURPRISE! Surprise is too bloody right. A weekend visit, appaz. I think she will immediately notice I have thrown away all the old crap out of her room. Oops.

Rudymentary · 02/10/2016 08:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Stropperella · 02/10/2016 09:10

As far as I can tell, Rudy, yes it is. She said all her friends have gone home this weekend and there was nothing particular going on, so she thought she would visit. But the trains were all up the spout yesterday and the journey took hours longer than it should have (she came via Southampton wtf?!?). She has only got her laptop and a large handbag, so I believe this is only a flying visit. She seemed cheerful last night and said she wanted to go to Tesco today, because she has run out of food. Maybe carrying all the food back to Bristol is worth it if I've paid for it. Smile She also said she has come to collect more clothes. Fair dos.

How are things with you and yours, Rudy?

motherinferior · 02/10/2016 11:04

DP has buggered off to a midlifecrisismobile car fest. He says he's lowering the average age by about two decades.

I have had the Brunch of Champions - halloumi, fried egg, fried cherry toms on a bagel. And espresso and an orange. And then retired back to bed with a thriller. This afternoon I shall have a minor cookfest, do singing practice and no doubt attack a new chapter but THAT CAN WAIT.

herbaceous · 02/10/2016 11:27

I've been struck down with some kind of arse problem. Tummy pains and lav action during the night, and continued this morning. Have dosed up with immodium, as have to take DS to a party...

Stropperella · 02/10/2016 11:28

Sounds like a very good Sunday plan, MI. Enjoy.

We are going out for pizza and then all going to the cinema this evening to see Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Dd appears pleased by her clean and tidy room and has elected to get the early train back tomorrow as she (allegedly) doesn't have a lecture until the afternoon.

motherinferior · 02/10/2016 11:28

Can you get DP to do it, Herbs? Not a nice combo, arse action and parties.

Blackduck · 02/10/2016 11:30

Stew in slow cooker, potatoes prepped for tea, chicken recipe sourced for dps tea, salad prepared, kitchen cleaned, child de-nitted (again), dog bed cleaned and disinfected. About to nag re homework......

bigTillyMint · 02/10/2016 11:37

OMG Stropps! Am holding my breath until she is safely on the train/bus/coach back Wink What did she say about the tidying of her room?!

MrsS, I wish all employers thought like you - such a very unfair system.

Good night last night and no hangover this morning! However, I woke early with a very itchy nose/throat/eyes which improved massively once I had taken an anti-histamine. I hope it's not an allergy to ProseccoShock!

bigTillyMint · 02/10/2016 11:39

Ah, see I missed a whole load of posts - how did that happen?

Glad to see all is well, StroppsSmile

Cor BD, you've been going-it some!

CointreauVersial · 02/10/2016 12:03

Well, we decided last night not to do the car boot sale, but I had a terrible night's sleep and found myself staring at the ceiling at 6.30am, so thought what the heck, and took myself off to Hook to have a little rummage. I'm very glad I wasn't selling, as it was quite chilly and miserable, and not busy at all.

This morning's haul included a new colander, a storage basket, a full-length mirror for DD1, a set of Highway Code/Driving Test books for DS, some parcel tape, a framed papyrus, a black cashmere jumper and a Hush skirt (not sure if I like the latter, but I can get £10+ for it on eBay). And some cheap strawberries and a bag of apple doughnuts from the Polish baker. I do love a car boot.

herbaceous · 02/10/2016 12:05

BTM - DP has an allergy to fizz! It makes him sneeze the whole of the next day. Bizarre.

Good news re DD, Stropps. Try to enjoy it and not just hold your breath for the next 'episode'!

Re party, not only is it at a play farm, it is also in darkest Essex, 30 minutes drive away. As it's a drive, DP can't do it. However, a friend can take DS which might be wise. It's a shame, as I'll miss seeing lots of old chums who'll be there too, but it could all get messy. Quite literally.

motherinferior · 02/10/2016 12:09

Herbs, STAY HOME!!!!