17 year old has left school early to do a course because she felt her school and teachers had no interest in her when she was having difficulty attending and wasn't looking like an academic achiever. She struggled hugely with learning and still does - but after many requests through her school career we were told there was no issue with her learning and she just needed to up her attendance and work harder. She often spent hours every evening teaching herself content she did not manage to absorb in the classroom. Her course teaches differently and she's learning how to best do things her way (80% on her first assignment!). The big thing is, she's happy and still aiming for the third level course she wants.
After years of hell through school with my youngest, having their sensory and learning issues blamed on anxiety and over attachment (when they were in fact autistic), we moved them to a democratic school where they have self directed learning. They are also thriving and happy to go to school.
I know mainstream works for many children and I'm delighted for those kids and their families. BUT one size does not fit all and the alternatives need to be supported and available for the children that struggle. When my eldest spoke to the school career guidance counsellor, she berated her plans to go do this course and told her she was mad to leave. I understand why the schools draw this line but all the options should be billed equally and without the bias of numbers and grades many schools are so interested in. (It's why we sent her to an independent counsellor last summer which did help her make the choices best for her).
Gosh, my short comment has turned into an essay - sorry! All this to say from the point of a mother whose family are now healing from the trauma inflicted by mainstream education, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you say. For the first time in their educational experience my two kids are empowered, happy and thriving in their learning outside of the traditional model and this is exactly where they need to be.
This is so true! Why can't we give the options?
I have two children 17 and 14.
17 year old has left school early to do a course because she felt her school and teachers had no interest in her when she was having difficulty attending and wasn't looking like an academic achiever. She struggled hugely with learning and still does - but after many requests through her school career we were told there was no issue with her learning and she just needed to up her attendance and work harder. She often spent hours every evening teaching herself content she did not manage to absorb in the classroom. Her course teaches differently and she's learning how to best do things her way (80% on her first assignment!). The big thing is, she's happy and still aiming for the third level course she wants.
After years of hell through school with my youngest, having their sensory and learning issues blamed on anxiety and over attachment (when they were in fact autistic), we moved them to a democratic school where they have self directed learning. They are also thriving and happy to go to school.
I know mainstream works for many children and I'm delighted for those kids and their families. BUT one size does not fit all and the alternatives need to be supported and available for the children that struggle. When my eldest spoke to the school career guidance counsellor, she berated her plans to go do this course and told her she was mad to leave. I understand why the schools draw this line but all the options should be billed equally and without the bias of numbers and grades many schools are so interested in. (It's why we sent her to an independent counsellor last summer which did help her make the choices best for her).
Gosh, my short comment has turned into an essay - sorry! All this to say from the point of a mother whose family are now healing from the trauma inflicted by mainstream education, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you say. For the first time in their educational experience my two kids are empowered, happy and thriving in their learning outside of the traditional model and this is exactly where they need to be.