Private vs public schooling?

[BuFfY]

I am doing an essay at the moment on the benefits (or not) of private schooling and I was just curious as to what people on here thought of it.

So if you have children in a private school, or are looking at starting them in one why did you choose that school? Same goes for why you didn't put them in a private school.

Absolute honesty please!

Oh and any stories you might have about your schooling and what you think of it today... every story/opinion would be very much appreciated!

[Motu]

We didn't choose a school - our 4 children have all been home educated.

[Indiana_Jones]

Don't send them Public or private.

send them to...


<img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/InfectiousTB/top_gun_goose_and_maverick.jpg" align="centre" vspace="10" hspace="10">

TOP GUN

"Gentlemen, you are the top 1% of all naval aviators -- the elite, the BEST of the best. We'll make you better. Fly at least two combat missions a day, attend classes in between, and evaluations of your performance. Now in each combat sequence you're going to meet a different challenge. Every encounter is going to be much more difficult. We're going to teach you to fly the F-14 right to the edge of the envelop, faster than you've ever flown before -- and more dangerous."

-Indy

[Colapop]

I gave my son a choice of any college in the Wellington area. He got the prospectus(es) for all the ones he wanted to look at and chose Wellington college. I would have backed whatever decision he made. Wgtn Col. is as good if not better than any private school I have come across. I think it comes down to the Principal and the environment the BOT wants to have.

[SimJen]

The rich send their kids to private schools to fit in, the reasonably well off send them to private schools to get them educated.
Personally i'll be sending my daughter to a public school so she can mix with normal kids of all types.
A few of our friends that went to private/boarding schools are quite frankly a little weird, with hangups etc......not saying this is indicative of all, but enough to put me off :)
Although having said that, plenty of my other friends are weird too, perhaps its something im doing wrong ;)

[Maha]

I went to a public shool, and i wurned out tine, can spill and evryfink.....:yes:

[Swoop]

I believe all the best British spies were educated at Eton.
Private school perhaps???

[ManDownUnder]

I went to a public shool, and i wurned out tine, can spill and evryfink.....:yes:

I see they taught you how to drink too.... :niceone:

[SwanTiger]

Public school has to be better.

I have done correspondence, home schooling (same thing I guess), private school, public school and various "specialist" schools for delinquint children with problems and blah blah.

All of them were utter shit, taught me nothing.

Making sure your children hang around the right sort of people will teach them everything they know to prepare them for adult hood.

EDIT: Going to an Op Shop and buying every issue of National Geographic you can find will educate them, then get them working at Mc Donalds or New World to teach them maths.

EDIT: Keep their wages.

[Finn]

If you really love your kids, you won't send them to a Public school. If you do, they will come home stupid everyday. They might be able to speak maori and know that you should always wear your seat belt but that's pretty much it.

Isn't there a good private school up your way? Go and visit them and see the difference for yourself.

[Blackbird]

I was a private school boarder in the UK for a while - hated it because I was fairly shy at the time and didn't cope too well. Ended up at a public mixed grammar school in my senior years which suited me much better.

Our 3 kids all went to high school in Tokoroa. It's a decile 3 school with a high Maori and Pacific Island roll but they did just fine and came out with A & B bursaries. They had a lot of support from us too. They have all been to university and done well. All 3 of them made similar comments that being in the public education system with a wide ethnic mix really prepared them well for coping when they went to university, particularly with socialisation and they've carried that through to their careers.

I think that if you have a good relationship with your kids and take an active interest in supporting them through school, they will succeed in practically any environment if they have a positive attitude.

[SimJen]

If you really love your kids, you won't send them to a Public school. If you do, they will come home stupid everyday. They might be able to speak maori and know that you should always wear your seat belt but that's pretty much it.

Isn't there a good private school up your way? Go and visit them and see the difference for yourself.

Schooling starts at home Finn, doesn't matter where you go to school if your parents don't give a shit. Kids should have already learned to read/write and do maths befrore they even start school, so many can't do the basics even at age 10.

[Maha]

Don't send them Public or private.

send them to...

[CENTER]<img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/InfectiousTB/top_gun_goose_and_maverick.jpg" align="centre" vspace="10" hspace="10">

What???....' how to be a knob' school??.......:wait:

[dawnrazor]

I believe all the best British spies were educated at Eton.
Private school perhaps???

A quirk of the English schooling system means the fee paying (privately owned) schools are refered to as PUBLIC schools, hence the term "public school boys", denotes upper crust toffs in blazers that bugger each other in the showers for fun.
The plebs schools are comps or comprehensives etc.

Don't know the reason for this. Anyone know?

I imagine an education where buggery and its ilk aren't involved is better for the child at the end of the day!

[Finn]

Schooling starts at home Finn, doesn't matter where you go to school if your parents don't give a shit. Kids should have already learned to read/write and do maths befrore they even start school, so many can't do the basics even at age 10.

I couldn't agree more, that's why most kids are stupid. Stupid parents breed stupid kids. But still, a good education goes a long way and you certainly don't get that in a public school in New Zulland.

[SimJen]

Yeah problem is I probably can't afford to send my daughter to the local private school. $16k term or whatever. I'd prefer to keep em stupid and buy a new 600 every year instead ;)

[BuFfY]

So what would you say if I said that students in private schools get a better education?

[Phurrball]

Buffy -

I was in the hospital waiting for an appointment today reading about the very same. It turned out when I looked that the public/private (primary)school article was in a 2003 issue of Metro Magazine - a lengthy article with some interesting ideas in it. Look it up at the library - the title was something alliterative with 'Polly' in it - maybe 'Perfecting polly' or suchlike - was the cover story, young girl with chalk-board wings in the background...you'll know what I mean if you see it.

Hope that helps - apparently bright kids may be better at a low declile school - big fish, small pond idea according to the authors...

[BuFfY]

Buffy -

I was in the hospital waiting for an appointment today reading about the very same. It turned out when I looked that the public/private (primary)school article was in a 2003 issue of Metro Magazine - a lengthy article with some interesting ideas in it. Look it up at the library - the title was something alliterative with 'Polly' in it - maybe 'Perfecting polly' or suchlike - was the cover story, young girl with chalk-board wings in the background...you'll know what I mean if you see it.

Hope that helps - apparently bright kids may be better at a low declile school - big fish, small pond idea according to the authors...

Haha yeah that is what I am basing my essay on! Called 'Positioning Polly' -A very interesting read!
What I have to do is make a statement/issue and then argue for and against it so I was curious as to what others thought, our class has had so many arguments about it!!

[The_Dover]

It's got fuck all to do with whether you pay for an education or not, it's the value placed on that education and the awareness of what you can achieve with it that is the key.

Even the shittiest of state (ie not private) schools still have the same curriculum and opportunities, so what if the facilities aren't as flash? So what if the hundred coons in your year aren't interested? I went to pretty basic school with a bunch of fucking inbred farm boys (some may have been girls but hard to tell) who were more interested in sheep and tractors but because my dad made it clear that if I didn't get decent school qualifications I'd be a waste of space (hang on?) and that he would not support me then the onus was on me to produce the goods.

I went to uni with a load of public school boys who probably had daddy pay for their grades cos they sure as shit couldn't even wipe their own arses and I for one would hate to have grown up steeped in the elitism and wankery that exists in public schools.

Educate your kids before they even start school so they know what the fuck they are there for.

Oh yeah, and I used to live next door to a bunch of Dilworth Old Boys. What a bunch of chutney ferrets. Singing fag songs at christmas. Fuck that shit.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

Private. I attended a private school throughout. It was better education and emphasis on learning - also discipline (I received quite a bit of that - usually after my lunchtime antics) and respect was instilled in us (one wouldn't even mutter backchat to the teacher). Two things lacking in society today. I had my partner's children every 2nd weekend (about 10 years ago). They went to a public school. At the age of 6 the girl could not spell her name out loud or even write it very well. Couldn't read a simple sentence. (OK some of this was laziness on the mother's behalf). The teacher sent a note home explaining the homework. I sent it back with a note saying it would be much appreciated if the teacher could write english properly so at least one could understand what she was trying to convey, spell correctly - and surely they should be setting a good example. I could not believe how poor the standard of education was! Private for their formative years and then discuss with teenager re college and what best suits their style or needs.

[SwanTiger]

Actually I just remembered one of the schools I went to, it was run in a Church by Church members for "delinquint" children.

They never forced religion onto you, but fuck that has to be one of the best schools I went to. Lots of opportunities and freedom, aside from that I remember the best part was the fact everyone had to take turns at cooking lunch.

Every day, nicely cooked meals. That was a brilliant school.

And it was 200 meters away from a Bakery with the best pies in town.

I went to another school similar to that in Omaha, but basically we sat around all day playing pool and went fishing.

I still think Public school is better than Private school for many reasons.

[SimJen]

What a bunch of chutney ferrets. Singing fag songs at christmas. Fuck that shit.

Nice :first:
Thats one way of putting it.... :)

[Ixion]

I believe all the best British spies were educated at Eton.
Private school perhaps???

Harrow. It was Harrow. Get it right. Eton is full of rich grocers' sons , no good at all as spies. And parvenu cads. Aptly, Mr Fleming made his fictional spy, James Bond, an old Etonian.

Wyhamists do not have to spy. They just ask an appropriate relation for any desired information.

[crazybigal]

I did both, private was good, i didnt do any better than when i was a public as far as my grades went. (you have to want to be there)
private offer beter teacher student ratio and public offers better days off at the cricket getting pissed ratio!
When i was at private school it was full of rich kids that had been dumped there cos their parents didnt want to deal with them and their crap.
So it was full of little shits.!
If your going to send your kids to a private school, send them to a co-ed school.

[Rossi Gal]

I cant say one is better than the other..and to be quite frank I don't think most people can(they try, but don't know 100%, its all opinion based). I myself was home schooled by my parents until I was 13, until they split..it was a little harder after that so we signed up for correspondence. that was fine also. My older brother and younger sister also did the same. We had no issues what so ever with reading, writing etc. By that stage I was now half at my dads on the farm and half in town with mum. I couldn't do the same activities etc in there and didn't know where else to make new friends. So my dad suggested I should go to school for a bit(meet kids your age etc etc) so I did. I went to a public school in Hamilton, some(most) say it is one of the worst schools in Hamilton. Which again is opinion based, over my time there, every year when the results came out for the schools in the Waikato, my school was, if not #1, always a high placer, beating the likes of very renowned Private schools. I entered school last term of 4th form. got excellence in 7 subjects straight off. I stayed for 5th and 6th form. Which I also did well at, I found personally by the time I left, just being in the school environment changed a lot at how I looked and education. I came out not enjoying it as much as I had growing up. Luckily it didn't effect me too much, as I remember how I was raised and the morals etc I was already taught. But I know for a fact when I have children, they wont be attending a school. unless they choose to at a later stage. But what ever option is chosen, 99% of how the children learn, how they view things and even how they will turn out is hugely dependent on how the parents have started that learning process in the very early stages.

just my 2c anyway.

[sAsLEX]

If you really love your kids, you won't send them to a Public school. If you do, they will come home stupid everyday. They might be able to speak maori and know that you should always wear your seat belt but that's pretty much it.

Isn't there a good private school up your way? Go and visit them and see the difference for yourself.


Depends on the school mate the only maorii i know is "chur bro and the like"

Did just fine at a public school, New Plymouth Boys', got one of them A bursary things they have done away with now, and am in final year engineering so hardly a terrible education through public funded means. oh yeah Aunty Helen has picked up the fees for the degree as well, so you dont need to pay to get a decent edu.

And if the ratios are poor teacher to student etc dont let your kid be drawn to the back with the drop outs and loosers near the front to actually learn shit and have the oppurtunity to argue opps I mean ask the teacher questions

[rogson]

The biggest difference is that private schools can largely ignore/avoid the PC and touchy/feely crap forced on public schools - and the kids are probably more realistic about life in the big bad competitive world for it. There are a few exceptions, like Auckland Grammar that has the history, record and community backing to thumb its nose at most of it.

[crashe]

Buffy - I did the public school thingee until they asked me to leave at age 14...

Education back then was so different from todays curriculum.
Back then if you did something or even did nought, the teacher could thump you or whack you around the head or the hands.... and no questions asked.
We learnt in a classroom or 40 in primary school... But somehow we all learnt to read and write and do our sums... (the 3 r's)

Today in public school you cant do a thing to the little darlings if they swear the crap out of you. No more then 24 to a class if they can help it...


As to Private schooling I cant answer that one... I do a couple of people who were educated as a private school and they turned out ok...

All the best in your assignment.

[Indiana_Jones]

I'd say the most important thing about a school is the environment it provides, cause' I'm enjoying my time at 'New Zealand Maritime School', I think it's just being around like minded people makes it fun =D

If you would like to ship your kids off to NZMS then here is a link for you :D

http://www.manukau.ac.nz/departments/maritime/index.htm

-Indy

[kickingzebra]

Nothing is going to beat homeschooling by good parents.
Face it, half the teachers couldn't pass the exams they are adjudicating.
A parent who is willing to do what it takes to see the child rise will far outstrip the will of any 40 thousand a year government slave.

I have known a few good teachers, but have had too many years of my life wasted by the rest of them to let my children suffer the same indignity.

[madboy]

My daughter is at a private school. I can think of many arguments for, and many arguments against. At the end of the day I can afford to send my daughter to a school where she can get taught more than Te Bro, and learn more than the haka. Despite the common misconception that private schools are good for dumping your kids at and forgetting them, I find instead they put a tremendous amount of responsibility back on the parent. They're always keeping you advised of your daughter's progress, or lack of, and keeping the pressure on you to keep the learning up at home. Sure, public school parents can do that as well, but does the school actively apply pressure to them to do it? Not the parents I've spoken with.

I still believe that a good kid will succeed despite any odds. But if the prat's are gonna go out and trash daddy's car while they're high, I'd rather they did it in an 5-star crash rated late-model Merc than a mid-80s Corolla.

[James Deuce]

Schooling starts at home Finn, doesn't matter where you go to school if your parents don't give a shit. Kids should have already learned to read/write and do maths befrore they even start school, so many can't do the basics even at age 10.

Bullshit.

When are you supposed to do this magical education?

After 8 at night when you get home, or before you leave for work at 7am?

KIndergarten? Crock of shit that is. Glorified babysitter/CYF enforcement officers.

You offering?

Every kid is different.

No way in hell my 5/nearly 6 year old would have been reading, writing, or doing math before he started school. Boys shouldn;t start school until 6 anyway, and in case anyone thinks different you are not legally required to start school until 6. No other Western country starts boys at 5 at school. They produce more testosterone between 4 and 6 than they do during their teenage years.

He's now exceeding expectations, no doubt due to some good teachers and some good help from home, but making blanket statements about what kids should be achieving by a given age is rubbish. The Primary school down the road is Decile 10 so it attracts teachers who give a shit and our involvement with them has been constant and challenging for both parties.

Son 2 will be watched and we will make a decision about private or public depending on how much trouble he causes. He's too friggin clever for his own good and gets bored easily plus he's huge and has no fear. Funniest moment to date is biting the Mob member's son on the arse at the McDonalds playground in the Hutt - after pulling his pants down first. Mongrel Mob Jr (about 10) had attacked Son No. 1 so No. 2 sprang to his defence. Mongrel Mob Dad pissed himself.

Son 3 will probably got to Montessori.

[onearmedbandit]

My father enrolled me in a private school, as did his father before him. I received a more thorough education then most of my peers, my teachers took more interest in my learning then those of my peers, and we never lacked the proper tools or access to them during my education. Our gymnasium was extremely well supplied with the best equipment including full a full weight room, our photography department was exceptional, our class rooms were well appointed, our music department was huge. However, the level of education 'used' is for the most part up to how the student applied him/herself. The advantage once again in a private school was the teachers took an active interest in how the student performed.

[The_Dover]

Sorry Jim, I gotta disagree there. I'm not a parent but I started school in Trinidad at the age of 3 and a half and I was streets ahead when I went back to the uk and started school there.

I understand that each child is different but there's no better way than to stimulate the little bastards than with learning, as long as it's challenging and enjoyable.

In my, not so humble and highly under rated opinion, public (read PRIVATE) schools are for academic snobs and it's bullshit that an A grade from a public schools should be viewed more favourably than an A grade from a state school.

[marty]

i seriously looked at private school (st peters), and my son was accepted to form 1 there. at the time i was investigating in some criminal matters, and the responses from staff, parents and students between the local public school (cambridge high) and st peters cemented my decision not to send him to st peters. i have not had a single regret for doing so. financially it has allowed me to spend $$$ on the kids doing family learning stuff (travelling overseas - he's currently on exhange in germany (he's 14) and we travel as a family overseas every year)i make sure i go to camp, coach sport, know all his teachers. i'm also a long standing BOT member (chair) at my daughter's school, which has a couple of bi-lingual classes. she is a top student there, as was my son, and from my experiences in the schooling environment, i believe that it is more often than not, 90% how the parent involves them selves in their kids education. a private school does take a bit of that away, as although they may report card back to you, they tend to be a bit more removed from the parent's input - i guess if you're paying $16k a year then you should expect that to happen (simjen - st peters is $11-16k a year for day students, $20-25 for boarders.)

[The_Dover]

The advantage once again in a private school was the teachers took an active interest in how the student performed.

Any teacher that doesn't give a fuck how a student is performing or applying themselves should be sacked. I made it quite clear to some of my teachers that I thought they were fuckwits when they showed a lack of interest (and one particular polish prick of a professor at uni who was only there to further his name in the research world) and told them to fuck off and get a job that would suit them better.

Funnily enough my headmaster and dad agreed with me.

[marty]

and jim, i appreciate your comments about not being there due to work committments, but i have been a shift worker and stayed doing so - principally for the kids - so my kids had plenty of input from me and my wife and could read write and do maths before they went to school.

[James Deuce]

Sorry Jim, I gotta disagree there. I'm not a parent but I started school in Trinidad at the age of 3 and a half and I was streets ahead when I went back to the uk and started school there.


It worked for you.

[BuFfY]

So if you had the choice between sending your children to a high or a low decile school which would you choose?
Just imagine they are both fairly close yet the lower decile is closer.... would you travel that extra bit because the decile rating is better? or even the reputation is better? What factors influence which school you send your children to? (primary)

[The_Dover]

My dad brought up me and my two sisters on his own from the ages of 2, 6 and 8 whilst working 24 hour shifts. He managed to make sure that we were getting the education we deserved at home and school.

3 out of 3 with honours degrees.

I got the bad attitude, the girls got the looks.

[James Deuce]

and jim, i appreciate your comments about not being there due to work committments, but i have been a shift worker and stayed doing so - principally for the kids - so my kids had plenty of input from me and my wife and could read write and do maths before they went to school.

I'm perfectly aware that most people think that me and my wife are terrible parents.

We do our best. On our own. We have no help, but plenty of people are happy to point out our shortcomings. A couple will come up with real help when they can.

Plenty of people will lecture about how things should work. Very few do anything to make it happen.

IMO opinion there is nothing a Private School can do that a Public School can't - except tailor programmes for kids that need it. Public Schools suit sociable kids who enjoy social interaction, and largely complying with a programme that suits the majority. Private Schools suit kids that need a good kick in the arse and plenty of input from the School and Parents. Public Schools are horribly under-resourced to help anyone outside the norm, under and over achievers both.

[The_Dover]

Public Schools are horribly under-resourced to help anyone outside the norm, under and over achievers both.

Jim, I'm in no way criticising your parenting, just relaying my experience and opinion on educating little shits like I once was.

As for the resourcing of state schools, I do a fair bit of engineering work for schools around auckland and I don't think it's necessarily a lack of resourcing, merely how the fuckwits in charge spend it.

I've never seen so many fucking flat panels and computer workstations in schools before! Not that technology isn't important but there seems to be a need to look flash before really considering basic educational needs.

[James Deuce]

Jim, I'm in no way criticising your parenting, just relaying my experience and opinion on educating little shits like I once was.

As for the resourcing of state schools, I do a fair bit of engineering work for schools around auckland and I don't think it's necessarily a lack of resourcing, merely how the fuckwits in charge spend it.

I've never seen so many fucking flat panels and computer workstations in schools before! Not that technology isn't important but there seems to be a need to look flash before really considering basic educational needs.

I'm not complaining about the resources. I'm saying that if you aren't average at everything, most Public Schools are at a loss. It doesn't matter what decile the school is or how many flat panels or tennis courts they have, if you excel at anything, you're not going to get the support you need. If you struggle, then they'll find something easy for you to pass instead of kicking you in the bum.

[marty]

i take issue with you twisting my words jim - i never said that, nor did i intend to imply it. most parents do their best, on their own, and try to influence their kids to be positive contributing members of society.

i have been told that i am a terrible parent too - i take my kids out of school, put pressure on them to perform, encourage them to have a job, make them marshmellow and nutella sandwiches. i just do what i do and get on with it.

being a terrible parent is in the eye of the beholder. worry about YOUR influence, not other people's concern (or percieved concern)

[Indiana_Jones]

If we're talking primary, the main thing I'd look out for is the PC crap. Fucked if any kids I have are gonna learn Maori.

-Indy

[James Deuce]

If we're talking primary, the main thing I'd look out for is the PC crap. Fucked if any kids I have are gonna learn Maori.

-Indy

Why? What threatens you about bi-lingual kids? It's the NORM in most civilised countries (except the UK). Languages are desperately important in brain development, and ongoing social attitudes.

Tired of the reactionary crap about Maori in schools. It's a good thing and is long overdue. Like it or not, there are two official languages in NZ and no Government to date with the balls to make equal facility in both a priority.

Tired of whinging, reactionary white boys who fear change and points of difference. Would you prefer a history of genocide like our neighbours next door in Australia?

[Skyryder]

I wouldn't send my kids to a private school even if I could afford it. Not that it makes much difference now as they have both left school. My eldest daughter is one of the most respected workers in her field and my youngest has just finished a her double degree. All courtesy of the public schooling system.

The most important thing in education today is parental support. Problem is that is starts with great enthusiasm in the primary schools, fades in the Intermediate schools and is vertualy non existance in the secondary schools.

If your children come from a caring and loving family, are given their due respect as members of that family they will do well no matter where they go.

Skyryder

[terbang]

My Kids have been to school in Switzerland, Northern Territory, England, NSW and now NZ. The primary school here (Waipippi) has about 150 kids and is great however the college (Waiuku) sucks. My kids learnt German when they were in Switzerland and both have a very good grasp of it and Indonesian was compusory in the NT so they have a working knowledge of that as well. NZ schooling curriculum is quite a way behind a lot of the world as my Kids are doing well and are also the youngest in their classes as well. My oldest lass is off to continue her study in music back in Aussie next year as wee feel it is better there than in NZ. Quite frankly the best part of their education was the traveling around the world as expatriot kids.
My wife was private school educated and is not interested in having her kids, and would oppose it, do the same.

[Skyryder]

Why? What threatens you about bi-lingual kids? It's the NORM in most civilised countries (except the UK). Languages are desperately important in brain development, and ongoing social attitudes.

Tired of the reactionary crap about Maori in schools. It's a good thing and is long overdue. Like it or not, there are two official languages in NZ and no Government to date with the balls to make equal facility in both a priority.

Tired of whinging, reactionary white boys who fear change and points of difference. Would you prefer a history of genocide like our neighbours next door in Australia?

Was going to say much the same thing to I_J but you've said it for me.

Greenie coming your way.

Skyryder

[Indiana_Jones]

Why? What threatens you about bi-lingual kids? It's the NORM in most civilised countries (except the UK). Languages are desperately important in brain development, and ongoing social attitudes.

Tired of the reactionary crap about Maori in schools. It's a good thing and is long overdue. Like it or not, there are two official languages in NZ and no Government to date with the balls to make equal facility in both a priority.

Tired of whinging, reactionary white boys who fear change and points of difference. Would you prefer a history of genocide like our neighbours next door in Australia?

Why should my kid have to learn Maori if they didn't want to?

I'm not against any race here, but how can you make someone learn a language they don't want to?

-Indy

[terbang]

Often, when living in Europe, people would ask me what the official languages of NZ were and often became puzzled as to why I only spoke one of them. They themselves spoke 2 or 3 or even more and felt that it was normal to be multilingual. Learning another language certainly helps you to understand the people that the language is from. My Kids have absorbed a fair bit of Maori since they have been back in NZ though, because they have allready done so before and their brains are now switchable, they are eager to learn it. I think that it is a good thing and encourage it and wish that I had done the same when I was younger.

[Skyryder]

Why should my kid have to learn Maori if they didn't want to?

I'm not against any race here, but how can you make someone learn a language they don't want to?

-Indy

Seems by your post it is you who does not want them to learn Maori and if as you say 'your' kids do not want to learn Maori is it a 'learned' attitude from yourself??

Skyryder

[The_Dover]

who'd want to learn to talk like a savage?

learn french or spanish or, god forbid, even italian. but at least something useful in the real world.

[Indiana_Jones]

Seems by your post it is you who does not want them to learn Maori and if as you say 'your' kids do not want to learn Maori is it a 'learned' attitude from yourself??

Skyryder

Well I don't want to.

And my kids might not.

And is it a crime if it's a 'learned' attitude from myself?

-Indy

[jazbug5]

Well I don't want to.

And my kids might not.

And is it a crime if it's a 'learned' attitude from myself?

-Indy

It is if you're planning to bring them up to be closed minded and electively ignorant...

[Indiana_Jones]

It is if you're planning to bring them up to be closed minded and electively ignorant...

Isn't everyone ignorant really?

Or is ignorance based on view?

-Indy

[Sketchy_Racer]

I went to public school for the first few years of schooling.

Got screwed up then

Got put into a Private Christian college after that. Got even more screwed up .

The shit they teach there is whack. We were FORCED to sing christain songs and do bible study etc as apart of out Curriculum there.

I hated every day i went to that college.

I hated it so much i made a point of getting "reccommended to leave" by the principal. I did this by expressing my thoughts of that college to the principal.

Then i got put into a Public College. Did well. Learned alot In the subjects that were Important to me and and made sure i passed all the subjects that i needed.

I got 1st and Distinction three years in row in my Construction class. I loved that class.

I also did well in science which was a subject i was having serioyus trouble at the private school.

I don't know about the non-religious private schools out there, But Unless it is your religion. I would NOT reccommend that parents send thier children to a religious school unless the children want to.

hope that help :)

[Holy Roller]

We have recently placed our son in a private school as the local schools try their best but there are too many distractions from poor parenting.
Why private? the school is a decile 8 school, teacher to pupil ratio is excellent 1:10, multi aged classroom. It is not a christian school though it has values that we subscribe to. As our children have been homeschooled this school is the next best thing to homeschooling in my humble opinion. What with running a store the Mrs has now limited time to spend with educating the kids. If better schools were avaliable then they would be considered but there are none that fit the bill at this time for where our kids are at. It has taken a while for him to settle in, sitting in one place being told what to do normal school routine and that sort of stuff. Now he comes home happy and even writes poetry for homework not a mean feat for a 14 year old.

[750Y]

i went to them all (in fact 15 schools in 3 years at one point in OZ) including even catholic boarding school in the hutt which is why i'm still an inferior dumbass compared to all these success stories i'm hearing. i learned different stuff about life at private/public schools. the curriculum seemed pretty similar, & the teacher-student ratio seemed comparable. attitudes seemed different that's for sure & i'd have to say that i feel there is more pressure in general on students whose parents have paid big bucks to send their kids to private. it's not all rich snobs either, some parents really sacrifice & struggle. i support all parents who take the plunge & make the decision for their kids, it's a big call when you know it could potentially effect the kid's future prospects. in reality there may be stages of a kid's life when 1 choice is appropriate & other times when another choice may be a better solution. different environments may suit different kids from different backgrounds too & parent's circumstances may also factor into the equation. this thread reminds me of the red wire/black wire predicament where you are propelled into hero legend status & everyone lives happily ever after basking in your aura or your asshole is propelled through your throat & the defenseless masses are despatched to oblivion as a result of your choice.

[marty]

i'm not sure i subscribe entirely to the home schooling belief - going to school is about learning social ettiquite too, not just the 3 r's, and although it might work in a large family, homeschooling 1 or 2 kids has its drawbacks.

and my very pakeha girl is in the kapahaka at her school - loves it. i hope that all you guys that are full of opinion and slagging of all things bi-cultural are basing that opinion on something, and not just pre-conceived prejudice

[marty]

Isn't everyone ignorant really?

Or is ignorance based on view?

-Indy

what school do your kids go to again indy?

[Rossi Gal]

i'm not sure i subscribe entirely to the home schooling beleif - going to school is about learning social ettiquite too, not just the 3 r's, and although it might work in a large family, homeschooling 1 or 2 kids has its drawbacks.



I don't believe that being home schooled in anyway jeopardizes a persons social skills. I had more friends than I knew what to do with(mixed ages) and no problems with being "behind the time" or "un-educated" as far as social skills go..and to be frank..the first day(and everyone after that) that i set foot inside that school. I could not believe, how immature, arrogant, oblivious and naive those kids were(and many of the teachers). They couldn't have a conversation that made sense, it certainly seemed as though they were lacking in any teaching of "social skills" . I was bored. And as a result, became friends with the older kids in(and out of) the school. I have always been known as a very sociable person, and in any reference i receive it states time an time again how good my people/customer/social (what ever you want to call them) skills are. Interaction, understanding, communicating.....

and as for the amount of kids being home schooled...what, are you saying only people with 3 or more kids should bother?? It does not matter how many kids there are. you could even argue that less would be better..again, more time spent/better teacher/parent on student ratio.
anyway to late to be thinking....and have lost my point here....blah blah bed time

[SwanTiger]

If we're talking primary, the main thing I'd look out for is the PC crap. Fucked if any kids I have are gonna learn Maori.
I would call that bad parenting dude, burdening children with your own beliefs is a good way to fuck a child up well and truely, not only that, you're more than likely depriving them of future opportunities.

I like this quote "There is no right or wrong decision, only consequences".

That sorta summarises my parenting philosophy; A parent teachers their children the consequences of actions, instead of 'right' from 'wrong'.

However in saying that, I'm going to be a hypocrit and 'encourage' my daughter into motorcycling :blip:

[marty]

i have been involved with home schooling of single and 2-child families, a reasonable handle on education, a background in behaviour observation, a psychology degree, 2 kids at school, my wife is doing her phd on childrens mental health and how their family and surroundings and daily input and education influences their safety, attitude, and ability to function as a contributing member of society, so i'm basing my opinion on what i am influenced by.


and although i'd be more than capable of homeschooling my kids, i wouldn't.

[James Deuce]

who'd want to learn to talk like a savage?

learn french or spanish or, god forbid, even italian. but at least something useful in the real world.

It doesn't actually matter WHICH second language they learn, so long as they are fluent in a minimum of two. It makes learning more languages much easier as it activates a learning principal referred to as the Critical Period Hypothesis. By developing principles of learning languages during this Critical Period, people can develop a process for learning and understanding a language. The theory goes, that by missing out on learning languages during the Critical Period, you will most probably never learn a second language. English is a global minority language, that has become a modern era lingua franca thanks to the penetration of the orginating culture on a glabal scale.

That will change relatively quickly, and we may find that Mandarin or Hindu becomes a global language. I think Kiwis should stop disadvataging themselves by following the shouting English tourist hypothesis of language and become fluent in at least our two official languages.

[James Deuce]

i take issue with you twisting my words jim - i never said that, nor did i intend to imply it. most parents do their best, on their own, and try to influence their kids to be positive contributing members of society.


You're right. I was being a blouse. I apologise.

[bobsmith]

I say if people actually want their kid to be educated, move overseas and get proper education... you won't find it here... I came to NZ at the age of 13, when I finished my 7th form here at the age of 17, the things I was taught at school besides english (I came from a non-english speaking country) was something I already knew from schools and afterschool classes in Korea. (well... perhaps the fact that my mother was a mathematics teacher had something to do with it...) Hell, I was taught English grammer more in depth in Korea when I was 12 than here in form 6. It's especially true if you want your kids to be educated in subjects such as science and mathematics.

[sAsLEX]

That will change relatively quickly, and we may find that Mandarin or Hindu becomes a global language. I think Kiwis should stop disadvataging themselves by following the shouting English tourist hypothesis of language and become fluent in at least our two official languages.

What good does Maori do? You cant use it anywhere, lets face it how much of our population can speak and understand conversational Te Reo?? 3% maybe??

We had some nut come give us a lecture in Engineering two days ago and started off in Maori for a good five minutes, and guess how many in the class of a few hundred could speak it.......none ....... hell more than half where asians or other nationalities.

Spanish, German, Mandarin or any other language at least has a use and heck they even have written history and other things to study along with the language other than the NZ history you learn in Social Studies.

[James Deuce]

What good does Maori do? You cant use it anywhere, lets face it how much of our population can speak and understand conversational Te Reo?? 3% maybe??


I already said - it doesn't matter what second language you learn. You're reacting from fear and ignorance. It will be much easier to learn a third language if you are already bilingual. In the meantime it establishes a platform to institute a NZ Culture that isn't a slavish replica of US sit coms. I don't understand the resistance to establishing a modern paradign of Maori culture as an integral part of NZ culture. What will you lose? Nothing.

What will you gain? Plenty.

[Paul in NZ]

Weeeelll... My 2c worth...

I have 3 daughters, all went through the public system.

We had our kids far too early (unplanned) in our life and before we were really in a good position $$ wise but abortion was not an option for either of us, we slipped up and we determined to make the best of it. (that sounds negative but thats not the reality - our house has always been one of lotsa kids and lotsa love and laughs). Anyway - we saved a little harder and purchased a house in a reasonable school zone. The house was the crappiest house in the street and we spent 7 years slogging away at it while the kids attended the local kindy and school. The whole time they were in the system we got involved with the schools. We served on committees, helped with fund raisers and went on the field trips etc etc. I was even the school netball coach for 3 years.

ALL our kids thrived in that environment.

High school is where the wheels fell off for one of them. She was just attracted to trouble in a big way and at the bigger school it was harder for parents to build the same relationship.

The other 2 did OK.

2 of the 3 are now at University and doing well. Above average result I suppose.

1 of the ones at uni had a learning disability and passed one school cert subject (51%). Watching her sob her heart out over that was the most heart wrenching thing I ever saw, 'cos she really worked her guts out. School did fuck all and didn't care 'cos really they are over worked and get paid stuff all. We supported her 100% and found a local person that could help which we paid for. She decided to repeat that year, even the subject she passed and nailed everything with a 70% average. That was one of the most uplifting things in my life. She is in 3rd year Uni with an A average.

The rest of my family? Private school did no favours to one brothers kids, the other brothers and sisters kids went public and most of them have gone onto Uni or good jobs.

The moral. Public school is good enough for almost anything BUT the parents have to fill in the gaps, you cannot abdicate this responsibility (applies to private as well IMHO). You will not get a seamless delivery of excellence, it's just too big for that to happen. You MUST get involved and be prepared to step in and fill the gaps when required and keep the kids motivated to learn.

If the kids see you at school and you know their teachers on a first name type basis you will get the feedback you require to let them succeed.

So - In summary. Find a public school that encourages parents to be involved and take advantage of it. If one parent has to stay at home for a few years to fill gaps, then thats a wise investment. Be prepared to pay for extras (lessons, sports, tutoring) and stay on top of the homework etc. Make it part of the family routine and the school a part of your social life and you have a better than average chance of a good result.

Paul N

[sAsLEX]

I already said - it doesn't matter what second language you learn. You're reacting from fear and ignorance. It will be much easier to learn a third language if you are already bilingual. In the meantime it establishes a platform to institute a NZ Culture that isn't a slavish replica of US sit coms. I don't understand the resistance to establishing a modern paradign of Maori culture as an integral part of NZ culture. What will you lose? Nothing.

What will you gain? Plenty.

become fluent in at least our two official languages.

Is where I am going from, I on the other hand think an Asian Language at least would be far more benificial especially for those wanting to go to university in NZ these days, plus Asia is a big market for NZ so would be far more benificial to have your kid filling their head with something useful than something that could help learn something useful at a later stage.

[Lou Girardin]

My wife and I are learning Italian at the moment and I really regret not doing this a long time ago.
Jim2 is so right in what he says, plus learning activates the brain at any age.
I don't know if I'd ever bother with Asian languages though, it's probably a personal thing, but I can't see the point compared to learning one of the Romance languages.

[Timber020]

If you really love your kids, you won't send them to a Public school. If you do, they will come home stupid everyday..


I love that bit, because those who send there kids to public school dont really love there kids obviously. Man you should sell hoovers. You seem to have issues with your life and everything around you. Perhaps a different kind of school would have made you happier. My Parents didnt love me. Did yours love you Finn?

[Indiana_Jones]

I would call that bad parenting dude, burdening children with your own beliefs is a good way to fuck a child up well and truely, not only that, you're more than likely depriving them of future opportunities.

I like this quote "There is no right or wrong decision, only consequences".

That sorta summarises my parenting philosophy; A parent teachers their children the consequences of actions, instead of 'right' from 'wrong'.

However in saying that, I'm going to be a hypocrit and 'encourage' my daughter into motorcycling :blip:

They try pushing the Maori language onto 3rd formers if I remember correctly at quite a few schools. That's bogus if you ask me.

And most Maori's I know can't speak the language? :S

-Indy

[Rossi Gal]

Weeeelll... My 2c worth...

I have 3 daughters, all went through the public system.

We had our kids far too early (unplanned) in our life and before we were really in a good position $$ wise but abortion was not an option for either of us, we slipped up and we determined to make the best of it. (that sounds negative but thats not the reality - our house has always been one of lotsa kids and lotsa love and laughs). Anyway - we saved a little harder and purchased a house in a reasonable school zone. The house was the crappiest house in the street and we spent 7 years slogging away at it while the kids attended the local kindy and school. The whole time they were in the system we got involved with the schools. We served on committees, helped with fund raisers and went on the field trips etc etc. I was even the school netball coach for 3 years.

ALL our kids thrived in that environment.

High school is where the wheels fell off for one of them. She was just attracted to trouble in a big way and at the bigger school it was harder for parents to build the same relationship.

The other 2 did OK.

2 of the 3 are now at University and doing well. Above average result I suppose.

1 of the ones at uni had a learning disability and passed one school cert subject (51%). Watching her sob her heart out over that was the most heart wrenching thing I ever saw, 'cos she really worked her guts out. School did fuck all and didn't care 'cos really they are over worked and get paid stuff all. We supported her 100% and found a local person that could help which we paid for. She decided to repeat that year, even the subject she passed and nailed everything with a 70% average. That was one of the most uplifting things in my life. She is in 3rd year Uni with an A average.

The rest of my family? Private school did no favours to one brothers kids, the other brothers and sisters kids went public and most of them have gone onto Uni or good jobs.

The moral. Public school is good enough for almost anything BUT the parents have to fill in the gaps, you cannot abdicate this responsibility (applies to private as well IMHO). You will not get a seamless delivery of excellence, it's just too big for that to happen. You MUST get involved and be prepared to step in and fill the gaps when required and keep the kids motivated to learn.

If the kids see you at school and you know their teachers on a first name type basis you will get the feedback you require to let them succeed.

So - In summary. Find a public school that encourages parents to be involved and take advantage of it. If one parent has to stay at home for a few years to fill gaps, then thats a wise investment. Be prepared to pay for extras (lessons, sports, tutoring) and stay on top of the homework etc. Make it part of the family routine and the school a part of your social life and you have a better than average chance of a good result.

Paul N

Well said, I do agree that as parents you've got to be involved. the problem is so many parents(not all) use school as a baby sitter. they think because their kids are now at school, they dont need to be so involved...this is where kids go down hill. and its always once they reach high school. you hardly ever hear of kids getting kicked out/getting into trouble etc etc at the younger age. it is through their teen years that they need, more than ever, parents involvement.. its a necessity

[Indiana_Jones]

Well said, I do agree that as parents you've got to be involved. the problem is so many parents(not all) use school as a baby sitter. they think because their kids are now at school, they dont need to be so involved...this is where kids go down hill. and its always once they reach high school. you hardly ever hear of kids getting kicked out/getting into trouble etc etc at the younger age. it is through their teen years that they need, more than ever, parents involvement.. its a necessity

Too true :rockon:

-Indy

[Finn]

I love that bit, because those who send there kids to public school dont really love there kids obviously. Man you should sell hoovers. You seem to have issues with your life and everything around you. Perhaps a different kind of school would have made you happier. My Parents didnt love me. Did yours love you Finn?

Thank you Dr Phil. Unfortunately, weez waz poor so I got to see first hand how useless NZ public schools are. The only thing that saved me was my mother who went to school in Canada and consistantly challenged me and taught me what the real world was like. I thank her for my achievements in life. She was also a little crazy and I think I was tared with that brush too.

So what's your excuse for chopping wood for a living?

[Lias]

I went to public, private, and did correspondence. My little sister has been to "alternative" schools, and been home schooled.

I am unequivacably in support of sending kids to private school, at the very least for secondary. If the children are motivated to succeed themselves (rare but some are) they can do well in public schools, but often will do even better in private schools. If I had the money my step-daughters would be going to Wanganui Collegiate (http://www.collegiate.school.nz/) (IMHO the best school in the country) when they are older, but short of a winning lotto ticket this isnt likely to happen given that the fees for boarders are ~22k a year per child, and that excludes uniforms, stationary, tuck money, trips etc etc.

I'm also of the opinion that home schooling, and quite possibly "alternative" schools should be illegal. I could rant for quite some timeover this, its a huge bane of contention in my family. My parents decided that because I wasnt exactly a perfect teen, the school system was at fault so they refused to subject my little sister to the system. Having never attended a normal school, my sister is indrediably more fucked up than I was as a teen, and I lay alot of the blame on the fact she attended an "hippie" school, then was home schooled for a few years, and is now attending Athena Montessori College (http://www.athena-college.co.nz/). To be fair thou my parents complete lack of ability to discipline her is also a contributing factor.

[Motu]

So what's your excuse for chopping wood for a living?

I may not of recieved a good education - but my parents were so proud of any achievment I ever made,and those were pretty few.I got the education they were denide,my mother in particular.My father was out of school at 13 to work driving his father's trucks...my mother never a got a chance.With the boys away fighting in the war her father used the girls to run the farm,they were nothing but slave labour to him,poorly clothered and underfed.When she was no longer useful to him she was sent away to Auckland,selling the only thing of value she had - the horse her father abandoned as bad blood to buy some clothes.

I may only be a tradesman,but my mother was bloody proud of me for doing it.

[Aitch]

At the time it was struggling and some of the teaching staff were very sub standard! Not to mention the two who were fired for fiddling with small boys...
However in the 6 years I was there I made a few lifelong friends. I also learned to be pretty self reliant. ( No mummy and daddy to run to when things get tough)
Of course it would be different for the day boys. I stay well clear of the Old Boys association, all they ever seem to do is ask for money!

[Ixion]

I may only be a tradesman..

Only a tradesman? Only !

[Blackbird]

[QUOTE=Motu]

I may only be a tradesman../QUOTE]

Only a tradesman? Only !

Couldn't agree more. Plumbers, domestic sparkies, tilers etc do very well indeed. Irrespective of whether your child is academically inclined or not, the best gift you can give them is a good attitude and self-reliance. After that, you keep your fingers crossed and hope like hell!

[James Deuce]

They try pushing the Maori language onto 3rd formers if I remember correctly at quite a few schools. That's bogus if you ask me.

And most Maori's I know can't speak the language? :S

-Indy


That's not a justification, it's a long established racist Victorian principle

They should start at Primary School like I did, and my kids are/will be.

There's a huge raft of reasons why Maori are fighting to make their language an culture an acceptable part of NZ culture, not the least of which is that us white fellas banned it for 70 years.
.

[Finn]

I may only be a tradesman,but my mother was bloody proud of me for doing it.

Easy tiger. I was responding to the wood chuckers little side swipe. I'm not that much of a prick.

[Motu]

And I'm just saying it may of not been that great,but it was so much better than what they had before,with most kids of the previous generation not getting beyond primary school.You need to look at what preceeded before you critisise.

[98tls]

Iwent to private school at 8.....i was a long way behind those there that had started at 5....teachers were brillant and being a border i filled in the evenings playing sport which suited me fine.looking back i guess it was all a bit of a waste of money as after the 5th form all i wanted to do was go work for the old man.Have always felt a bit guilty for not carrying on after my parents spent all that money......you can lead a horse to water but cant make him drink as they say.

[sAsLEX]

That's not a justification, it's a long established racist Victorian principle

They should start at Primary School like I did, and my kids are/will be.

There's a huge raft of reasons why Maori are fighting to make their language an culture an acceptable part of NZ culture, not the least of which is that us white fellas banned it for 70 years.
.

Should it not be a choice though? Is forcing culture on people appropriate, I agree we should learn where we come from in school but if you want to learn the language there is plenty of oppurtunity to take up that challange and go somewhere to do that.

I would disagree if Maori became a comulsory part of the ciricculum *see speeling aint my strong poitn*. It should be a choice as forcing it on people is just like they way they were forced not to use it.

[cowpoos]

Bullshit.

When are you supposed to do this magical education?

After 8 at night when you get home, or before you leave for work at 7am?

KIndergarten? Crock of shit that is. Glorified babysitter/CYF enforcement officers.

You offering?

Every kid is different.

No way in hell my 5/nearly 6 year old would have been reading, writing, or doing math before he started school. Boys shouldn;t start school until 6 anyway, and in case anyone thinks different you are not legally required to start school until 6. No other Western country starts boys at 5 at school. They produce more testosterone between 4 and 6 than they do during their teenage years.

He's now exceeding expectations, no doubt due to some good teachers and some good help from home, but making blanket statements about what kids should be achieving by a given age is rubbish. The Primary school down the road is Decile 10 so it attracts teachers who give a shit and our involvement with them has been constant and challenging for both parties.

Son 2 will be watched and we will make a decision about private or public depending on how much trouble he causes. He's too friggin clever for his own good and gets bored easily plus he's huge and has no fear. Funniest moment to date is biting the Mob member's son on the arse at the McDonalds playground in the Hutt - after pulling his pants down first. Mongrel Mob Jr (about 10) had attacked Son No. 1 so No. 2 sprang to his defence. Mongrel Mob Dad pissed himself.

Son 3 will probably got to Montessori.

I dissagree aslo jim...when ever you spend time with kids they are learning...their minds are evolving...taking things in....its no effort to be teaching a kid to read with a bed time story or teaching them to count with the toys in the bath,etc....doesn't take alot...below school age children [be it below 5 or 6] have incredible active brains and there uptake is amazing....especially if what your doing with them has a level of interest for them...think how quickly they would learn to count if it was counting lollies?

and montessori schooling is brillent for learning impared children...I don't think there is anything in place in NZ that can match it....

[cowpoos]

my personal opinion of mainstream schooling in NZ and probally the western culture...is that it teaches everyone to think the same...makes for a shit load of dumb people....

they learn the same things....to get the same results....yawn!!

I also believe in the home schooling ideal and also the rudolph steiner schooling system [well minus the eurithmye]....or a mix of both....but if the parents are dumb....I don't see it would work to well with home schooling...
schools don't teach kids to have opinions either...and the ones they do they limit to choices....limited choices...

be good if schools taught you to think broadly....rather than show you what they want you to remeber to get by....

[The_Dover]

How the fuck do you know anything about skools farm boy???

Did you even go to skool?

[Deano]

I may only be a tradesman,but my mother was bloody proud of me for doing it.

Mate, I know some bloody talented, clever and intelligent tradesmen.

I also know a few (supposedly) well educated people with Uni degrees etc, that have no common sense, people or social skills, and don't want to work.

[The_Dover]

I also know a few (supposedly) well educated people with Uni degrees etc, that have no common sense, people or social skills, and don't want to work.

Piss off, I do want to work.

Just in a cushy well paid job.

[sAsLEX]

that have no common sense

Something a lot of people lack and is incredibly hard to teach.

[Deano]

Piss off, I do want to work.

Just in a cushy well paid job.

You can't have it both ways - or is your tight arse for rent also 'cushy'.

[The_Dover]

You can't have it both ways - or is your tight arse for rent also 'cushy'.

If I had the cushy well paid job then I'd only be renting it out on special occasions.:nya:

[Deano]

I went to both private and public schools.

Both very different environments but I couldn't say which was better in terms of 'edumacating me'.

My baby sitter (before I started school) did however give me a huge head start by spending hours reading with me. When I started primary school I jumped a class ahead and was still in the top echelon of spellers.

Despite this, I ended up on the dole for 9 months at one stage in my early twenties. I put this down to a lack of direction and goal setting.

While the formative years are very important, so too is guidance and direction from 5th form onwards. This is where parents are very important.

How many people have flunked Shool C, bursary etc and gone on to be very successful because they had a goal and were dedicated to achieving it?

[Deano]

If I had the cushy well paid job then I'd only be renting it out on special occasions.:nya:

Just to keep your 'eye' in ?

[Indiana_Jones]

Should it not be a choice though? Is forcing culture on people appropriate, I agree we should learn where we come from in school but if you want to learn the language there is plenty of oppurtunity to take up that challange and go somewhere to do that.

I would disagree if Maori became a comulsory part of the ciricculum *see speeling aint my strong poitn*. It should be a choice as forcing it on people is just like they way they were forced not to use it.

Thxs, that's my point.

And there's nothing wrong with tradesmen, they make some good $$$ :scooter:

-Indy

[James Deuce]

Should it not be a choice though? Is forcing culture on people appropriate, I agree we should learn where we come from in school but if you want to learn the language there is plenty of oppurtunity to take up that challange and go somewhere to do that.

I would disagree if Maori became a comulsory part of the ciricculum *see speeling aint my strong poitn*. It should be a choice as forcing it on people is just like they way they were forced not to use it.

Yes, "forcing" Maori culture is appropriate in NZ. Spend at least a year overseas and you'll be shocked at how much Maori culture is an integral part of your daily life in NZ.

It should be compulsory, it shouldn't be onerous. I haven't seen an argument that isn't couched in fearful terms. You'll lose nothing. You won't change sexuality. You'll gain a set of tools that allow you to learn another language, and another, and another. My Norwegian Sister-in-law is conversationally fluent in 3 Germanic languages and two romance languages, because it was compulsory during her schooling, and valid for the territory in which she lived. European languages have no immediate worth for Kiwis. Maori is an Asia-Pacific language and has more in common with SE-Asian languages. Surely that's an important building block in learning the regional languages of the region we live in?

I'm disgusted that young Kiwis are still ashamed of the cultural make up of NZ and see no Irony in continuing the bigoted practices of a Colonial power that collapsed in a heap in 1947.

So who has the greater content of Maori? Private or Public schools?

[Motu]

And learning Maori will help you if your kids have Bionicles...

I have no problem with Maori being pushed a bit more....it's part of who we are,the language and history are important.But living next door to them is messy and noisy.....

[SPman]

I wish I'd had Maori as an option instead of 5 yrs of Russian and German!
Seems strange - my great great grandfather was fluent in Maori, my great grandfather was reasonably OK, but by my grandparents time, it was actively discouraged! I know bugger all and wish I knew more, but my kids have a smattering, so perhaps the pendulum is swinging back again.
What is it that people here are so anti an indigenous language that CAN be spoken in many areas, but think its great to learn some european language that they'll probably never get a chance to use?

Nothing wrong with public schools - its the staff and the school ethic that make all the difference.
I went to Rangi and my boys to New Plymouth Boys High and Ive no complaints with either!

[sAsLEX]

Spend at least a year overseas and you'll be shocked at how much Maori culture is an integral part of your daily life in NZ.

Ok, going to England for a year next year so will see though I doubt it.

It should be compulsory, it shouldn't be onerous. I haven't seen an argument that isn't couched in fearful terms. You'll lose nothing. You won't change sexuality.

You wont loose anything? Do you have one of these time inventing machines? As most struggle with getting the current cirricullum across, where are the extra teaching hours going to fit in? Do you suggest we drop english or science to make up the time?

You'll gain a set of tools that allow you to learn another language, and another, and another. My Norwegian Sister-in-law is conversationally fluent in 3 Germanic languages and two romance languages, because it was compulsory during her schooling, and valid for the territory in which she lived.

And how is it valid in our "territory" no one uses the language in every day language except for a few isolated communities.

European languages have no immediate worth for Kiwis. Maori is an Asia-Pacific language and has more in common with SE-Asian languages. Surely that's an important building block in learning the regional languages of the region we live in?

The world is incredibly small these days so a European or Asian language would be of use to a future employer, Maori unless dealing with a tiny fraction of the worlds population aint.



Māori or Te Reo Māori, commonly shortened to Te Reo (literally the language) is an official language of New Zealand. An Eastern Polynesian language, it is closely related to Tahitian and Cook Islands Maori; slightly less closely to Hawaiian and Marquesan; and more distantly to the languages of Western Polynesia, including Samoan, Niuean and Tongan.


I'm disgusted that young Kiwis are still ashamed of the cultural make up of NZ and see no Irony in continuing the bigoted practices of a Colonial power that collapsed in a heap in 1947.

I aint ashamed of the cultural make up of NZ. But it aint just us and them, Maoris. Do we learn Scottish that makes up a large part of our heritage, or any of the other cultures that are now an integral part of NZ. Who owns your local Dairy? Who works in the local fish and chip shop? It aint a bi-cultural society anymore.

So who has the greater content of Maori? Private or Public schools?
Private at a rough guess, there is a few full imersion schools around and ones that do push the language which is good, and will keep the language alive for those who are passionate about it, so why add it to the mainstream
. .

[Indiana_Jones]

I concur

-Indy

[750Y]

..When are you supposed to do this magical education?
After 8 at night when you get home, or before you leave for work at 7am?


I dissagree aslo jim...when ever you spend time with kids they are learning...their minds are evolving...taking things in....its no effort to be teaching a kid to read with a bed time story or teaching them to count with the toys in the bath,etc....doesn't take alot...below school age children [be it below 5 or 6] have incredible active brains and there uptake is amazing....especially if what your doing with them has a level of interest for them...think how quickly they would learn to count if it was counting lollies?

I agree Cowpoos that many ordinary situations can be used for a fun learning opportunity..
I can also see where Jim2 is coming from, no preschool age kid should be up at 8pm & awake before 7am. he's not saying it can't be done or that he doesn't/didn't do it, just pointing out how hard the reality can be for many parents.


...montessori schooling is brillent for learning impared children...I don't think there is anything in place in NZ that can match it....

..
Son 3 will probably got to Montessori.

my 6 yr old did it from age 3-5 & my 3 yr old just started.
i agree with you guys it's really good in many respects..

[Finn]

Yes, "forcing" Maori culture is appropriate in NZ. Spend at least a year overseas and you'll be shocked at how much Maori culture is an integral part of your daily life in NZ.

It should be compulsory, it shouldn't be onerous. I haven't seen an argument that isn't couched in fearful terms. You'll lose nothing. You won't change sexuality. You'll gain a set of tools that allow you to learn another language, and another, and another. My Norwegian Sister-in-law is conversationally fluent in 3 Germanic languages and two romance languages, because it was compulsory during her schooling, and valid for the territory in which she lived. European languages have no immediate worth for Kiwis. Maori is an Asia-Pacific language and has more in common with SE-Asian languages. Surely that's an important building block in learning the regional languages of the region we live in?

I'm disgusted that young Kiwis are still ashamed of the cultural make up of NZ and see no Irony in continuing the bigoted practices of a Colonial power that collapsed in a heap in 1947.

So who has the greater content of Maori? Private or Public schools?

Thanks Jim, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I liked the one about being shocked at how much Maori culture is an integral part of your daily life in NZ. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Brilliant stuff mate. You almost had me.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Timber020]

So what's your excuse for chopping wood for a living?


No excuse, I happen to love my job. Wouldnt do anything else. I get to use alot of the skills I got from my university qualification (not tree related, I went to management school). I get to do something that is scary, hard, dangerous, challenging and different every day. I do something that most people wouldnt have the balls to do and I get to work with something as beautiful as trees. Which I spend more time saving than felling. Im my own boss and make alot of people very happy with the work I do. And by Christ I have fun doing it.

I went to the same primary and high school as whetu tehiko, the guy who killed the teacher in toke. I knew him since he was preschool, and all his brothers (who I fought with), sisters and a few cousins and uncles to boot. Same teachers, same school. Much different results.

[Lou Girardin]

I, for one, want no part of Maori culture.
If that culture didn't feature aggressive war dances as 'welcomes', throat sliiting as a sporting challenge, the demeaning of women, and disproportionally featuring in all the negative crime and health statistics in NZ, I may feel differently.

[Lias]

Ko te reo te taikura o te whakaao maarama.

That being said I dont think maori should be compulsory, and I work for a maori institute and am currently learning te reo.

[terbang]

I didn't learn any languages at school, in fact I learnt bugger all at school and left at age 15.
At age 40, living in Switzerland, I bacame very interested in German and learnt a bit though not fluent I can pick up on a conversation and read a little. A year or 2 later I was living in Indonesia, as the only foreigner working for that company and being away from my family who were in Australia, I became completely immersed in their language learning it well. I learnt it colloqually with a lot of encouragement from my Indonesian colleagues. After 6 months or so the only time I spoke english was when phoning home and even now, for some reason, I still often see or think numbers in Indonesian for which I had origionally struggled with.
A later contract in Tonga proved that the base of their (Austronesian) language has come from the west, arrived with the wind one could say, and now listening to Maori language on TV I pick up on a bit and am sure that I could learn it if I put my head to it. I fully intend to learn Te Reo at some stage. The Indonesians can understand the words of the Haka (the old one) when they see it on TV. learning another language is not all about comercial value as I often hear people imply. It is about gathering or improving ones own intelligence and internal worth. Its a personal challenge that opens a part ones mind that has remained closed or unstimulated by "practices of colonial power" and a one eyed view of what we really are or should be as NZers. Lias, as our resident Nationalist, welcome to another language, a New Zealand language. Bling to you..

[Ixion]

The issue though, is not whether learning maori (or any other language) is a Good Thing or not, but whether it should be compulsory.

I'm against all compulsion, unless overwhelming need can be shown. I don't see any reason why necessity , either of state or of the individual, should be invoked in this case to override the basic right of people deciding for themselves.

Compulsion is always bad, though sometimes necessary because the alternative is worse. In this case the alternative (letting people do it if they want to) is not worse.

[terbang]

Ixion I agree there.
Our worth has always been judged by how well we did at school and lets face it if you arn't any good at the compulsorys of maths or say English then the chances of being seen as uneducated and dumped on the scrap heap are high. Our brains all develop differently and some of us are more disposed towards the arts than those of the compusory English and maths. Thankfully things are changing and I noticed that when In Australia my daughter could drop maths in favour of music. Think how many people in the past, perhaps artistic people, who have been cast onto the scrap heap because they couldn't grade high enough in the compulsory subjects when at school.
Whilst I support the Idea of Maori language being taught in NZ schools, I dont think that it should be compulsory.

[Krayy]

Why? What threatens you about bi-lingual kids? It's the NORM in most civilised countries (except the UK). Languages are desperately important in brain development, and ongoing social attitudes....
Hear, hear. My outlaws are Dutch, so my girls are learning that when they stay with them (and now I can swear a little in Dutch, so it's a learning experience for me). Likewise, they get taught a little Maori at daycare, so I'm starting to swallow my pride and go with the flow there, taking up the Maori learning with them in their home education.

Conversely, I refuse to stand up when our anthem plays until they start the English verse. That was the result of one reactionary woman who wanted to make a political statement, and damned if I'm going to act like an idiot mouthing something I don't know. Why the hell should we be the only country in the world who needs subtitles for their own anthem anyway?

"God of nations smell my feet. Smeel my toe-nails aren't they sweet. Only wash them once a week. God defend my smelly feet."

[Finn]

I don't see any reason why necessity, either of state or of the individual, should be invoked in this case to override the basic right of people deciding for themselves.

Ahh see, there's a little bit of Capitalism in all of us.

[Krayy]

...and montessori schooling is brillent for learning impared children...I don't think there is anything in place in NZ that can match it....
Now heres something a bit weird. We had an interview with Corran School about getting the girls in there and mentioned we were looking at sending them to Montesori in Mt Eden. The reaction we got was slightly negative in that anecdotal evidence pointed towards the fact that Montesori kids were taught to do activites as a group and when they got to another shcool, they had trouble adjusting to a more individual mode of learning. Too much hand-holding?

[Finn]

It's interesting that NZ'ers always rant on about Maori culture. Could someone please explain to me what this is exactly? And not a guilty white mans interpretation. The truth please.

[The_Dover]

what the fuck is montessori?

I thought they made trials bikes?

[Krayy]

It's interesting that NZ'ers always rant on about Maori culture. Could someone please explain to me what this is exactly? And not a guilty white mans interpretation. The truth please.
Apparently it's being able to discharge firearms in public places, make wild claims of natural resources that couldn't have been exploited in millions of years if caucasians hadn't arrived (like broadcasting frequencies) and being able to put on the bash if eggs aren't arriving forthwith.

[The_Dover]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10395536

[Aitch]

The issue though, is not whether learning maori (or any other language) is a Good Thing or not, but whether it should be compulsory.

I'm against all compulsion, unless overwhelming need can be shown. I don't see any reason why necessity , either of state or of the individual, should be invoked in this case to override the basic right of people deciding for themselves.

Compulsion is always bad, though sometimes necessary because the alternative is worse. In this case the alternative (letting people do it if they want to) is not worse.
Just to stir th9ings up a little, is the compulsion to drive on the left hand side of the road a bad thing?
Or the compulsion to wear seat belts in cars and helmets on bikes?
Or the compulsion to attend school?

[sAsLEX]

Just to stir th9ings up a little, is the compulsion to drive on the left hand side of the road a bad thing?
Or the compulsion to wear seat belts in cars and helmets on bikes?
Or the compulsion to attend school?

Where do you stop?

You must only wear this brand of clothes
You may only be this religion
You may only have Blonde Hair and blue eyes


All non conformers to the showers please

[Ixion]

Just to stir th9ings up a little, is the compulsion to drive on the left hand side of the road a bad thing?
Or the compulsion to wear seat belts in cars and helmets on bikes?
Or the compulsion to attend school?



Compulsion is always bad, though sometimes necessary because the alternative is worse


In the first instance, the alternative clearly is worse
I've never agreed with compulsory seatbelts or helmets (though I wore them even before they were compulsory - by choice)
Schools ditto. And in reality the compulsion is pretty well ignored by those who can't be bothered anyway

[BuFfY]

Yes, "forcing" Maori culture is appropriate in NZ. Spend at least a year overseas and you'll be shocked at how much Maori culture is an integral part of your daily life in NZ.

It should be compulsory, it shouldn't be onerous. I haven't seen an argument that isn't couched in fearful terms. You'll lose nothing. You won't change sexuality. You'll gain a set of tools that allow you to learn another language, and another, and another. My Norwegian Sister-in-law is conversationally fluent in 3 Germanic languages and two romance languages, because it was compulsory during her schooling, and valid for the territory in which she lived. European languages have no immediate worth for Kiwis. Maori is an Asia-Pacific language and has more in common with SE-Asian languages. Surely that's an important building block in learning the regional languages of the region we live in?

I'm disgusted that young Kiwis are still ashamed of the cultural make up of NZ and see no Irony in continuing the bigoted practices of a Colonial power that collapsed in a heap in 1947.

So who has the greater content of Maori? Private or Public schools?

I'm sorry but please do not generalise just because Indy said he did not want to learn Maori and did not want his children to... we are not all like Indy (thank god!)

Being an individual studying to be a teacher I know the importance of highlighting the cultural background of ALL individuals in my classroom. This is not only restricted to Maori but also to Pasific Islanders and any other nationality in the community. Children should be exposed to all world views through out their education and I will make an extreme effort to ensure my students are world smart, not just book smart.

Last year I did a paper on how to teach Pasific Island students, I got A+... so don't class me with individuals such as Indy as I am highly educated and I will actually INFLUENCE a large amount of children in my life time. And god forbid if someone like Indy does

Edit: Oh and Maori is an official curriculum and HAS to be addressed, as do all other curriculums including the arts and technology. That is the reason for ERO, to ensure us teachers are doing our jobs

[BuFfY]

Oh and another point...

At the moment they are actually creating new curriculums so if you have a problem check out the web site and make a recommendation, rather than sit on a web site bitching about it

[750Y]

Now heres something a bit weird. We had an interview with Corran School about getting the girls in there and mentioned we were looking at sending them to Montesori in Mt Eden. The reaction we got was slightly negative...they had trouble adjusting to a more individual mode of learning. Too much hand-holding?

That's weird alright. I have to say that I have seen a slightly negative reaction toward Montessori from a few 'mainstream' teachers.
One comment i've heard is that it's too structured, another is that it's a trendy status symbol for the rich. i can tell you that it's a great experience for the kids & they DO NOT struggle to adapt. it's really disappointing to hear what they said, easy to knock the competition when they're not there to defend themselves. boy, i'm hack-ed off about that lol!

[Lias]

i can tell you that it's a great experience for the kids & they DO NOT struggle to adapt.
I'll have to disagree. Maria Montessori's philopsophy on education is precisely what I abhor the most about the curriculum in our schools today. In short her philospohy advocates the elimination of competition, and focuses on each child being an individual. To use the analogy of the square peg in a round hole, her idea is that each individual child is a different shaped peg, and you need to nurture that indvidiualism in them rather than teach them to become a round shaped peg to fit into society.

Our schools need to prepare children for the real world, and the real world doesnt accept square (or other shaped) pegs, it expects you to be a round peg. Life is full of competition, some people are better than others and there will always be winners and loosers. Even our state schools mollycoddle our children this way to some degree, but the montessori philosophy takes it to the extreme.

Bring back report cards that say "Your child is the 3rd best in the class at maths, the 14th best at english, etc". Bring back competition the the classroom, and prepare our children for the real world even if it means a few feelings get hurt.

[The_Dover]

I agree with Lias. Competition is good.

And bring back taking the piss out of the thick kids. Put some fun back into education.

[terbang]

"God of nations smell my feet. Smeel my toe-nails aren't they sweet. Only wash them once a week. God defend my smelly feet."

Like that one and I always chuckle at Australias one as well:
"Advance Australia Fair"
I guess, being the way aussies are,they are meaning skin colour when they use the word fair...

[The Pastor]

I wish I had learnt maori at school. They are always muttering somthing about us whites.

[Indiana_Jones]

I agree with Lias. Competition is good.

And bring back taking the piss out of the thick kids. Put some fun back into education.

lol I third that motion :D

Fat kids need some motivation too


<img src="http://sveter.wz.cz/Ali%20G/bscap0088.jpg" align="centre" vspace="10" hspace="10">

'Here's Johnathan, he used to be bullied terribly.'

'I aint surprised, Look at the size of him! HEY FATTY BOOM BOOM, HEY FATTY BOOM BOOM'

'oh! Want another cream cake?'

*Johnathan runs off crying*

'BOOOIING, BOOOIING.......what? he is well fat no?'

-Indy

[750Y]

I'll have to disagree. Maria Montessori's philopsophy on education is precisely what I abhor the most about the curriculum in our schools today. In short her philospohy advocates the elimination of competition, and focuses on each child being an individual. To use the analogy of the square peg in a round hole, her idea is that each individual child is a different shaped peg, and you need to nurture that indvidiualism in them rather than teach them to become a round shaped peg to fit into society.

Our schools need to prepare children for the real world, and the real world doesnt accept square (or other shaped) pegs, it expects you to be a round peg. Life is full of competition, some people are better than others and there will always be winners and loosers. Even our state schools mollycoddle our children this way to some degree, but the montessori philosophy takes it to the extreme.

Bring back report cards that say "Your child is the 3rd best in the class at maths, the 14th best at english, etc". Bring back competition the the classroom, and prepare our children for the real world even if it means a few feelings get hurt.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was addressing 1 issue raised in a previous comment. My reply was in the context of my personal experience with my own child with regard to the comment about how well kids adapt from montessori to mainstream. MY experience is as follows..One of the biggest things the teacher noted when my daughter joined primary school at the age of 5 in November was quote: "how well she slotted in, it was as if she'd been there all year". I took that as meaning she adapted well. that's the only point i was making. My child may well be an isolated case. i take on board your views, thanks for sharing. there is a saying that goes "Wisdom comes from having MANY perspectives".
one thing i want to say, is that, having taken into account Your concerns & beliefs, My wife & I are still extremely happy with our choice as parents.
Just aside, the Montessori which my kids attend/ed has horses & cats & acres of outdoor activities including beachwalks & riding, which is a really welcome addition to their preschool environment. That school is called Lily's Locker in Whitford Auckland.
I will raise your concerns with the director of that facility as I am very interested to hear her perspective on those points. If she has an unsatisfactory reply then I will review my son's educational plan & both childrens development plan. cheers for Your input
..Dave

[Lias]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was addressing 1 issue raised in a previous comment. My reply was in the context of my personal experience with my own child with regard to the comment about how well kids adapt from montessori to mainstream. MY experience is as follows..One of the biggest things the teacher noted when my daughter joined primary school at the age of 5 in November was quote: "how well she slotted in, it was as if she'd been there all year". I took that as meaning she adapted well. that's the only point i was making. My child may well be an isolated case. i take on board your views, thanks for sharing. there is a saying that goes "Wisdom comes from having MANY perspectives".
one thing i want to say, is that, having taken into account Your concerns & beliefs, My wife & I are still extremely happy with our choice as parents.
Just aside, the Montessori which my kids attend/ed has horses & cats & acres of outdoor activities including beachwalks & riding, which is a really welcome addition to their preschool environment. That school is called Lily's Locker in Whitford Auckland.
I will raise your concerns with the director of that facility as I am very interested to hear her perspective on those points. If she has an unsatisfactory reply then I will review my son's educational plan & both childrens development plan. cheers for Your input
..Dave
Sorry if I jumped down your throat abit.. Its just a subject that is one of my(many) pet peeves. All I can say is if montessori works for your kid, cool. Just remember to teach them to be competitive too :-) Sometimes it is all about the winning not the participating :rockon:

[750Y]

that's no problem mate, one thing is obvious that we both share in a desire to serve the best interests of the kids (as do many of the posters on here who kept to the original thread's theme). i think it really shows how important this is to us & i give you big ups for that. i am serious too about raising your points. i don't know everything & i really want to know how she responds. if i make a mistake i'm not too big to admit it & any chance to review what i'm doing is the best i can offer my kids. if i need to make a change for the better i will do so.
safe riding 8-)

[avgas]

Teen are more safer in a private boarding school. They have no time to spend hanging out and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. They have mentors and first-class teachers to inspire and instruct. They have a full schedule of challenging sporting and study assignments. They are granted free time on weekends to attend church services or go into the local town. They are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their families but they are taught how to be self-reliant and to push hard for success.
Lemme guess. You have 2 daughters who attend a private boarding school.

Heh I guess they aren't as honest as you make them out.

[fuknKIWI]

I believe all the best British spies were educated at Eton.
Private school perhaps???
In a perverse English way it's called a PUBLIC school over there:blink:
I believe Bear Grylls was one of theirs.

[fuknKIWI]

A quirk of the English schooling system means the fee paying (privately owned) schools are refered to as PUBLIC schools, hence the term "public school boys", denotes upper crust toffs in blazers that bugger each other in the showers for fun.
The plebs schools are comps or comprehensives etc.

Don't know the reason for this. Anyone know?

I imagine an education where buggery and its ilk aren't involved is better for the child at the end of the day!
What he said

[fuknKIWI]

Only a tradesman? Only !

I noticed that, nearly commented too.
Tradies are the new industrial elite in this part of the world...

[fuknKIWI]

Teen are more safer in a private boarding school. They have no time to spend hanging out and experimenting with drugs and alcohol. They have mentors and first-class teachers to inspire and instruct. They have a full schedule of challenging sporting and study assignments. They are granted free time on weekends to attend church services or go into the local town. They are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their families but they are taught how to be self-reliant and to push hard for success.
Hahahahaha I threw up in the chapel of my prestigious private school, but not before heckling the school chaplain.
He started out on Our Father I interjected with "Wanna hear one about my father" then I chundered in a hymn book before slamming it closed:shit: The only reason I didn't get expelled was because they'd never caught someone so young drinking before. I got 6 (the cane) suspended, & the cruel part was no parties before Xmas:facepalm:
Got my education after leaving school, paying my dues even as we speak:violin:
Aah the joys of a mis-spent youth & having 2 teenage kids:yes:

[Ronin]

Holy thread-dredge Batman.

[superman]

I went to a private school and boarded... What you describe above is very very blind sighted. :yes:

Mentors and first class teachers? Yep
Full schedule? Yep
Scary religious crap? Yep
No drugs or alcohol or sex or partying? You do realise out of a 24 hour day... not that much is taken up. Plenty of time for many things. Besides having a teenager not experiment with alcohol, drugs, sex etc and they'll grow up a complete twat. Like those bloody bible bashers that do nothing but picket about the upcoming annihilation of humanity by their god. LIFE WELL SPENT!

[Virago]

Lemme guess. You have 2 daughters who attend a private boarding school...

No, he's a hard-working forum spammer working in the Philippines...


Holy thread-dredge Batman.

Indeed...:facepalm:

[tigertim20]

I am doing an essay at the moment on the benefits (or not) of private schooling and I was just curious as to what people on here thought of it.

So if you have children in a private school, or are looking at starting them in one why did you choose that school? Same goes for why you didn't put them in a private school.

Absolute honesty please!

Oh and any stories you might have about your schooling and what you think of it today... every story/opinion would be very much appreciated!

no kids myself yet, but I wont be sending my kids to a private school forseveral reasons, one being finances. Im sure some will argue that a private schooloffers a slightly better education, but my response to that is that it is MY responsibility to ensure that my children get agood education. That (to me) does not mean paying extra for a school with a good rep, it means becoming actively involved, reading the letters that come home,helping with homework, encouraging extra study, having discussions with the kids about issues and topics they are currently studying. While I might not be a world class teacher, I cant help but feel that any shortfall in the education provided by a public school as opposed to a private school, will be covered by maintaining an active interest, and providing my children with the skills and experience of analysing, discussing and disecting the information that is made available to them. Not all of our worlds most 'successful' (however you choose to define it) or wealthy people even went to college, or did particularly well at school, so Im a little les concerned with some arbitrary idea of a particular school model having a 'better' image.

That's just my personal opinion, nothing against those who give the opportunity of private schooling to their children!!:drinkup:

[tigertim20]

Holy thread-dredge Batman.

FUCKIT!!
I saw this on the whats new and replied without looking at the original thread date :facepalm:

[oldrider]

I am doing an essay at the moment on the benefits (or not) of private schooling and I was just curious as to what people on here thought of it.

So if you have children in a private school, or are looking at starting them in one why did you choose that school? Same goes for why you didn't put them in a private school.

Absolute honesty please!

Oh and any stories you might have about your schooling and what you think of it today... every story/opinion would be very much appreciated!

OP 8 August 2006 .... today is 9 August 2011 .... OK Buffy what happened, what was your conclusion? :wait: (can't be arsed reading the whole thread!)

[BuFfY]

OP 8 August 2006 .... today is 9 August 2011 .... OK Buffy what happened, what was your conclusion? :wait: (can't be arsed reading the whole thread!)

I don't even remember writing an essay on this! I assume I got an awesome grade or something though...

Strange how people dredge up old threads like this! 5 years, whoa! How time flies :)