Moving to UK for a year - advice needed
May 15th, 2006, 09:43 AM
#21
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"Yes the curriculum might not have linked with the US curriculum, but the intangibles exceeded any lost lessons."
I couldn't agree with this more. Putting the kid into an American school in London, or even finding a private school with the intent of cushioning her for a year, would be wasting an opportunity.
I couldn't agree with this more. Putting the kid into an American school in London, or even finding a private school with the intent of cushioning her for a year, would be wasting an opportunity.
May 15th, 2006, 09:57 AM
#22
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"even finding a private school with the intent of cushioning her for a year, would be wasting an opportunity."
In parts of the London state system, the opportunity wasted would be that of being perpetually bullied, sitting in a classroom where ineffectual teachers were constantly losing the battle against children who really wanted to be somewhere else, and getting an "education" based on remembering soundbites to regurgitate for exams.
There's a reason a huge proportion of London's middle class near-bankrupt themselves to keep their children "cushioned" (or as they would put it, safe and educated). It's the same reason David West, who knows what he's talking about in these matters (even if he's a less than indifferent judge of football clubs and cathedral architecture), is recommending schools safely outside the world of daily changing supply teachers.
The argument for giving a child an English education is one thing. The argument for that education being in some of our state schools, especially in central London, is quite different. And, frequently (though not always) simply wrong.
In parts of the London state system, the opportunity wasted would be that of being perpetually bullied, sitting in a classroom where ineffectual teachers were constantly losing the battle against children who really wanted to be somewhere else, and getting an "education" based on remembering soundbites to regurgitate for exams.
There's a reason a huge proportion of London's middle class near-bankrupt themselves to keep their children "cushioned" (or as they would put it, safe and educated). It's the same reason David West, who knows what he's talking about in these matters (even if he's a less than indifferent judge of football clubs and cathedral architecture), is recommending schools safely outside the world of daily changing supply teachers.
The argument for giving a child an English education is one thing. The argument for that education being in some of our state schools, especially in central London, is quite different. And, frequently (though not always) simply wrong.
May 15th, 2006, 10:40 AM
#23
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It's not a "huge proportion". Only one borough (Kensington & Chelsea) has more than a quarter of children outside the state system. Yes, there's some awful state schools, but you're insulting a lot of people if you won't accept that there's a lot of good ones too, providing very good teaching.
May 15th, 2006, 11:36 AM
#24
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owain-
I really don't think that this should become a debate over the british school system. But I doubt that the state schools will be an option for a one year expat with a 13 year old daughter. We're not talking about a 4 year old starting school.
And I doubt that many schools have places to offer. I have children in an International school in London and I can assure you that their education and our money are not being wasted!
So, for the sake of arguement please let us know how it would work for clarin's daughter to get a place at a "good" state school. Before she has a place to live. Or knows where to look.......
I really don't think that this should become a debate over the british school system. But I doubt that the state schools will be an option for a one year expat with a 13 year old daughter. We're not talking about a 4 year old starting school.
And I doubt that many schools have places to offer. I have children in an International school in London and I can assure you that their education and our money are not being wasted!
So, for the sake of arguement please let us know how it would work for clarin's daughter to get a place at a "good" state school. Before she has a place to live. Or knows where to look.......
May 16th, 2006, 12:58 AM
#25
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Basically in Britain good areas have good schools and vice versa (being in the catchment area for a good state school puts a large premium on the price of a house – so even those parents who are getting a “free” state education are in fact paying for the privilege). It’s a virtuous circle – supportive, solvent parents equals good schools, which attract supportive solvent parents.
Chiswick is most definitely a “good” area and as such will probably have good state schools. However be aware – estate agent’s geography is notoriously elastic and “Chiswick” could well be Hammersmith – which ain’t so good.
How you find out what schools are available is firstly, you need your London address. Then the Local Authority (probably Hammersmith and Fulham for you) will be able to tell you which schools you fall in the catchment area for. You can then look up that school’s results on the OFSTED website which will give you an idea of it’s relative standing.
However day schooling isn’t *that* expensive – especially for girls (starts at around £5,000 pa) and you really do get what you pay for.
The Girl’s Day School Trust is a useful resource for this.
www.gdst.net
Incidentally you have now experienced a standard English dinner party – house prices, good schools and the “yoof of today” are all that is ever discussed at such functions
And I would also add that just because the mickeys fluked a win against the Irons that does not make them a good football team – just a team with one good football player (crouch couldn’t get a game for our reserves you know)
Chiswick is most definitely a “good” area and as such will probably have good state schools. However be aware – estate agent’s geography is notoriously elastic and “Chiswick” could well be Hammersmith – which ain’t so good.
How you find out what schools are available is firstly, you need your London address. Then the Local Authority (probably Hammersmith and Fulham for you) will be able to tell you which schools you fall in the catchment area for. You can then look up that school’s results on the OFSTED website which will give you an idea of it’s relative standing.
However day schooling isn’t *that* expensive – especially for girls (starts at around £5,000 pa) and you really do get what you pay for.
The Girl’s Day School Trust is a useful resource for this.
www.gdst.net
Incidentally you have now experienced a standard English dinner party – house prices, good schools and the “yoof of today” are all that is ever discussed at such functions
And I would also add that just because the mickeys fluked a win against the Irons that does not make them a good football team – just a team with one good football player (crouch couldn’t get a game for our reserves you know)
May 16th, 2006, 05:18 AM
#27
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Our family is also in the middle of negotiation for relocation to London from Jersey suburbs. My daughters are 6 and 11(be 12 in the fall). I see that a lot of people recommend American or International school. Do they have tuition? How much? What about interenational school? Do it make any sence to inrole them there for a longer period (say 2-3 years)? My husband's office is at Canary Warf area. Do I have a better chance of getting a house or flat for rental somewhere outside the big city? Compare with morgame we are paying now, the prices are very high. Any recommedations? Thanks
May 16th, 2006, 07:42 AM
#28
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Canary Wharf is a business district – there is plenty of property around there (the area is known as “Docklands”), but it’s not an area I would want to live in as it is basically a dormitory for the city.
In general property is cheaper the further out you go – but there are so many variables. To be honest what really matters isn’t miles from London but ease of commute.
London isn’t cheap in any way I’m afraid and property is the biggest expense.
In general property is cheaper the further out you go – but there are so many variables. To be honest what really matters isn’t miles from London but ease of commute.
London isn’t cheap in any way I’m afraid and property is the biggest expense.
Aug 15th, 2007, 03:50 AM
#30
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If you really want Professional Advice take an PA(Personal Assistance).Nobody knows the British Scene better then than.
A friend recommended me this website and i was great.
http://www.tvbusinesslounge.com/inlondon/
greetz M
A friend recommended me this website and i was great.
http://www.tvbusinesslounge.com/inlondon/
greetz M
Aug 15th, 2007, 04:57 AM
#32
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England has at least three public school systems plus many private ventures. Upper class English have children in boarding schools both in England and abroad. The majority of London workers commute from outside London. Search <English School Systems>. My neighbor here in Poland has a daughter in the local public school and enrolled in private English and German classes. She will transfer to a R. Catholic school for 7-8-9 th grades and then to a special HS depending on interests.
