Education Now and Then

Last night the girls were watching Back in Time for School. They thought that the lessons the girl’s were taught were quite hilarious. We watched them learning how to make up a cloth nappy and put it on a baby doll. The girl’s were quite amazed when I told them that I’d done that at school.

I had the nappy lessons and how to make up a baby bottle and feed a doll. For the exam in Childcare, which was an actual subject, we had to make up a bottle of formula in front of the whole class. I hated it, I really didn’t want to think about babies at the age of 16, it wasn’t on my agenda. (Yes, I am a Mum of five!)

One thing that always bothered me was the computer room. I’d walk past watching the boys file in and try to get a look at these elusive computers through the window. Then I’d go down the corridor to my typing lessons. I have to admit, though, I did like typing. The feel of my fingers tapping along the keys while looking at the document to my right made me feel like I was learning something special. My fingers were learning those keys and it’s something I’ve never forgotten. Of course, I was never interested in an office job either.

It was interesting to see how little had changed from the TV program to my school days despite it being more than 20 year later. Thankfully, my girls have much more opportunities at school these days. There are no limitations, they can learn what they want. The typewriters and dolls with nappies are long gone, and the computers are not kept for the boys use only.

School Today

I like to give updates every now and then on how my kid’s are getting on at school and this seems like a good time.

Star, is now my longest lasting child to manage main stream school. She is in year nine and thriving. The school fits her needs perfectly and she has even made a couple of friends. She told me that a lot of her peers are more mature now and the teasing and bullying is no longer an issue. I’m sure it goes on elsewhere, but for Star it’s not a problem which is great. She is doing well in her lessons, learning well and being treated with respect for her disabilities.

Boo is coping well with Secondary school. Her transition was painless as she was already at the school from year six. Being in the building and getting used to the teachers helped loads, she even picked up the playground and lunch time rules with ease. She is not super bright but she tries very hard and works well so I’m sure she’ll succeed. She listens to her teachers and behaves well. She has a lovely group of friends who she gets on so well with and is generally happy.

The Little Man has settled in well in his new school. I’m so glad we found this school for him, he’s already doing better than before and is much happier. There is no bullying and although he still gets into trouble occasionally, it’s not every single day like before. I don’t know if he will still be going through an assessment but I think as long as he’s doing well then I’m not going to worry. He will spend another two years in this school after this one and I’m sure any issues will be ironed out by then.

But one of the things I’ve really enjoyed recently is the lack of head lice! It must have been the Little Man’s old school that was the problem because since he left we have eradicated the little blighters completely. Any Mum that has had to deal with frequent attacks of nits with more than one child will understand my excitement in this.