Uniform or No Uniform
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The wearing of School uniforms is a controversial topic that has inspired many a-heated debate. It is astounding that with the many issues and concerns surrounding our children and teenagers, no one can seem to agree on what they should, or should not, be wearing.
There are positive and negative aspects to both sides of the argument:
Uniforms – Provide a sense of belonging, level the playing field in terms of rich and poor, provide children with a sense of pride in their appearance and encourage an orderly lifestyle. However, uniforms tend to be expensive, restrictive and uncreative, children feel  uncomfortable, and they may feel babied and might act out against authority in self destructive ways.
No Uniforms – Give children a sense of responsibility, encourage creativity, allow children to express themselves and learn about dress sense, and allow children to feel comfortable and confident. However, without school uniforms children may want more expensive clothing, have the opportunity to dress inappropriately, may be ridiculed or ostracised and they might even develop a relaxed attitude towards their school work.
Generally speaking, there are schools with uniforms teaching children who fail their classes, and the same goes for plain clothes schools. And there are children from both types of schools excelling in every subject.
There are more influential aspects in the child's environment which determine their attitude towards learning and life.
1. Parenting
The people who are most responsible for the upbringing of a child are the parents. If a child fails in school, it is the parent's responsibility to address the issue and figure out a way to guide them through the process of achieving better results. A child, whose parents are actively involved in his life, will be ready and able to face the challenges which come their way.
2. Teachers
A child can be dressed impeccably, but still lack a good education. If a teacher is spending large amounts of time worrying about the child's attire, more urgent issues may go unnoticed. Teachers should be teaching, not policing.
3. Environment
A child in a positive environment is more likely to look at life, and education, in a positive way. This applies to the home and the school environment.
4. Community
We all belong to a community. For some of us, this is a healthy and uplifting situation, for others, this is not always the case. A single mother needs the support of her community; she will need help and guidance in the raising of her child. Some children, however, come from a community where this support is not forthcoming and vital aspects of the child's life go unattended to.
Tags: Uniform, School, Children, Parenting, Teachers
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Parents Who Volunteer
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When you, as a parent, take an interest in the education of your child, it will be noticed. Your presence shows that you consider school as worthwhile and this plays a major role in your child’s feelings towards school. As you begin to support your school, your will be showing your children the importance of participating in their community. If we start to teach our children, at an early age, that the community is important, the strength of the community will increase and their future will be bright. It is never too late to start volunteering at your child’s school. If you missed out on the elementary school stage, don’t fret; there is usually a shortage of volunteers in secondary schools as many mums return to work when their children reach secondary school. Remember that schools are dying for any help you are willing to give, so choose projects carefully to avoid burnout (what’s the use of getting involved in your child’s education if you have no time for your child at home). There are three main benefits when it comes to volunteer work in schools: you get to build relationships with teachers and staff, you will learn about school policies and how situations are handled and you will be able to coach your child in their education in a much more effective manner. Here are some pointers on how to get involved in your child’s school in a way which benefits their education: If you are looking to volunteer in primary school, it is important that you volunteer where your child can see you. At this age children are proud to have their parents in their class. Small improvements in grades have been noticed in children in this situation, but remember that coaching your child at home is more important. In junior school it will be of more benefit for you to volunteer were you learn most about the school’s curriculum and classes. Your children are now at the stage when they are embarrassed by seeing their parents around the hallway. It would be better for you to volunteer in ways which will help you to pick up information to guide your child in their education. During your child’s high school years, school becomes the territory of the child and not the parent (this is encouraged as a natural part of growing up). Volunteer where your child can see and learn from your example. For instance: handing out drinks at a sporting event shows that what your child does is worth spending time on. Your coaching role at its highest importance now and being involved at the school will provide you with valuable information to help you in this guiding role.
Tags: Parents, Volunteer, School, Children, Involved
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Children with Special Needs
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Everyone has a different view on the integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools. Some believe that children with special needs belong in an environment which protects them from ridicule and provides specific care for their specific needs. Others believe that this is segregation and that these children should not be separated from their mainstream counterparts. And still others believe that the mainstream environment is abusive for these children with special needs. None of these theories are 100% right or 100% wrong. The reason why these theories cannot be completely right or wrong is because, every child is an individual; they all have unique needs and they are all different (that goes for children with and without special needs). Every parent knows their child and knows what their specific needs are. Any parent, who notices that a school does not meet the requirements of their child, will not put their child in that school. When it comes to integration, the same expectation needs to apply. Some schools are better equipped to teach children with Cerebral Palsy, others are better for children with Asperger’s Syndrome, and others are designed in such a way as to accommodate children in wheelchairs. If a parent feels that the mainstream environment is not right for their child, they should not be forced in it. Some children really do need a special school environment; mainstream schools cannot supply for the needs of all children. They may need individual attention for the entire school day, some children are unable to speak and might feel outcast, and, there are children who require consistent stimulation in their areas of need. It is a parent’s right, and obligation to protect their child, and if they believe that this will be achieved by integrating them into a mainstream school, where they will be faced with the challenges of life and the opportunity to be an integral part of society, then they should be allowed to do so, with no interference from members of the public who do not know their child. If, conversely, they choose to educate their child through a special school, where their child’s specific needs will be met perfectly and they will be able to perform to the best of their ability, this too should be met with support from the public.
Tags: Special Needs, School, Child, Parent, Educate
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Bullying in Schools Pt1
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What is bullying? Bullying in schools can be defined as verbal, physical or emotional harm which is done to another person on purpose. Bullies are not rare and the likelihood of your child either being bullied or bullying others is relatively high. Unfortunately bullying in schools is unavoidable. How do I know if my child is being bullied? It is unlikely that your child will tell you that they are being bullied, but you may start to notice a few changes in their behaviour: • Your child may start to say that he doesn’t want to go to school • They may get ill (mainly headaches) • You will notice that they have become slightly irritable • They may also show anxious behaviour • They may start to get aggressive towards one or more family members • Some bedwetting may occur • Waking in the night shows signs that your child is distressed • You might also notice constant missing/damaged belongings What can I do about my child being bullied? The key is to never ignore bullying, even if you don’t think it is damaging to your child. The truth is that bullying is unacceptable behaviour and should not be allowed to continue. Bullying does not produce a better person, it is abusive. Take time to talk to your child and let him know that this should not be happening; it is not okay to be treated this way. Promise to do what you can to stop the bullying and follow through with that promise. Your next step would be to arrange a meeting with your child’s class teacher. This meeting is very important as it is the first step to rectifying this problem. Do not rush into the classroom ready to fight with an unsuspecting teacher – they might not even be aware of the situation. Stay calm and don’t blame anyone. Before your meeting, decide what you want to say and what you would like to achieve by having this meeting. When explaining the situation, be specific about how your child is being bullied and what you have noticed. Ask about the school’s anti-bullying policy so that you are aware of what action will be taken to correct your child’s situation. Discuss the specifics of the actions to be taken. Plan to meet again in two weeks to discuss the progress. If, for whatever reason, the class teacher does not meet your needs, go to head teacher for help. If there are still no results, it will be time to seek professional help.
Tags: Bully, Bullies, School, Parents, Bullying
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Bullying in Schools Pt2
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In part one of “Bullying in Schools” we spoke mainly about the victims of bullies and how to deal with their situation. However, there are many parents out there who suspect that their child might actually be the bully. These parents may feel embarrassed and disheartened, but there are ways to help your child to make wise decisions in their interactions with others. What if my child is the bully? If you have just realised that your child is a bully, this is not the time to curl up into a ball and blame yourself and your parenting skills. This is the time for action – there is no time to waste, your child needs your guidance. Firstly, never try to ignore the fact that your child is a bully; this will only make the situation escalate. Children who turn to bullying in schools often have problems of their own and are acting out in a way which relieves their own torment. Think about what’s going on at home; is there a difficult situation affecting your child? Is there the possibility that your child feels overlooked or overshadowed, perhaps by a new baby or other family member? In the case of bullying in schools, it is also common to find that children mimic the behaviour of an older sibling or another family member. Ask yourself if someone else in your family uses aggression or force to get what they want. And watch your own behaviour; do you allow your child to use aggression or force to get what they want? In any bullying situation, it is imperative for the bully to be told that bullying is not acceptable behaviour and it is not effective in attaining everything you want. As a parent it would be wise to take time to talk to your child about their behaviour and why they think that it is acceptable. Deal with any emotional problems which might be the reason for their bullying as a form of empowerment. Encourage good personality traits by ‘catching them in the act’. When you see your child behaving in an appropriate manner, show them that you have noticed – if you pay attention to their good behaviour, they will not feel compelled to seek attention through negative behaviour. And, lastly, watch carefully when kids come to play. Notice what triggers bad behaviour and guide your child in appropriate behaviour.
Tags: Bully, Bullies, School, Parent, Bullying
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Which Way to the Top?
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Michael Gove’s speech in January of 2011 presents several keys to how the United Kingdom is revolutionising its educational system. He gives the sad news first: the UK has fallen from 7th in the world to 25th place for literacy; 4th place to 16th place for science; and 8th place to 28th place for Maths. Thanks to a new way of measuring how well a country’s education system is working (the PISA league tables of international educational achievement, compiled by Andreas Schleicher), we can see at a glance what part of the world is moving ahead the fastest. Thanks to Michael Barber, (who was educational advisor to Tony Blair in the early 90’s) we can also know exactly what it is that makes some countries tops in their quality of education. Firstly, the most successful nations give top priority to finding and training the highest quality teachers, and making them available to as many young people as possible. Gove explained that the UK will model their teacher training after the successful hospital model; that, as doctors do, teachers will keep learning throughout their career. Also, the highest performing graduates will be encouraged to become teachers, and the UK will give extra support to top graduates in the Maths & sciences to become teachers. Secondly, the United Kingdom will also increase the number of quality leaders involved in education nationwide, and lend stronger support to those areas with weaker schools. Cooperation between stronger schools and weaker ones will greatly help every student get the opportunities they need to be able do their best. Finally, the government will allow all the school systems to operate independently as academies, each school making its own decisions on curriculum, finances, organisation etc. that will allow them to operate as the top schools in the world do.
Tags: Michael Gove, speech, ranking, support, academies
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Homeschooling Today
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Homeschooling is on the increase. In the UK there has been an increase of at least 61% of children being schooled at home in the last 5 years. In Lancashire the amount of children being taught at home has gone up by 829% since 2002, and in Scotland the amount of homeschooled children has gone up by 39% in the last year. There is a large group of parents choosing to teach their kids in the home for various reasons. It could be because they do not agree with the public school system as it is run. There are parents who educate at home, because they have deaf or otherwise handicapped children. Some parents teach at home for religious reasons, and then again other parents homeschool their children, because they want to do an excellent job, and they don't want to leave that responsibility to an under-paid teacher. In the last few years the UK has had various difficulties within the educational system. Teaching is a difficult and demanding job. Children are worse behaved now than ever before, and teachers often feel powerless to do much about it. Unfortunately many parents don't know how to discipline their children either, and would rather leave that up to the teacher, thus leaving a negative round about with no place to get off. In the UK there are no laws that say children cannot be homeschooled, but parents are expected to do a good job if they decide to teach at home. There are existing homeschooling groups that are more than willing to help get the project started; there is much counsel on line about homeschooling, and studying about is a good first step to take. Homeschooling is not as difficult as it might seem, and most parents do not have 30 kids to teach. In the UK, the government do not help homeschoolers financially. There are some already planned homeschooling programmes, that can be found on line and they explain everything you have to do as a teacher. A curriculum is needed in order to know exactly what to cover each month of the year. It is important to have a goal, and to reach it on a constant basis. It would be wise to have a checking system, in order to check off what the kids have learned. As a family, everyone must be respectful of your decision, and also avoid getting in the way during school hours. It is best to have a certain area of the house set aside for teaching and studying. Having a computer available for the student to use is very helpful, and a library of at least a couple of shelves, where books like a Dictionary, Encyclopaedia, World Atlas etc. are kept, would be a good idea. Children learn faster when they are in comfortable surroundings, not having to worry about being bullied. As a parent teaching at home, it is important to encourage and praise your student, thus creating a positive environment, and you will see good progress. It does not take an amazing amount of education to homeschool, but it determination and an attitude of being willing to learn.
Tags: homeschooling, parents, family, studying, learnin...
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Higher Education, Higher Fees
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Around the world, fees vary when it comes to university and higher education. Some schools have grants and scholarships that help students of lower income be able to study at their schools; some countries offer payment for students to encourage furthered education or provide free tuition to their citizens. In North America, the USA wins the prize for having the highest tuition fees that normally start from around $5,000 and can be up to $30,000 per a year. Further north, in Canada the cheapest fee is found amongst those who choose to study in Australia, the UK, and the USA. An average domestic tuition is around $9,000 and an international fee around $25,000. Some countries in Europe are now charging tuition. But you’ll find the cost to be quite low in comparison. In Belgium you’ll find the enrolment fee to be around 500 Euros and in Holland and Italy the fee ranges from 1,000- 1,500 Euros. If you’re a student of a business department, for example, you could be expected to pay as much as 5,000 Euros in Holland. Dutch graduate school tuitions can be up to as much as 8,000 Euros. In the UK, the tuition fee can only be up to £3,145 and no more, although it goes up yearly. But the average amount for a domestic student is £3,000. However under new government policies universities in England can now charge any fee they so wish for domestic students up to £9000. Sweden probably offers one of the best deals you can find: Graduate school is free. Although the cost of living is high in this country, consider that 5 Euro beer to be worth the price when you aren’t paying tuition fees. In France you will find 82 universities and none of them charge tuition fees. Undergraduate enrolment charges are a mere €165 -€190. Because of this, they try to avoid students who are not highly motivated and only wish to obtain a visa to stay in France.
Tags: higher education, fees, university, grants, tuiti...
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UK IT Skills/Job Crisis!
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Remember, years ago, when the highly educated couldn’t find jobs, and were over qualified?—well, not any more! The rapidly expanding field of information and communications technology is now begging for higher education graduates that have specialised in information technology (IT). If there are shortages of other types of skilled labour, it won’t necessarily be affected so much, but IT is the very basis needed for the country’s infrastructure, trade, arts, & businesses to develop & move the country forward. There’s hardly any job or field that doesn’t use computers, programs, and lots of gadgetry & technicians to get their work done. Here are some numbers: *Only 42 percent of the United Kingdom’s IT graduates go into the IT industry. *At least 50% of the present post graduate IT students in the UK are from other countries. (They will bring their skills back to their own countries.) *It is predicted that up to 60% of IT staff members, & 40% of IT services could come from outside of UK, by the year 2020; and 20% of UK IT revenues will go to these outsourced staffers! There is also a shortage of qualified teachers, to teach this high tech, and a decrease in the number of students willing to make this needy field their lifelong study. The IT industry demands increasingly advanced training to keep up with the world of today, and much less young people want to sign away their life to such extensive efforts. Other countries like China & India, on the other hand, are together producing 500,000 highly trained IT staffers each year. Without intervention by the UK government to offer some incentives for the British students to pursue such a career, it seems the UK will lose its cutting edge place in today’s expanding markets. See more details at:
Tags: jobs, graduates, skills, shortages, teachers
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History of Teaching in the UK
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In the beginning … there were one room school houses, with one teacher and many students of all levels, and ages. The teacher was responsible to instruct the children at least the basics: reading, writing, & arithmetic (“the 3 R’s”). Everyone knew each other, and teachers & parents worked together in the community to give the child as well-rounded an education as possible. Then, the industrial revolution came along. Big business emerged, and big cities along with them. Parents might know their children’s teachers, or not; yet still, in the classroom, teachers were respected. They had something that every child needed to be a success—knowledge. It was clear to the kids what behaviour was accepted and what wasn’t, and if they chose the unacceptable, there was discipline. The teacher was an authority figure, and a source of information. Respect was built into the classroom environment. Since the 1980’s, the United Kingdom has been phasing out any type of harsh discipline in the classroom. This has slowly changed the status of respect that teachers automatically receive from their students. Students could still get some type of discipline at home, but the tight authoritarian hold in the classroom was loosened forever. Without a mere doubt, the most drastic change of all for the teachers & students in the classroom, has been the dawn of internet communication in the 21st century, where anything and everything can be found at the touch of the fingers. Students not having to depend on teachers to get an education have changed the need for teachers to actually earn respect from the students. Teachers are now encouraged to make friends with their students, & get online with them to find answers & guide their way. Teachers no longer need to be the know-all-tell-all authority figures of the past.
Tags: teaching, history, schools, community, discipline
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