LEARNING FOR LIFE
For many of us, September is synonymous with the start of a new academic year. Little ones start nursery, older ones move from primary to secondary – and the teenagers fly the nest for university or further education.
Although we tend to link the concept of education with schooling, in reality it’s something that begins at birth and continues until the day we die: we never really stop learning.
The trick is how to maximise the resources that are available to us! It’s well documented that learning becomes more difficult as we grow older. With pre-school children soaking up knowledge like tiny sponges, the choice of a nursery or play group should be just as important as their eventual choice of university.
It’s also a good time to start thinking about teaching your toddler a second language – picking up vocabulary is so much simpler for children under the age of 7.
When you tot up the costs of extra-curricular classes, however, - whether in French, music, ballet or football - you may want to consider investing in private education. With bursaries and scholarships available at most schools, it needn’t be as costly as you think.
A well-run nursery, whether in the state or private sector, should
good schools, both in the state and private sector.
Most people will opt to send their children to the primary school closest to their home – but, increasingly, popularity and over- subscription mean some children are having to go elsewhere. So, moving house to be close to your preferred choice of school might not be such a good plan these days!
But all is not lost. Small, rural schools might be favoured by parents wanting a ‘home from home’ environment, but the bigger schools tend to have better facilities – particularly for sport. Free schools and academies likewise have more freedom in how they use their budgets and, at senior school level, can be a good choice for those wishing to pursue a vocational career.
Kent is one of the few places in the UK still to have grammar schools – although many parents choose for their children not to sit the Kent Test and go to the school of their choice, which may offer a curriculum more tailored to their abilities and future career path. Although a string of good grades at GCSE and A level is still considered the prime route into University, well- rounded students with a broad-based knowledge tend to be highly sought – hence the introduction of the IB (International Baccalaureate) which is now available in several Maidstone sixth forms. It’s a system which has worked well in
combine the various aspects of learning – cognitive skills, thinking and reasoning, motor skills, good habits and social skills – with structured play.
A motivational curriculum structured around play will teach a whole host of skills to your pre- schooler, without them even realising.
The first day at ‘real’ school is always emotional for mums and dads but here in Maidstone we are fortunate to have a wide choice of
Europe for many years and one which enthusiastic, good ‘all- rounders’ find especially attractive.
Students who are still struggling to reach a career decision are generally advised to follow the subjects they enjoy. There’s little point headscratching with maths and further maths if you’re more of a wordsmith; likewise, unless you’re keen on science with a bent towards medicine or veterinary work, you may want to think
twice before battling with biology and chemistry.
You’re more likely to get good grades from subjects you enjoy than those that you find mentally draining.
No career path runs smoothly, however, and all is not lost if those keenly-sought exams fail to make the grade.
Adult education classes offer a
wealth of options for academic and vocational study – and there’s always the Open University for those who want to combine a career with further education. Increasing numbers of retired and semi-retired people are signing up for the OU as well as the University of the Third Age (U3A) proving you’re never too old – or too young – to learn!
open events
11+ 2015
Open Evening Parents and their daughters are
Open Mornings
warmly invited to our 11+ Open Events.
www.invi
victa.viiaviat.org.uk Maidstone Town September 2015 19
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