LEARNING FOR LIFE
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
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.
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 Europe for many years and one which enthusiastic, good ‘all-rounders’ find especially attractive.
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!
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Maidstone East September 2015 23
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