Why Are We Home Educating? Part 2: Primary School Challenges

I personally didn't enjoy school when I was a child. I felt anxious, afraid of making mistakes, failing, and letting people down. We shouldn't, of course, allow our own experiences to colour our judgement for our children. But when I left school and studied for my degree, I didn't feel that pressure or anxiety. In studying something I enjoyed, I was motivated, worked hard, and achieved top marks - something I had never done before! When I recently completed my Master's, I absolutely loved it and looked forward to studying, despite working full time and being pregnant. By learning about something I was interested in, I wanted to work hard and do well. My point is, that we would love our children to love learning from the beginning, and be excited to learn new things.

Teaching

From my experience, education and teaching has changed over the past 16 years. There are more expectations placed on teachers, greater needs in the classroom and as much as teachers strive to meet the needs and ensure all 30 plus children meet their full potential, it is not possible. If they meet certain government created expectations, are they truly fulfilling their potential? There is not enough funding or support. Teachers work incredibly hard, go above and beyond, and can't really do anymore without adequate support, which simply isn't there. I know from experience!

Schools and teachers try their best to support children to meet the expected outcomes and targets set out in different assessment materials in the National Curriculum. This does not allow them to spend time with every child to learn what interests and excites them. Schools and teachers are not in the position to look at every child, and design a personalised curriculum or plan lessons which are going to be exciting or motivate learning. 

Our Decision

Teachers spin many plates, they have to teach what they are told to without much freedom, flexibility, and often creativity. This is why we (my husband and I) have decided, to home educate. I will have the time to plan opportunities, to deepen my child's knowledge and understanding about things he is interested in, building on his strengths and ideas. I will be able to adapt what we are doing if needed, and will have the flexibility and freedom to do so. 

In contrast to having to tick boxes, I won't have to collect evidence for everything he learns, and record everything. I won't have to justify my decisions for teaching a certain way. We can focus on the things we view are important. We will have no desired outcome except the ones we plan ourselves: What's the goal? What do we want to learn? This excites me, and I can’t wait to see what we will learn and achieve together. 

We want to give our children the best possible start and opportunities in life. We believe that home educating is right path for us and our family. We feel we will be protecting their education, their well-being, meeting their individual needs, and protecting their future. 

We don't know if this is something we will continue for their entire education, but for now this is the path that is right for us at this time. 

If you have any questions, or concerns that you would like to chat about, please do get in touch, and I would be happy to help.