There is a lot of negativity regarding Secondary Education these days. Whilst I do my fair share of complaining about various things from time to time, as a Secondary Teacher I also see a great value in our system and all the amazing opportunities it affords my children. They have experienced so many things that had they stayed at home I would never have been able to show them,or the capability to teach them, or had the finances to buy for them. They have all made friends that I am sure will be with them throughout life, and it is always bitter sweet when they come to the end of their legal obligation to remain in school. Although they can moan about school and all the work, it is worth bearing in mind the quote we heard recently "Work is just like school only harder'! Having experienced 'work experience' all the older ones can vouch for this!
Our children have all , so far chosen different educational paths at 16. Abigail could not wait to leave school, and the day after her last exam went to work in a hairdressers, where she stayed for three years and learnt the trade (one, as a large family we are particularly grateful for!!!) She then chose to go back to college and then university where she has just graduated as a Primary Teacher. Miriam decided to leave school at 16 as well, but to go to College to study Art and Design. Susie chose to leave her school and to go to the sixth form at a more local one, where she is doing her A levels. The twins have both chosen next year to stay on at school and start their A level courses.
This is the month of the ROA's. I say it in plural because it is my twins! They chose different secondary schools, so had totally different ROA's. Luke's was held last week in the local theatre for the parents. I think we lightened the entire proceedings by having the bring the twins who roamed up and down in semi darkness to the amusement of parents and students alike!
Luke's evening 'do' was held at the end of the week in the same venue. All the boys had to wear formal suits and looked incredibly smart! I felt slightly sorry for Luke, as Bella had, had spray tan, nails, hair, jewellery, handbags shoes etc bought for herm boys are DEFIANTLY less high maintenance!!!
Looking at Luke gave me a shiver! He now looks the spitting image of my father who died when I was nine. It is amazing, he has his smile and stance! I wish my mother had lived long enough to see this transformation as well.
Bella's was held a couple of weeks ago in the afternoon, so we both had to ask for time off work to attend it. She needed two outfits, one for the afternoon and one for the evening events. What a total stress!!!! Susie came in the afternoon with us to support her.
Both children had interesting services with plenty of time to look back over the last five years, which seem to have gone amazingly fast for me! No longer are they my little "twinnies' I now have another set! Instead I am looking at two attractive, smart and kindhearted teenagers nearing adulthood faster than I care to admit!
We were incredibly proud of both of them. As twins they seem to just get on with things a lot more and are both fairly independent. They have both achieved well at school and I hope they will do so in the summer. Luke has developed an interest in Graphic products as well as his obvious, genetically inherited abilities in Art. Bella has joined the school Army Cadets where she has been promoted and has an endless list of qualifications and skills. Both have had good friendship groups, Luke's from Primary school mainly and Bella's from when she moved to the school in year 7.
I am so proud of both of them!
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