Mum knows best – choosing sixth form options.

I trained for many years to be a teacher. I worked my way up to head of department and sixth form tutor.  I rather like teaching the ‘big ones’ education them, teaching them, chatting to them, guiding them – it is all part of the job and I know I did it well.  I still get emails asking me to be references for ex students, or to meet Uni students for a coffee and chat (yes yes in public places). I chat on twitter to them and when all that happens I recognise that I was good at my job. Some of them will even be reading this as I know they follow my blog *waves*

My husband is the same, an assistant head, although he avoids social media like the plague. Yet he chats to ex students when he see’s them, he gives them advice as needed.  He too is good at his job which is widely acknowledged.

Why then does our own, very  nearly, sixteen year old doubt us?  We have recently had her post 16 meeting.  She is choosing her options.  Like many 16 year olds she doesn’t have firm ideas for the future but she knows what she likes.  Currently the police appeals as does sport based careers.  Who knows exactly where she will end up and I do believe that we are in a state of massive change with careers.  It is becoming more normal to have a number of careers rather than one life long role.  I myself am an example of this modern phenomenon, teacher turned freelance writer / editor.

I had a few ideas of what would suit her post 16.  I had suggested my ideas in a very carefully managed way, just suggestions, seeds that were planted.  NO NO No that wouldn’t work, she couldn’t do that…….

On her options evening, her future head of sixth form (and one of her past teachers) walked past – ‘everything ok?’ ‘actually — can we have a chat I said.  Cue eye rolls from the very almost 16 year old. I put forward my options suggestions and was met by the head of sixth nodding in agreement. He said that my suggestions were exactly perfect for Chloe.  He agreed with me totally as he knows her like I do.  He encouraged Chloe to talk to the sports teachers.  We went over, I started the conversation and they too, were quickly nodding and telling Chloe that my ideas would be great for her.

Chloe quickly changed her tune, enthused by her teachers responses.  Chloe and her teachers chatted some more and suddenly it wasn’t my idea anymore!

I’m glad I had the knowledge and was able to approach her teachers and, like all parents I know my child.  I know her strengths – I know where she can play to her advantage.  Hopefully she now knows that I know what I’m talking about!  I said to her that obviously her opinion comes first but she needs to place her trust in us, as her parents, and her teachers, all of us know her and what makes her tick.  Making these decisions is not always easy for parents and for the child themselves but sometimes you need to speak up.  I realise she is on the edge of adulthood but most of us still need a bit of guidance from mum and dad!

If you are helping your child choose post 16 options.

1. Consider whether your child plans to go on to Higher Education (university), as specific course have specific A Level requirements.
2. Is your child academic or will a more coursework based BTec Level 3 be suitable – this is still accepted by many universities.
3. Consider what area the child would like to work in, although they are young it is a time of narrowing down choices.
4. Encourage them to be brave, take big steps and push themselves to be the very best version of themselves.
5. Support them through the next few tough months of exams and revision.

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