FabSwingers.com forum: Four Term School year

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Anyone else looking forward to the end of the school holidays. Don't get me wrong I love my kids but they are driving me nuts. We have run out of activities and I have run out of money its just too long.

Have often thought that maybe we should have 4 terms in a school year rather than just 3 spreading the holidays out more evenly over the year so they only have 4 weeks in the summer rather than 6. Might help with childcare problems as well.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mine have had exactly 6 weeks off my youngest goes back on 2nd sept and my eldest going back 3rd whats the point of going back on a friday. I cant see how four terms would work as they are only at school for 6 weeks and then have a half term.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

or just make summer hols shorter and let the parents have spare time

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

Teachers are NOT the parents.

The parents are and as such, it is the parents responsibility to raise them and keep them amused during the holidays, teach them right from wrong, and at the end of the day...... they are YOUR responsibility.

All I see at the moment is alot of parents whining that they've had enough of their kids and they need to go back to school, under the care of someone else.

I've had 3 children, I was a single mum from much of it but I loved having my kids at home..................!

I NEVER treated teachers as my babysitters!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Teachers are NOT the parents.

All I see at the moment is alot of parents whining that they've had enough of their kids and they need to go back to school, under the care of someone else.

I've had 3 children, I was a single mum from much of it but I loved having my kids at home..................!

I NEVER treated teachers as my babysitters!"

I NEVER said that teachers are baby sitters just that the holidays are too long and the kids are bored therefore they are driving me nuts. We have dont the picnics and the trips out and the sewing the baking the playdough the building the gardening the museums and just about everything else I can think of and they are still bored. I am lucky enough that my kids love school and want to go back to school

I am also a self employed single parent who chose a job that meant I could work around my kids and be home when they needed me. How dare you imply that I am trying to get rid of my kids.

It was a simple observation about spreading the holidays over the year more evenly rather than all in one go! And you cant tell me that your kids did not get on your nerves ever during the 6 weeks holiday.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"or just make summer hols shorter and let the parents have spare time"

Actually....... before you get on your high horse.....

The above quote was the one that I was annoyed with.

"Let the parents have spare time"

Parents don't get spare time until their children leave home!!!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

we were actually just trying to agree that 6 weeks off at once is too long. we have always enjoyed our days out etc during hols otherwise why would we have a third. i am sorry that the jokingly worded spare time offended you

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

Maybe I am a little sensitive.

My 3 are all grown up and have flown the nest. Believe me, I miss them every day and I wish that those days when we had nothing to do other than watch a video, colouring/painting at the table or cooking crap in the kitchen because we hadn't the money to go out or go on holidays, didn't seem so long.

Yes my kids got on my nerves at times but I never wished for the school term to start again just so I could get rid of them and 'have some peace'

I've been hearing it at work, in Tesco and now on here.

Children are a blessing and you don't realise how much you miss them until they've gone and they are spread all over the country.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Ill be glad when they go back they stop me having sex!

They never sleep and I never get time with my man

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i work in education

what makes me laugh is that people bitchthat we have all these holiday ( not realising the planning etc we do in our own time)

and then when u offer to swap job it's all " no thanks can't stand kids "

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"Ill be glad when they go back they stop me having sex!

They never sleep and I never get time with my man

You mean that Rob doesn't get any peace to watch the footie..!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

teachers are parents too...

how do you think they feel they're always around kids..lol...

but i do agree with shorter term times...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

trust me we know how you feel with eldest starting school september time with them goes too fast. and as we said by some peace we said cos our girl is so excited about being a big girl and is asking everyday when does it start bless her.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

agree with all posts in the last 5 minutes

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"teachers are parents too...

how do you think they feel they're always around kids..lol...

but i do agree with shorter term times..."

If someone chooses to be a teacher, that is THEIR choice. It's the same as my career choice...... it's heart breaking sometimes, but I CHOSE to do it.

I agree, in principal with 4 term year because it would make my life a dam sight easier trying to arrange cover in the holidays.......and I think it would make things easier for parents who do need to have set dates for child care.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time."

But over the past 3 decades, holidays have got shorter.

I remember having :

2 weeks Easter

1 week Whit-week

8 weeks summer

1 week end October

3 weeks Christmas

...... or was that just my school?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"...... or was that just my school?"

Cœlesti Luce Crescat?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"i work in education

what makes me laugh is that people bitchthat we have all these holiday ( not realising the planning etc we do in our own time)

and then when u offer to swap job it's all " no thanks can't stand kids "

I love it! I would swap with you any day. I end up working 50 plus hours 46 weeks a year.

If teaches were made to work a 39 hr week with only 30 days a year they would leave in droves.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i cant wait for the kids to go back so swinging pics up again

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"i work in education

what makes me laugh is that people bitchthat we have all these holiday ( not realising the planning etc we do in our own time)

and then when u offer to swap job it's all " no thanks can't stand kids "

I love it! I would swap with you any day. I end up working 50 plus hours 46 weeks a year.

If teaches were made to work a 39 hr week with only 30 days a year they would leave in droves."

You clearly are very ill informed.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"i work in education

what makes me laugh is that people bitchthat we have all these holiday ( not realising the planning etc we do in our own time)

and then when u offer to swap job it's all " no thanks can't stand kids "

I love it! I would swap with you any day. I end up working 50 plus hours 46 weeks a year.

If teaches were made to work a 39 hr week with only 30 days a year they would leave in droves."

Thats unfair.

I know alot of teachers who work a dam sight more than a 39 hour week and spend most of their holidays doing extra ciricular activities, lesson plans, training etc...... and I tell you what, I wouldn't swap with them for the world.

They do a stirling job, with far too much bureauracy and red tape .....

And to be honest, I quite often work a 70+ hour week and only take a couple of weeks off per year.

At least you get 6 weeks holiday!!!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time."

Women have always worked. Always.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

lets hear it for the TAs...

they work just as hard...

they dont actually get paid for the summer hols, but get salaried instead...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And yes I am talking paid employment.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"lets hear it for the TAs...

they work just as hard...

they dont actually get paid for the summer hols, but get salaried instead..."

I agree........

And a cheer for the soldiers in theatre at the moment, working god knows how many hours per tour!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Madchick u have my full agreement

as a TA and former Soldier both get little recognition

I work supply so if i don't work i don't get paid but thats life x

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time.

Women have always worked. Always. "

But in a lot of cases women only worked until they married and, in some instances, a woman was obliged to give up paid employment on marriage.

There's no question that the work they did after marriage was just as important as before - perhaps even more so - but it meant that arranging childcare wasn't the issue it is now.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time.

Women have always worked. Always.

But in a lot of cases women only worked until they married and, in some instances, a woman was obliged to give up paid employment on marriage.

There's no question that the work they did after marriage was just as important as before - perhaps even more so - but it meant that arranging childcare wasn't the issue it is now."

Check your historian. Women have never been out of paid employment - just out of the history books and statistics. Read relevant modern history , preferably by female authors for information on women.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay "

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment. "

What kid of 'non state employment.' ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment.

What kid of 'non state employment.' ? "

I know Gordie Brown tried to get everyone working for the state but there are some still some private employers. What about a science teacher working for a chemical manufacturer?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment.

What kid of 'non state employment.' ?

I know Gordie Brown tried to get everyone working for the state but there are some still some private employers. What about a science teacher working for a chemical manufacturer?"

You tell me why they shouldn't.

I am assuming you are well informed regarding educational policies or else you wouldn't comment obviously.

I am also assuming that you know what constitues any job in education and of course what working for chemical manufacturer entails.

Otherwise your words will be meaningless.

So please - Why shouldn't a teacher work for a chemical manufacturer ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think the problem stems from the fact that the 3 term year and long summer break was invented when there were fewer single parents and very little female employment.

Now we have a lot more single parents - mostly women - and many of them work, even if only part-time.

Women have always worked. Always.

But in a lot of cases women only worked until they married and, in some instances, a woman was obliged to give up paid employment on marriage.

There's no question that the work they did after marriage was just as important as before - perhaps even more so - but it meant that arranging childcare wasn't the issue it is now.

My information has nothing to do with books. This has been the situation in my own family and community, although I accept it's changed more recently. My late mother, my aunts and many of my schoolmates mothers worked until they married and not after unless, like my own mother, they were widowed at a young age.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It is a very common misconception that teachers have exactly the same holidays as the kids. They don't. They have to work planning for the new school year, keeping up to date with curriculum changes (I know one teacher who was sent over 1,000 documents in the summer 'holidays' that he had to read, digest and then incorporate into his planning.

Then there are those who take groups of kids on activity weeks during the summer - and I'm sure they have fun, but they still have to look after 30-60 rampant kids left off the leash.

I wouldn't be a teacher for all the tea in China but I appreciate those that do do it, and often get no thanks for it too.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment.

What kid of 'non state employment.' ?

I know Gordie Brown tried to get everyone working for the state but there are some still some private employers. What about a science teacher working for a chemical manufacturer?

You tell me why they shouldn't.

I am assuming you are well informed regarding educational policies or else you wouldn't comment obviously.

I am also assuming that you know what constitues any job in education and of course what working for chemical manufacturer entails.

Otherwise your words will be meaningless.

So please - Why shouldn't a teacher work for a chemical manufacturer ?"

Well on this area i do know a fair amout about employers in the chemical fields so meaningless comment is not. Many teachers would struggle with technical competence.

Why are you an employment specialist? If your not maybe your reply to me is meaningless if you have no knowledge of employing individuals.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd give them 5 weeks off per year - same as the rest of us

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"lets hear it for the TAs...

they work just as hard...

they dont actually get paid for the summer hols, but get salaried instead...

I agree........

And a cheer for the soldiers in theatre at the moment, working god knows how many hours per tour!"

I think she meant teachers assistants not the Territorial Army, but maybe I read it weong ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Teaching can't be such a bad job. Students are queuing to do teacher training and the press is full of tales of teachers retiring on the last day of the summer term (on full pension) only to return on the first day of the autumn term on long-term supply contracts.

At the same time the output of teacher training colleges can't find work - depite the promised cut in class sizes.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"one of very few

not all teachers join for the holidays and as long a the pay was comparable then i think u would be suprised how many would stay

Probably not as they all have bills to pay but how many would cut it in the outside world of non state employment.

What kid of 'non state employment.' ?

I know Gordie Brown tried to get everyone working for the state but there are some still some private employers. What about a science teacher working for a chemical manufacturer?

You tell me why they shouldn't.

I am assuming you are well informed regarding educational policies or else you wouldn't comment obviously.

I am also assuming that you know what constitues any job in education and of course what working for chemical manufacturer entails.

Otherwise your words will be meaningless.

So please - Why shouldn't a teacher work for a chemical manufacturer ?

Well on this area i do know a fair amout about employers in the chemical fields so meaningless comment is not. Many teachers would struggle with technical competence.

Why are you an employment specialist? If your not maybe your reply to me is meaningless if you have no knowledge of employing individuals. "

Why would many teachers struggle with technical competence - Dr.Rock ?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"lets hear it for the TAs...

they work just as hard...

they dont actually get paid for the summer hols, but get salaried instead...

I agree........

And a cheer for the soldiers in theatre at the moment, working god knows how many hours per tour!

I think she meant teachers assistants not the Territorial Army, but maybe I read it weong ?"

I took it to mean teaching assistants too but only because I heard a BBC news item tonight about Inversnaid Primary School near Loch Lomond with two pupils, a headmistress and a teaching assistant and a janny at a total cost of £104,000 per annum. the headmistress is the mother of the two pupils.

Does she really need a teaching assistant for two pupils - her own kids?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We dont have kids and we *are* looking forward to them going back to school.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 27/08/10 20:45:06]

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We dont have kids and we *are* looking forward to them going back to school."

Only one problem .... all the namby pamby parents doing 'the school run' in their 4x4's and Volvos, in case their little darlings get cold or wet and end up with a sniffle, choking up the bloody roads again twice daily.

Let the little sods walk - it did me no harm at all

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i think my kids school summer of 6.5 weeks is too long my eldest cant wait to get back hes so board and thats with summer activities homework and holiday away

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What about opening schools over the holdays with qualified but as yet unemployed teachers as tutors.? It'd be good for the kids and good experience for the tutors.

It should be arranged so it doesn't affect any benefits the tutors get and it should count in their favour when applying for jobs.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well...I'm glad the kids are home with their parents and not annoying me on the trains in the morning. I can cross the roads with ease...aaaaaah bliss!!

That's right I said it.

Downside you can't move in the shops because of them: oh well, one can't have everything!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

"Well...I'm glad the kids are home with their parents and not annoying me on the trains in the morning. I can cross the roads with ease...aaaaaah bliss!!

That's right I said it.

Downside you can't move in the shops because of them: oh well, one can't have everything!

I can get to work in 7 minutes flat, not the usual 1/2 hour plus, whilst dicing with the idiots in the 4x4, combing their hair, talking on the phone and turning round, whilst driving, to answer their prissy little princes and princesses about whether or not they've got their books, lunch or plimsoles.

I walked 3 miles to school everyday, with my mum until I was 9, when I walked 1 mile to school with friends, and then, at 13 walked 3 miles (up hill) to school, everyday, come rain or fricking snow......(ok, I cheated, I got the tube in crap weather)

It never did me any harm and I lived in the middle of London

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

And by the way.......

All my kids walked to school...... unless they boarded (and that was only because we were living out of the country)

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What tickles me is that some people struggle keeping their children entertained during summer holiday's. Just think about all the weeks in schools, where everyday from 9-3 (depending on year of class) the same children have to be entertained, kept from boredom, as well as being educated. Now with the foundation phase in practice in Wales, it's even more vital that the lessons are practical and most importantly fun for the children. Also, this is entertaining approx 30 children, whilst also on a limited budget...

Don't you just love teaching

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sorry to have taken so long to find this. I had a notion something like this situation existed but couldn't stand it up.

Now, from today's Glasgow Herald, I note (about Scotland's teachers) "Under the McCrone arrangement, teachers work a 35-hour week, but only 22.5 hours are spent teaching, with the rest protected time to allow them to prepare for lessons rather than having to do the work at home."

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"or just make summer hols shorter and let the parents have spare time

Actually....... before you get on your high horse.....

The above quote was the one that I was annoyed with.

"Let the parents have spare time"

Parents don't get spare time until their children leave home!!!"

never a truer word spoken lol

To be honest i dont mind the holidays, i work nights so not having to stay up and take the nipper to school then having to get up and fetch her is a real help for me

They do get bored granted but i dont take much to amuse kids

We just eating a lot of rice crispy cakes at the mo lmao

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There are a lot of free or cheap activites out there you just need to know where to look granted the free swimming has finished but we have all the local parks central park have fam fun days and picnics, local museums tend to have work shops in the holidays my local community/church group had a trip to hunstanton and all I had to pay was a fiver towards the coach and the adult education centre offer days out for free or at a discount and they are worth checking out hope this helps. And yes I have enjoyed the holidays with the kids.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

wow, this threads opened up a few lively debates!

Answering the OP's question (novel, perhaps), I've just 'released' a child into the system and I'm amazed at the fact they virtually have the whole of April of next year and then break up for summer in June. There is only one month where they don't have leave or the teachers have what is called an 'in-service' day. Doing all the things that others seem to have relayed gets done in their own time.

It's difficult for a parent to plan carers. I dont live near family and dont even have the support of their dad, I do have an employer who is tolerant, but there are other people with children so why should I be allowed to take all the leave and not them....besides, I don't have enough leave to compensate the school year, even given my generous 30 day allowance.

Splitting the year into 4 terms would neither help nor hinder me, the time of is still that, time off. I would still need to find carers.

It is harder for parents to keep the kids occupied. It's not like when I was a kid and the parents would open the door at 8am and expect you back some time close to bed-time. you can't do that. and, unlike a school, i dont have the benefit of a few hundred kids hanging around my garden to help keep their minds fed in a way that would satisfy them...kids want to be with other kids, not their uncool parents.

i do respect my time with the children and know childhood is swift, i do also respect myself and know that no man/woman is a mountain and it is impossible to keep the momentum 24/7....it's not unselfish for a parent to expect some 'me' time, it's an absolute necessity!

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Why do children these days need/demand to be entertained so much?

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Why do children these days need/demand to be entertained so much?"

because they are sponges and are constantly absorbing and learning. it's always been so, not just these days.

just that parents no longer feel confident or comfortable enough to let them go out and find their own adventures, i think soham put an end to that.

we're scared of letting our children go, of what will happen to them. i rarely see streets full of young children out playing any more

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread