As for the fancy maths college - it's very fancy. There is a government initiative to encourage the teaching of maths. Around the country, sixth form colleges (for students 16-18) have been set up as independent academies linked to universities (Wiki entry here). The government is throwing money at them, and there are colleges linked to places like Kings College London and the University of Liverpool. The Leeds Maths School is opening this year and bear will be one of the first pupils with a very small intake of around 80 pupils.
Bear saw an advert for it on Instagram and looked into it further. It's insanely academic, but he's used to that, and it looks like it will encourage hard work and thorough study habits, and he's used to that as well. A lot of people, I think, have been hesitant because it's new, but it's being run by the former head of the Kings College London Maths School which has been pretty successful.
It's not just the crazy amount of maths and science, but the lectures by university students and professors, fancy lecture theatres and facilities, and huge chunks of the second year being devoted to getting into a 'good' univerity. As the refurbishment of the building in the centre of Leeds isn't finished yet, the first half term will be taught at the University of Leeds. Bear is very happy at the thought of getting a chance to play in the Computer and Physics labs of a university. He is cautiously interested in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme which he has avoided so far but which is apparently almost compulsory, and the outreach. As he will be in the first year in a refurbished building on the medieval boundary of Leeds, I've insisted that he starts creating ghost stories.
Being me, I'm worrying about him. I've always been aware that he could be pushed too hard and that he could get burned out. He wants to do four A levels, but the school prefer if he could concentrate on getting the best grades of three A levels. I'm worried that he'll bite off more than he can chew and insist on the fourth A level. He's talking about studying Latin in the lunch breaks. It could go badly wrong. On the other hand, it could be an amazing opportunity. DH and I are happy to keep supporting bear with whatever is required.
About the 'not only wild but positively livid' garden, a self seeded runner bean is growing around the white roses. I may plant some deliberately next year as I think it looks beautiful.
It's a rubbish picture. I'll try and get a better one tomorrow.
Hugs and good health to all.
I'm so excited for you and bear. If I may put in my two cents (now you know why my blog is named that!) I urge you to let bear set the pace. If he thinks he can do 4 A levels, then, encourage him to do so. He sounds so much like how my daughter was and they thrive when they are challenged.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to want more than two cents - I'll take all the advice I can get from people who have been there!
DeleteEnormous congratulations to Bear. He has worked hard and deserves his success. I can understand that you're concerned about him taking on too much, but I guess that he can make decisions by himself (with your advice of course) - the important thing is that he knows that if he finds it too much down the line, he can admit as much, and you'll support that decision too. (Does that make sense?)
ReplyDeleteThank you! We've always taken bear's opinion into account, even back when he was in primary school. We listen to him for all the big decisions. Apart from anything else, he's more sensible than DH and I put together!
DeleteIf bear wants to do four A Levels, let him! If he finds that his workload is too great, he can always drop one of them! He'll probably be fine though!
ReplyDeleteOur son did 5 A Levels, Biology, Physics, English, Law, and General Studies, (GS was compulsory at his school), and at the same time did his Silver and Gold DofE Award!
He also took Latin in his lunchtimes, but he had started doing that in year eight, so was well used to missing a lunchtime every now and then.
He sang in the school choir throughout his seven years at his Grammar school, treble in years 7&8, but in year nine his voice 'broke' and he dropped straight to a bass, seemingly overnight, played Clarinet in the Orchestra, and was a valued member of the backstage crew in the Drama Society!
He was also Deputy Head Boy of his school in year 13, and seemed to thrive on the pressures all of these things placed upon him.
They'll find their own level of what they can manage, let bear try everything he wants to, he'll only have all these opportunities once! X
I am always so grateful to hear comments like this - it's so reassuring. You must be so proud of your son, that is so impressive. That sounds like he had a wonderful, rich time and you must have been a wonderful mum to give him space for that.
DeleteI make a habit of letting bear get on with things and choosing his own level. I hope that he knows that he can drop stuff and take things on as it suits him.
Your son is amazing!