Cyprus-Forum.com

[purdey]

Extra classes in the afternoon after school.My friend spent £12.000 extra on lessons after school for his 4 kids.All four are now in the UK at University.Regarding more repect for teachers it may be the case in 2008 but it was not always the case.Cypriots were having to spend extra money out of school to bring kids up to expected standard (public School).

[suzie-q]

Teachers are better respected here in Cyprus Phoenix.
I am not sure if the parents have time though to participate with lessons outside school time as times have changed and both mum and dad are usually working.
I don't know if you have noticed but there is a weight problem with a lot of children in Cyprus ( I will not even mention the UK) lol. The kids don't do enough P.E. at school and they don"t have any time for dance or sports in the afternoon as they are going to academic lessons to keep up with the neighbours kids. lol.

[webbo]

The British pawn off their kids to strangers to educate them.

They think education can only be achieved in a classroom.

Do I detect 'tit for tat'?

May I ask if you personally know all your sons teachers? Did your parents know your teachers when you were at school?
We all know that education is not just in the classroom, but thank you for youri'insight'

You really should think before you write such generalised and rubbish statements.

Take a leaf out of Lena' book gori - she had the decency to inform me the importance and relevance of today. You - well, it appears 'any excuse to slag off the British'.......................................

Bubbles x

Why do you take everything so personally?

..... I knew all the teachers at the school personally, not just my son's ... and I volunteered at the school to help the teachers with their duties. I raised funds for the school and conducted science fairs for fun etc.

Is that enough information for you?

Personally you ask? You trying to tell me it was not aimed at me or the British (which I am and proud of it too)
Did you know all the teachers at your sons school before he started, or were they in fact 'strangers'? Let's face it Phoenix, we all send our kids off to school to perfect strangers. That was my point, which sadly you missed!

By the end of the first term we all knew the teachers on a personal level. My sons' nursery used to organise a brilliant Christmas party each year which I was still attending many years after my sons left!

A number of dedicated mums (and some dads - but remember they tend to be the bread winner) volunteered their services to the schools back home. This was the norm. I used to go in 2 or 3 times a week and help the little ones with their reading and writing! We also used to help at the Christmas fete, the summer fete, sports day, the Christmas play etc etc. Not sure if they do that here (I know they do in the privately run nurseries etc as my friend helps out) It is very rewarding, that much I do know!

Bubbles x

If you notice above, I stated two points as opinions ... they were not aimed at you or the British or the Cypriots. Two isolated points which came to mind from the thread topic.... Left hanging for someone to add their opinion to.

That did not mean you personally Bubbles ... no problem with you or anyone dissecting the opinions ... quite happy with that ... but it is unfortunate when someone, for no apparent reason, decides it is aimed at them, when they were not mentioned /quoted, and then proceeds to tell me off or tell me how I should have better addressed them instead. Having stated my case (more for future ref.) I will continue with the discussion:

Bubbles, I think you have missed the main point.

I do not assume that anyone can effectively know another person in terms of allowing complete trust with their child's welfare .... although we deliberately chose a school open enough for us to get to know the teachers in the year prior to nursery entry and easy parental access subsequently.

No ..... the general point I was making is that the cultural norm in the UK (less so in Scotland) is that the school is the place to administer education and parental input towards a child's education, beyond that, is minimal. The school is too frequently used as a dumping ground so that the parents can continue their jobs / careers.

The school is expected to gear the kids towards exams and in fact the exam league tables take on an unhealthy perspective.

The cultural norm in Cyprus seems to be that the parents take a very active interest in the education of their children and have high expectations of the schools. They do not seem to just settle for good exam results.

Sorry but not buying your story Phoenix. It sure felt like a personal attack and nothing will convince me otherwise.
Not sure where you lived in the UK - possibly Scotland, but what you have just spurted was never the norm in my area!

Bubbles x

[IcyNoAngel]

Why do you need these classes? Kids cannot study home on their own? (you know, it's called HOMEWORK).
Weird indeed.

[purdey]

Some kids need a little help.It is a good thing Cypriots realise the importance of education.