Originally Posted by woodsey

Be thankful she has the opportunity to be held back, back home she'd be moved up whether she was ready or not, at least in this country they do actually care about your childs ability and how well they are doing.
How kids in England could benefit from summer school.....

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

This brings me to Calle's post. I certainly wish you the best on your endeavour back to your "home" land. But, don't naively think that your kids won't run into huge hurdles in school there, especially if they are older.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

This brings me to Calle's post. I certainly wish you the best on your endeavour back to your "home" land. But, don't naively think that your kids won't run into huge hurdles in school there, especially if they are older.

Originally Posted by Miserable in America

Hi, no we have not made any definite plans yet, but as far as I am concerned the sooner we go home the better. After our daughter has spent the last few months in school and struggling with the work, she failed the FCAT miserably, which means that she will be held back a year and it was advised that she go to summer camp. I spoke to her teacher and it now turns out that she was put in the wrong grade!!!! She was put in 3rd grade but she should have been in 2nd. I hold the school responsible for this as neither her records or birth certificate were checked when we enroled her. I told the teacher that she will not be going to summer camp as I want my daughter to enjoy her childhood, not have her nose stuck in a book for a further 5 hours a day for 6 weeks. Surprisingly, the teacher agreed with me. This has made me more determined to go home now. I do not want my daughter to go through this. She has now missed a year because of an administration c@@k up . I am concidering putting in a formal complaint, but it wouldn't do any good and it wouldn't help my daughter regain the year she has missed. Sorry for moaning but this has really added more fuel to the fire that is already raging.

I hope all goes well for you when you return home in Octobe.

Originally Posted by Miserable in America

She will be doing 3rd grade again. What I am annoyed about is that had she been put in 2nd grade from the start then that would have prepared her better for the FCAT that the kids take in 3rd grade. Plus what she would have learnt in 2nd grade she has missed, I know that doing 3rd grade again will be good for her but it is the principal of the matter. She was in 3rd grade at home so next year she would have been in 4th grade. If we do go home it means that she will be a year behind there as well now.

Originally Posted by callé

Its only been in the last few years as my youngest is now 14, that my husband and children came to me and said they are ready and willing to try life outside the US. In fact I first suggested Australia as sort of a middle ground, But my son said 'Why?, We have family in the UK and you always say you wish you could go back'. So, I'm headed home and yes I still get scared to death that maybe they wont like it or they will have a hard time adjusting to a different education system. But I will do everything in my power to see to it they they do alright and continue their education. They are excited about it and since they are dual citizens I dont think I am taking them away from their home... only showing them their 'other' home.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBride

On another note, the grades are different in the UK where kids start school earlier. My son is in 3rd grade here but would be in 4th grade if we were to return to the UK. They are still being taught at the same level, that of a 9 year old.

Originally Posted by DonnaElvira

Rete, I do think that this is a nasty gibe at all those of us who have taken our children with us to another country.

Very few parents will take such a monumental step without taking their children's needs into consideration. But with all best intentions, and even if, objectively, the move may be in the best interest of the children, things can go pear-shaped.

Your comment was totally inappropriate and hurtful, and you should know better.

Originally Posted by snowbunny

I think kids in the UK start kindergarten in the school year *during which* they turn five, whereas kids in the US start kindergarten in the school year *following* them turning five. These days, many kids are being held back further if they have "late" birthdays -- eg kids who turn five in August but school starts in September -- so that they are even older than their UK "grade" counterparts.

Is this correct?

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBride

Yes snowbunny that's how I understand it to be. UK kindergarteners are 4 whereas in the US they are 5. And yes, some parents choose to hold back their children until they are 6.

Originally Posted by snowbunny

I think kids in the UK start kindergarten in the school year *during which* they turn five, whereas kids in the US start kindergarten in the school year *following* them turning five. These days, many kids are being held back further if they have "late" birthdays -- eg kids who turn five in August but school starts in September -- so that they are even older than their UK "grade" counterparts.

Is this correct?

Originally Posted by callé

Thanks Amerlisa. I know, I expect dififculties. I am trying to prepare the best I can. I have a cousin who teaches in six form college and an aunt who teaches as well and they are trying to help me get the schooling sorted. some decisions are never easy are they?

Originally Posted by wildmark

I'm sorry but the reasons you are wanting to quit are pathetic for the following reasons;

1. Whats wrong with believing tyou are in the best country in the world, in some ways it is...if us Brits had a bit more national pride we would perhaps get on a bit better.
2. Pledging alligence to the flag...fair comment, but the saying when in Rome comes to mind.
3. Plumbing, electricity, cell phones...WTF are you on about?
4. Drinking coffee etc whilst driving, thats done all over the world!
5. Manners - You should come back the the Uk for a little holiday, the yanks are some the friendliest people in the world.

I'm sorry for being harsh but as you have done, i have spoken my mind, the reasons you have given are very week at best, why not say that your homesick and have done with it, its not for everyone, and i'm not sure how hard you have tried to fit in but from your comments you sound very negative, did you not research these facts before you went?

Mark

PS If you are wondering how I know your negative.....I guessed it from your site name!!!!

Originally Posted by woodsey

Have to say I agree with point, 1,2,4 & 5 with regards to point 3, plumbing, everytime someone does a big shit in our loo, it blocks, Lowes don't have 3 aisles of plungers for no reason, electricity, switch the kettle on and the lights dim, for gods sake whats that all about, having a $450 a month bill doesn't help either, cell phones, never once had a conversation with someone without losing the signal..need I go on.
I have found much to my dismay, the US to be very backward in most areas compared to Europe, and I live in LA for gods sake, not the deep south..
What may seem like pathetic reasons are things that make everyday life a little bit harder, yes she is homesick but its things like this that make you homesick, thats what being homesick is...
All of the above things and a million other things irritate the shit out of me (not good when the plumbing is so crap ) some of us learn to live with them, others don't..doesn't make them pathetic.
Your experience was obviously very different and the US filled all your expectations but then again you live in Preston so I can see why..

Originally Posted by woodsey

but then again you live in Preston so I can see why..