JLFS

I wo uld say for a kid to be fluent up to the level of a 14 year old and be able to understand all the classwork after a couple of years would be really pushing it.

People talk about kids being put under pressure with exams in their own country but in a foreign language..................a lot worse.

lynnxa

yes, I don't think anyone would disagree - not anyone with an ounce of common sense, anyway - least of all the OP who will be sending her child to International school..................

HBG

I was that kid, albeit a year younger, although there were no international schools where I was. I had three years of absolute hell, which will never fade from my memory, although eventually I did rather well, but entirely through my own efforts.

But again, we are all different and so are our children. And we all have our own reasons for taking such a drastic step.

lynnxa

yes, I've known quite a few who have started at Spanish school at that sort of age - it's a HUGE struggle - but one or two have made a success of things

jojojojojo

I just cant understand why anyone would do it??? For the sunshine?? For the experience?? Neither is going to help with a childs education - even if you dont believe in exams etc. To deprive a child of them is closing doors and causing problems later on - and for what - to be able to speak Spanish NOT even fluently????

Jo xxx

VivaJavea

I can't imagine how hard it would be for a secondary school age child to attend a school and not speak the language. School is hard enough as it is without not understanding the language, let alone new friends skills etc etc
It happens a lot in London.
Anyway I think we are all agreed on some aspects of educating kids. ( or not)
I'm sure HBGs parents had their reasons and we are not here to judge are we now!

cricketman

Yes but the parents in London are normally coming from war torn or poverty striken countries. The lives of their children will most probably be better as the result of moving to London

They aren't coming for a sun tan!

VivaJavea

For sure some are but defiantly not all.
Economic reasons, NHS Benefits a myriad of reasons.
It's a real issue in parts of London for an already squeezed education system.
I don't think people would be so shallow to move anywhere for a suntan!
Although I hear the sun is shining in London right now.

jojojojojo

As long as you have money behind you, can satisfy the authorities of an income and healthcare provision, then I guess you'll be fine. Exam results arent the "be-all-and-end-all" I guess. But be prepared, living in Spain isnt easy


jo xxx

VivaJavea

I am a great believer in giving children "choices"
From an early age she makes choices in what she wants for example....

If you don't do this homework then you won't see your friends on Friday

The choice is yours honey no chores,no pocket money and on it goes....
I will support you in whatever you choose to do if you want to flip burgers let it be because that is your choice, not because you have no choice.
I spend my life making up choices for her!
Again I just have to say one more time , we have done a lot of research, insofar as possible we have spent time here, visited schools etc etc
You need private healthcare/proof of income for nie, international schools are not free rent bills etc etc trust me I have done the research/ Maths

Anyway when I have found my feet a bit (and fluent in spanish)I plan to start a little business here, so I hope to create employment as well.
Again I have done research..............

jojojojojo

I dont disagree with the choices thing, altho I call it consequences for actions! However, having had five children, the eldest being 29, I do know that childrens choices arent geared for the long term. Thats why they have parents - to guide them and make sure they have the best possible choices when they're grown up!!! I always say, every failed exam is a door closing

Jo xxx

cricketman

As long as you have the money then sure, why not

With 3k euros after tax each month you could live well and pay the school fees. You are lucky to have such an income without having to work!

VivaJavea

Yes!!!!! Actions and consequences....

Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!
Children are so much more aware of life and possibilities than I ever was,
If you want the nice place to live, lifestyle clothes etc you have to work for it and make the choice to work hard and you can do anything you want to do.
I say exams are easy as the great thing for you is they give you all the answers at school!
But really at the end of it you just do the best you can for them and they make the choice( arghh that word!)
I have a friend in London whose 3 kids went to the worst failing school in London
(I won't name it) and 2 of them went to Oxford and they all had a string of A levels at top grades.
Anyway all we can do is help and support and guide the little darlings in the right direction and the rest is up to them.

VivaJavea

Who says I don't work?
But I am lucky, to be here by the pool with a glass of cava......

JLFS

Good point about moving to the UK, it is done for different reasons, ie escaping poverty war etc, not in search of the sun and sangria.

The opposite moving to Spain, usualy worse financial situation and job prospects.

Guatamala....Guatapeor......springs to mind.