Hello survivors,

I have always thought that the first way of developing talent or individual gifts is through education. By this I don't mean private education. But some form of external educational programme that could be entered either before school leaving age or as a mature adult.

I have also thought that in relation to music ,for those who have a proven leaning in a musical genre (genre being type;- i,e musical theatre, jazz) that this should be sponsored by local government and education Departments. What do you feel is an appropriate means of development and measure of success? :smartie:

Hello survivors,

I have always thought that the first way of developing talent or individual gifts is through education. By this I don't mean private education. But some form of external educational programme that could be entered either before school leaving age or as a mature adult.

My children are both musical and we pay for lessons which they take at their school. We are happy enough with that arrangement. Of course we would prefer it if the school provided these lessons free as part of the curriculum but we accept that we have to pay.

NA - hi btw!:bye:

I would love to see different genres of 'extra curriculum' subjects offered on a free and come as you please basis. I would love to see them extend into the countryside as well - but this doesn't happen.

We have to pay for everything, music lessons. ballet lessons, football training, rugby training and horse-riding lessons.

I pay for a night class for the ECDL for me. [no talent I am afraid - a hard slog!!]

If my children had a talent for anything we would have to pay - unless they proved themselves to be exceptional, in which case there is a local Trust set up by a former landowner managed by the National Trust who we could apply to for a bursary!!

My children are both musical and we pay for lessons which they take at their school. We are happy enough with that arrangement. Of course we would prefer it if the school provided these lessons free as part of the curriculum but we accept that we have to pay.

My daughter plays the clarinet at school, and the lessons are free, she also has the use of the clarinet, i think it's awful that you have to pay.

I am not sure if we have to pay for music lessons - I know that in Primary 4 you are given the chance to play an instrument and that the school provide lessons but obviously if you want private lessons then you will have to stump up. I do pay for extra after-school French lessons for my daughter.

Some children just are not and are never going to be academically clever but they could be brilliant at something else such as drama or music but if you wanted to go down that route you have to pay. I do know that some schools are recognising this and are offering vocational studies which to me is a great idea. There is no point pushing someone to study maths if they just can't do it but they could be fantastic at something like pottery. I am not saying that we should ditch the academical skills because they are obviously needed but I do think it is sad that people are judged sometimes on how many highers etc that they have.

Music lessons are not provided free here in West Sussex, I had to pay for my eldest son to have his drum lessons whilst he was at school. Unfortunately I know of a few children with a natural talent that is not being nurtured because their parent/s can't afford the lessons.

Music lessons are free here, as long as you are on benefits. :glare: Otherwise it's big money.

The system seems bizarre. My friend's youngest is somewhere on the autistic spectrum. She struggles to grasp basic 'academic' concepts and would be adead cert for a lifetime of unemployment and state support were it not for her outstanding ability in dance.

Is this recognised by the educational system. Is it heck. Her last school was even sniffy at her having time off to perform when she was asked to be part of The Lion King in the West End.

Fortunately she has now been statemented and the headmistress of her new school is ensuring she gets whatever she needs to help her chances of having a career. Unfortunately she is unable to provide financial support, so her lessons have to be paid for.

It seems crazy that my friend can't even organise a student loan - which she would of course be able to do if the child went on to University.

I am not on benefits and i don't pay, it is sad that some parents whose children are musical can't afford to pay for lessons for them. they should be free! My daughter is going on a musical weekend in November, it is run by the council and that does cost £57 which is not expensive, they put on a concert for all the mums and dads on the last day and i get so proud watching my daughter up there playing her clarinet, my head swells :blush: with pride!

My children are both musical and we pay for lessons which they take at their school. We are happy enough with that arrangement. Of course we would prefer it if the school provided these lessons free as part of the curriculum but we accept that we have to pay.


To enable talented children to progress forward, education upto the age of 16 is supposed to be free. I have read that children who are not given all of their choices at 13 in one school can opt to take them at another close by if space is available. But they remain a pupil at there first option school.This might be worth checking out with your local authority.

If this is true for your region it could save you on a few years of private tuition fees.

The system seems bizarre. My friend's youngest is somewhere on the autistic spectrum. She struggles to grasp basic 'academic' concepts and would be adead cert for a lifetime of unemployment and state support were it not for her outstanding ability in dance.

Is this recognised by the educational system. Is it heck. Her last school was even sniffy at her having time off to perform when she was asked to be part of The Lion King in the West End.

Fortunately she has now been statemented and the headmistress of her new school is ensuring she gets whatever she needs to help her chances of having a career. Unfortunately she is unable to provide financial support, so her lessons have to be paid for.

It seems crazy that my friend can't even organise a student loan - which she would of course be able to do if the child went on to University.

I have a friend who is autistic, and whilst Iknow there are varying degrees to the condition, he is a vey talented musician.

Your friend's daughter could be entitled to a number of grants or sponsorships arranged through the princes trust or one of the arts councils of great britain. I hope that she succeeds and that she has a good career from her efforts.

I am not sure if we have to pay for music lessons - I know that in Primary 4 you are given the chance to play an instrument and that the school provide lessons but obviously if you want private lessons then you will have to stump up. I do pay for extra after-school French lessons for my daughter.

Some children just are not and are never going to be academically clever but they could be brilliant at something else such as drama or music but if you wanted to go down that route you have to pay. I do know that some schools are recognising this and are offering vocational studies which to me is a great idea. There is no point pushing someone to study maths if they just can't do it but they could be fantastic at something like pottery. I am not saying that we should ditch the academical skills because they are obviously needed but I do think it is sad that people are judged sometimes on how many highers etc that they have.

Hello Bella the sparkly Dubliner.

Ireland has some excellent results from within the education system all round.
But I do agree with you that there seems to be no point in forcing people to take academic subjects if they aren't going to be high achievers, but equally agree that practical subjects in some ways, not just in the arts could be more beneficial. Additionally, I think careers guidance counsellors should look at the broader range of career options for those with practical talents as opposed to the lower end career prospects where academics are best suited.

Permanent government training schemes are just not good enough in the long run as real job prospects at the end are nil.

Good luck to your daughter with her french studies.