I think that the Government is overstepping their mark in relation to home education in Victoria. I believe that this might be happening because they are concerned by the amount of people leaving the system and taking the home education option as it makes them look bad. So in order to protect their reputation they are trying to discredit homeschoolers and make things difficult so that those that take the option risk getting ostrasized by the community and a bad reputation. It’s another form of bullying.

If the Government, who regularly fails large numbers of students without having to take any responsibility, is so worried about home schooled children, all they need to do is to make them sit the Basic skills type tests that all school children do. Then, so long as the student passes the national benchmark it should be enough. If it is enough for the kids that are in school to pass basic literacy levels standards – why not those that are homeschooled?. The benchmarks are so low that it is difficult to fail. In writing in NSW one year the national benchmark was 17 out of 65. The Education system worries about homeschoolers whilst they drop their benchmarks and standards to a level that produces illiterate students.

What parents should do, if they can, is remove their children from school if they are having a bad year/teacher or change their schools if the problem is student based. If parents refused to leave their children in environments that were detrimental to their health and development the schools would have to have a change in attitude. A bad teacher or bullying can do so much damage. Why, if you could, wouldn’t you take your child out, homeschool them for the year and then return them the next year or make changes to find a better educational fit for your child.

Oh and I also just wanted to say thanks to all of you that have commented and/or offered support and understanding.

Marnie I feel so sad for your daughter and family as I know it isn’t easy.

Okay, so I admit it, I voted Labor but if we can hold of this legislation until the next election - I can become a swing voter - unless Labor changes it's ideas on home education.

Marnie Lee, we tried homeschooling, initially for a year but that is now 7 years ago - we love it! Home education - bringing families back together!

Oops...that "of" would be "off" and "it's" would be "its". Getting a little carried away here.

We are a home schooling family. Our children were in the system for five years. Pulling them out was the best decision we made.
Bullying is rife in our school system. While this was one consideration it wasn’t the sole motive. My husband and I believe with complete certainty that it’s the best life choice for our children. The following are some reasons why: -

1. Originality and desire is never squashed; it’s always nurtured and encouraged
2. They have the freedom to become the people they want to be without conforming to those around them
3. They have the liberty to choose their friends regardless of age, gender or ethos (yes, they have many friends)
4. They can travel (Europe for two months this year)
5. They can become skilled at things that interest them i.e. French, piano, war history or cooking
6. They are free of hostility, drugs and overt sexuality
7. They can rest when they’re tired or sick, eat when they’re hungry and pee when the need arises
8. They can choose when to play with their friends and when to be alone
9. Their sibling relationship is very close

These are just a few of the reasons why we have chosen home schooling. It is a vision that we have for our children. We sacrifice for it. We do without financially at times for it. Yet the rewards are far greater than what we give up. Our 13-year-old son has been a filmmaker since he was 7. He was the youngest child to have work experience at Channel 10. He has volunteered with me on a video production for people with mental illness. He has his own business called ‘Shadowflame Designs’. He plays the drums and is at level 5 in trampoline. He has a bunch of great friends who never bully or intimidate him but let him be the amazing individual he is.
What more could you ask for? Happiness? He’s got that too.

I’m sure most of the respondents to this journal are intelligent people, fully capable of educating their children at home, with specialised outside assistance. But the question I do ask, is whether a truly balanced education, one which truly prepares a child for the rigors of adult working life, can be provided in this manner?
Many seem to realise the eventual benefits of professional secondary education. Why do so many want to write off ‘group’ education as we know it? Surely it is much better to fix the problem. Parents should be representing their concerns to the schools. Loudly. If ones child is being obviously harassed & the school denies the situation, the school is breaching its duty of care – professional misconduct. Ultimately the school principal is responsible. If bringing the problem to this level of authority provides no solution, take up the issue with the dept of education. There are responsible people within the School system, but they may take some finding.
I also ask those parents seriously considering removing their children from the school system-
What part does their own insecurities play a part in their plans for their child?
There are many other minor reasons for formal secondary education, not the least being access to formal tertiary education. I’m a qualified engineer & at 44 would have no chance at preparing my child for even yr11 higher mathematics. A computer is not enough. A good HSC result (in NSW) is essential for university entrance for the scientific professions.
I would like to hear from home educators, theoretical or practising, on how they meet the questions & challenges mentioned above..

Swilke,
Parents have been trying to change school system world-wide now for over 30 years now. They have screamed very loudly and many have spent most of their working lives trying to change it from the inside as well as outside to no avail. No-one is hearing because most of have been indoctrinated into thinking that learning only happens in schools and from school teachers in a classroom setting.
I have two sons, both in University - both home-schooled all their lives. One is midway through his Phd in Aerospace Engineering, the other almost finished an Arts degree majoring in Film Making. One of the myths surrounding home education is that the parent is the sole provider of their child’s education. In fact, it is the child that is the sole provider of his/her education. My sons were born loving space and films. I have watched them grow and teach themselves about the passions in their lives. I have watched as my older son, taught himself computer design so that he could design his own model aircraft and watched as he flew them. I then watched as he taught himself calculus and advanced math to test his theories of fight. I watched as he aced a TAFE Diploma in Aerospace and I recently watched as he won the most academically outstanding student of the year in Aerospace Engineering. I have watched both of them moved easily into tertiary study though their own efforts. I never finished high school Swilkie I don’t believe you can get a truly balanced education in schools as this is someone else’s idea of an education. The only truly balanced education is the one you give yourself. At any age!