I would like to say that I found sajo’s comments regarding Asian families highly offensive.
I am Asian, and I can tell you this, most Asians hate that type of ignorant stereotyping that says we all place a high priority on education or are good at school. It is just as racist as any vilifying comment.
And what’s the big deal about living in a middle class community? That is a very elitist attitude to have.
There are some very self righteous comments being made here, but they are not coming from the homeschoolers. Do homeschoolers often have to face bigotry like this?

To Sajo,
As a long term home educating parent I sigh with resignation when I read comments (yet again) about 'the real world' or 'socialisation' and all the other ill-informed comments made by people ignorant of what home education is for the families that choose the lifestyle. I agree with Carol G's comments on your last contribution.

I have a suspicion, Sajo, that many of your comments are in the form of being the Devil's Advocate. The quality of the responses on this forum has been interesting and insightful and I am sure your many contributions have encouraged people to respond, just as I am doing now.

My sympathy goes to the parents struggling with finding the right school for their child/ren. I agree with the many remarks that suggest self confidence as being more important than a degree for a home educating parent. I have a teaching qualification but it was more about traffic/group control and filling in paperwork and less about self determination, self confidence and a love of learning.

On the topic of bullying: I have been reading "Nineteen Eighty-Four' again and I am finding it singularly depressing. It is 56 years since it was written and it is still so relevant, and that is really sad. Orwell recognised apathy and fear as contributing to the plight of the people in his story and this forum has recognised many examples of apathy and a refusal to be involved (through fear) as contributing to the ongoing problem of bullying in schools.

I am disappointed but not surprised that our State Labour Government is trying to stifle home education. It has been a long term policy of the Education Department, or at least the office in my district, to miss-inform parents (via the schools) about their options regarding home education and thereby limiting parents’ choices for their children’s education.

When I approached (before Christmas) my local member (Labour candidate) about the proposed changes he was unaware of the proposal. He promised to get back to me on the subject. I am still waiting...

MA Allen - "I have a suspicion, Sajo, that many of your comments are in the form of being the Devil's Advocate. The quality of the responses on this forum has been interesting and insightful and I am sure your many contributions have encouraged people to respond, just as I am doing now".

Oh well I have been discovered. I always loved a good argument and thought this issue was well worth discussing. I really have nothing against homeschooling and can see many of its merits. I was mainly interested in the bullying aspect in this forum so am a little disappointed that it wasn't addressed further. However it has been interesting to hear some of peoples experiences with homeschooling. I hope that we have managed to increase awarenes of both bullying and the homeschooling option. It has made me think more about the advantages of schools and group education though and I am more convinced that the school system is best for the majority. I don't believe that children are any better educated at home or that they have more freedom to achieve their desires - quite the opposite in fact as parents have more control over what their children are exposed to. School is more structured and children have to take turns and interact in group situations which is good practice for adulthood. But there I go again stirring the pot. However it should always be a personal choice and I hope that the regulations do not become too limiting.
Thanks everyone and good luck to those who have asked for help.

Maya - it may well be stereotyping but it is not racist. I apologise if you have taken offense - none intended. I was trying to identify to Jolanda what attributes of a particular school contributed to its success. Nothing more, nothing less.

Lyn. You must be so proud of your sons. You would agree however that your children are not average children? Not many children are born with the intellectual potential and self motivation to reach the levels that your children are reaching whilst just being watched. Not all parents are able to provide an “optimal learning environment” at home. What we need to find is the best fit to provide for the differing needs of the individual children and families. There is no real right way or wrong way to Educate – just different ways.

My children are highly intellectually gifted. My husband and I are not highly educated, both leaving school age 14. We cannot provide the supportive educational learning environment that you have provided for your children. We cannot afford to pay to fill our gaps as the gaps are too far and wide and I cannot pretend that I am interested in subjects that I am not for 13 years x 4. My children don’t have passions, they can excel in everything and they don’t know what they want to do, they need direction, encouragement and guidance. My family needs the support of the schools to educate our children!.

There is nothing wrong with the concept of school. My kids love being students, they just don’t like what has been allowed to happen in our schools and believe that we need to raise the standards ethically, socially and educationally. Not to mention hygienically. Not all students benefit from being homeschooled as some love being independent and they enjoy and need their time away from home.

My kids have always chosen to stand up for their rights and to fight for justice and change in the Education system and although they have been through hell because they have been outspoken - they continue to choose to push for change for the sake of all children.

I too am so proud of my children because I know that their choices haven’t been easy! It isn’t easy to stand up to bullies.

Maya. I understand your sensitivity in relation to some people's attitude to learning and Asians, as some accuse Asians of pushing their children too much and of course there are always some that do. That happens to different degrees in all cultures. Other cultures dont push their chidren enough! The majority always seem to have to pay the price for the minority - unfortunately.

However, I believe that Asians are just smart enough and strong enough to stand above all the critisism and gossip in relation to the education of their children. They support each other. They want to succeed, are hard working and ambitious and they are not going to sit and wait. The benefits are easy to see and other cultures would be wise to take note.

We should learn from the Asians, as children need a focus and they need to be encouraged (sometimes even pushed) as otherwise they will find their own focus and that usually leads to trouble. Best if the focus is their studies as that will prepare them better for their future.

I thought sajo was complimenting Asians.