My family are now looking at schools for my
grandchildren. Once again, the discussion has
arisen - private versus public. Of course it is
their choice - but I was wondering what would your
choices be - if it was up to you?

There are so many myths and misinformation about both
systems. It would help to hear your views on the subject.

I don't think there is much choice today, unless the parents are lucky enough, or planned it so they are in the catchment of one of the few special high achievement government schools worthy of the name of school.

I got a fantastic last 4 years of my school education in a government high school in a minor country NSW town. It was good enough to allow me to get an industry scholarship for a B Sc. Those were the days of externally set & marked matriculation exams.

My eldest daughter had to attend Math C & Physics coaching every Saturday during year 12 at the Queensland University of Technology as the only teacher in a 1600 kid high school who could do the math, [let alone teach it], was a union rep & rarely at the school teaching anything. Although I could coach her, my methods were not politically correct to the incompetent bunch pretending to do the job.

My grand kids are all costing a bomb at private schools where the teaching is adequate, & the lefty ratbagery is somewhat less.

From what I see of Victoria from this distance, if they are there, it would be essential to avoid the government run schools, particularly in Melbourne & larger cities.

A friend, ex government school teacher, is running remedial math courses for kids doing TAFE trade courses. Kids out of year 12 today do not have the math to handle the math that 15 year olds out of year 10 had 20 years ago here in Qld. A Gold Coast university has asked hid to do some for them, as they do not have the time to do it for most of their students doing any serious subject.

Let's leave it to the kid's parents to make the decision. It's not up to granny, nor a bunch of unqualified, unknowns online.

I did make it clear, (or so I thought) that of course it
is the parents choice (and right) to select their children's
schools. I just wanted to hear the views of others on this
forum - for my own benefit - so that I could weigh things up
and look at things from a variety of perspectives. -
This subject is bound to come up for discussion within our family.
And I wanted to have a broader view. And, granny or not,
I am entitled to an opinion - aren't I - ttbn?
Just as you are talking to strangers on this forum - right?

Hi Hasbeen,

I think they've decided on private schools.
I suspect they've chosen a religious one.
From what I can gather - they feel that
public education is underfunded, has bigger class
sizes, and has a less flexible curriculum to name just
a few things they feel aren't up to par.

I'm concerned that the private education system has less
diversity - and I am worried about the bullying that
often happens in private schools.

The discussion is bound to come up, you think. Is it? I think granny will be miffed if it doesn't. Heaven forbid that your offspring and his or her spouse decide that it is none of granny's business. Of course you are entitled to an opinion, but when it comes to young parents and their kids, it is a good idea to keep your opinions to yourself. There is nothing worse than an interfering parent or parent inlaw.

But, hang on: you are all over the shop. In your response to Hasbeen you "think they've decided on private schools".

Whoops. No discussion after all. Granny got left out. Now she is "concerned that the private education system has less
diversity". So much more important than actual education! And the "bullying that often happens in private schools". (As opposed to those very genteel state schools). Give us a break!

Three cheers for your son/daughter and spouse! They don't think the way you do. Better still, they didn't consult the interfering granny.