how important is it to have extra activities for independent

[dreamon]

My experience:

We were worried about this aspect of the school application form as dd does not play any instrument (tried a couple and just didn't like it ), nor is she very sporty or part of any club that she can rave about (eg: chess/drama etc)

When it came to filling out the form we had to stop and think what dd does all day (because she certainly doesn't study!!).

While lots of children were handing in forms with attached A4 papers with lists of extra-curricular activities and certificates gained, we confined our list to the following:
-constantly building models and carrying out various (not very successful) experiments!
-cooking/baking and creating new 'recipes'
-gardening
-socialising
-Reading/writing stories/plays etc
-Visiting theatres/museums
-Creating treasure hunts

dd is quite academic and has been offered all the schools she sat for (except one) and won a couple of scholarships and has scored fairly highly in the state selectives!!

My point is that you have to really look at what your child enjoys and not worry too much about ensuring they 'look' right on paper. All of the independent schools commented on how 'quirky' she was and seemed to like her for it.

[tiffinboys]

Thank you dreamon. You are giving us some hope.

[readingdad1]

Dear Indiemum ,

Regarding MCS ,Magdalen this is great school and many clubs but infrastrucutre vise . it is not at par with other schools i.e habs , Abingdon .
which school will you rate better Habs or Magadalen.

[indiemom]

Dear readingdad1,

I do not know why you said that infrastructure wise MCS is inferior to Habs (sorry i have not visited Abingdon so can not comment). If you are talking of big campus with lots of green then yes Habs has advantage. Both MCS and RGS Guildford are within the town and land locked. But MCS has access to a beautiful ground through their prep school campus which is just located opposite to the road.

Coming to rating the schools, obviously if I go by league table then MCS would be my first choice. Also I found the kids of Year 7 are more like kids rather than well programmed individuals. And like you i live in Reading therefore for Habs I would have to relocate and house prices are beyond our means. So I would have chosen MCS over Habs provided if they would have qualified for both.

[readingdad1]

Thanks for your email .

We have accepted MCS offer . Even my DS got offer all the day schools wherever he applied . We decided to go for academic preference in which definately MCS is one of the best.

[indiemom]

Well done readingdad1

It's a very good school and I am sure your DS will shine there.