balletboysmum

I know children at all the vocational schools, and all the things that happen in 'regular' schools occur in the vocational schools too. The tears over 'boyfriends/girlfriends', children not really wanting to be there but following their parents dreams, bullying etc. Vocational schools aren't exempt from these things. I realise that whatever choice we had made, whether to keep dancing locally or not, it is hard on everyone in the family. I believe (hope!) that it will get easier as time goes on. The children who are not at the schools through their own choice will leave. We will get used to not having our child at home. My other children will stop missing their big brother so much etc. I just feel that it is harder than I ever imagined. My sons local ballet teacher, who runs an excellent pre vocational school, did warn me! She never recommends children going away at 11, feeling that 16 is young enough. But what are we expected to do when a child is adamant, and gains a place on scholarship? I would have to be a lot tougher to refuse him the opportunity that he has been given!

Hi Tulip. Good to know that I am not the only one that feels like this!! So many people say that I should be thankful that he got a place on full scholarship etc etc. I think it is way too young to be expected to cope with all this, but I shall continue to support him (although I always remind him that he can come home at any time!!) elly - I am so envious! I would love for my son to be able to come home, even for weekends, but we are nearly 300 miles away. He does have a boy who is a day student in his year though, and he hates having to go home after supper. I guess we often want what we can't have. My son is home on half term at present, but going back just before his birthday. It will be his first away from home

Hi, this may have already been answered? 3 - 4 1/2 hours a day ballet/conditioning plus RAD on saturdays. 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours academics mon - fri (plus 2 individual music lessons per week) plus 3 evening prep sessions per week. up at 6.30 am ,classes start at 8.40 am and finish after 6 pm. That's for yr 7 at Elmhurst. The evenings when there is no prep there are rehersal classes going on. (Rather them than me!!!)

Hi, I am a newbie on here, only my 2nd post! My son is in yr 7 at vocational ballet school and loves it. I, however, find it a huge sacrifice, for him and for the rest of the family. I realise that he has this amazing opportunity, and I support and encourage him all the way. But it is hard to give him to 'houseparents'. Hard not being there when he is unwell. Hard not being there for his birthday. Hard not being able to give him a hug when he has had a bad day, or another child is being 'nasty' to him. It is a huge amount for a child to miss out on, and a huge amount for a child to have to deal with alone. I admire him for his determination and drive, I know that I would not have been able to 'sacrifice' so much at his age. Yes I do think that he has to sacrifice things. He is no longer allowed to ice skate, go on the BMX track, go to the skate park, play football, eat what he wants when he wants, just lounge around doing nothing for a while (there is always the constant stretching/conditioning to do!!) etc etc. I am happy for him to pursue his dream, but in many ways they do sacrifice their own childhood and also their siblings miss out on so much. My daughters miss their brother so much. There are many tears from them when he goes back to school after weekends out and holidays. I know of parents who have refused to let their children audition for vocational school, and I can really understand why they do that. I let my son audition as I didn't want him to go through life never knowing what might have been. I thought the audition process was bad enough. So stressful for all concerned. But I have quickly realised that that was just the beginning!! But then I guess this goes with the territory of having talented/gifted children. I can only thank goodness his sisters do not wish to follow in his footsteps.

Hi, I'm new to this forum and not sure if this has been answered already. Apologies if it has!! There were 15 boys in the final audition last year for yr 7 at Elmhurst. 7 boys were accepted as boarders (along with 13 girls) My son was one of the lucky ones. He has a full scholarship, but I think he may be one of the few. No one seems to speak openly about scholarships, I still don't really understand the process. I do know that if you get a full scholarship some families still pay a percentage of the fees, as they are means tested. Places are also awarded without scholarships. My son was aware that if he got a place but no scholarship then he would not be able to accept the offer. He is loving his time at the school. It is a huge commitment for the children (and their families!) The school timetable is very 'full on'. They do about 3 - 4 1/2 dance/conditioning each day, with RAD classes on Saturday mornings. The academic studies, and the music studies are fantastic. There is only one jazz and tap class per week. The children don't get an awful lot of free time during the week. Classes finish at 6.05 pm, followed by supper then prep or some other school related activity. He is home at present on half term. It is awful (for me and his siblings) when it is time for him to return to school!! Good luck to all who have finals coming up. I hope it all goes well for your sons/daughters.