When to start School

[Astrid]

The podcast did say the UK is one of the earliest starters. So rather than asking "why is Aus so late?", which it is not in comparison to other countries, it is early. The question is "why is the UK so early?"

I spoke to DH after I posted last night and asked if he could see DD2 in a school uniform next year. He pretty much said no way. Now people could take that as her being behind etc, but she is far from it, she is just plain to young to be going to primary school next year. Watching her with the other kids at Kinder orientation, she seemed "just right" with most of them.

I don't recall much about when I started school, but more the later years. In yr 12 I was turning 18, whilst many kids were turning 18 in the following May, reflecting now I can see the differences in just that one year at the end of schooling.

I do love that the podcast said that finishing school is not a race/competition and think that is something we need to keep in mind when it comes to our children.

[sangie]

The podcast did say the UK is one of the earliest starters. So rather than asking "why is Aus so late?", which it is not in comparison to other countries, it is early. The question is "why is the UK so early?"

Yep absolutely!

I started school at 4 and turned 5 around 6 weeks later in March. While I did well academically, I was painfully shy and really struggled socially. My parents say that in hindsight they would have kept me at home another year. I do remember not enjoying the first half of primary school because I was so shy.

My DD missed the cut off to start school this year by 16 days. Glad the decision is out of my hands! I'm happy she'll start next year at 5yrs 8months which I think is perfect.