Anyone going to Brighton College? | Page 2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Anyone going to Brighton College?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 13:46
I spoke to someone yesterday who said that they would never send their kid to Brighton as it is a school that "doesn't exist yet". As a parent who is willing to take a gamble and have a degree of faith, I can't wait for the school to show all the doomsdayers how good it is going to be. I agree - I appreciate that I am an exception to the rule (secondary school child turning down place at BSAK), I also have been in the Emirates 20 years, and have watched the Reptons, the BSAK's and the Aldar schools evolve.... at the end of the day it is what works for you and your child. My DD will so benefit from maximum of 4 small classes per year, and the expansive curriculum. I can't wait!!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 13:42
I spoke to someone yesterday who said that they would never send their kid to Brighton as it is a school that "doesn't exist yet". As a parent who is willing to take a gamble and have a degree of faith, I can't wait for the school to show all the doomsdayers how good it is going to be. I have accepted places at Brighton College as well and the kids cant wait! I am looking forward to it as well!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 12:32
I spoke to someone yesterday who said that they would never send their kid to Brighton as it is a school that "doesn't exist yet". As a parent who is willing to take a gamble and have a degree of faith, I can't wait for the school to show all the doomsdayers how good it is going to be.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 09:19
Speaking to a lot of people/friends who have accepted places at BC for kids in FS1 and FS2, the vast majority did not have other options. I would be very surprised if there were many people with BSAK places in these years who turned them down. Better the devil you know and all that... While BC may prove to be excellent over time, its unproven now and that's what matters. Despite that I have accepted a place there but think its better to remain realistic and balanced about its pros and cons vs good schools like BSAK. yeh i suspect that people have gone there firstly because they have managed to get a place, i am sure that it will be a good school, but an excellent school needs time to develop. the way it works over here is so totally different from the uk system, private or otherwise. you have to abide by different rules and regs. bc will have teething problems, but if your kids are young then it will not matter so much. it will all be a learning curve, but it takes time to establish the music or drama or sports side of things, yasmina which is now in its 3rd year are just now achieving those. bsak have come away with an excellent inspection this year, so that is all you can expect. every child is different and has different needs. this school is really comparable to like repton in dubai, and it is still having teething problems i believe. the aldar schools not so much as the guy in charge was a bsak head who has been here years and so knows the ways of the moe here. also head of yasmina is an ex senior bsak head too! obviously with a new school it only goes up to year 9 so that may well discount it for a lot of families, who may have a range of ages to try and accommodate, at least with yasmina and bsak they cater from 3-18.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 09:04
Speaking to a lot of people/friends who have accepted places at BC for kids in FS1 and FS2, the vast majority did not have other options. I would be very surprised if there were many people with BSAK places in these years who turned them down. Better the devil you know and all that... While BC may prove to be excellent over time, its unproven now and that's what matters. Despite that I have accepted a place there but think its better to remain realistic and balanced about its pros and cons vs good schools like BSAK.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 19:52
competition is good........ keeps people on their toes. but when we first came there was nothing so we had to go with bsak, back then it was only a primary school though.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 13:05
It feels good to hear that so many of you are taking the leap- it worries me about the fees and the school not shaping up, but if there are people who have turned down places in BSAK for BC, I feel less nervous..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 11:11
The common Entrance exam (I think) is a standard exam used by a large number of Independant schools in the UK for 13+ entry. Each school states the percentage that a child should attain to be accepted at their school e.g 55% or 60%. It is great because we can measure our children here in Abu Dhabi with the independant school sector in the UK. Like Abudhabired, I too have turned down a BSAK place. It may be a risk - but a risk worth taking!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 22:01
I think its effectively an 11+ exam and again at 13+ the idea being they don't need to wait until gcse results to see where your child is at. My ds is only 4 so I haven't thought that far ahead but to be honest I'm a big supporter of the 11 + and quite happy if this is the case. On a more personal note, the way we were treated by the 3 schools, BSAK, BCAD and Yasmina was worlds apart, BCAD were the only ones that treated us as individuals. There were in excess of 300 parents at last weeks evening and each and everyone came out thoroughly impressed. The other schools should be worried, very worried given the amount of their parents who attended the parents/prospective parents evening last week.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 21:34
I heard from one of the parents that it was about something called "common entrance" which is offered by BC but not by any of the other British curriculum schools. Apparently this influences the child's chances of getting into a private school once back in the UK - can anyone shed any light on this?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 21:10
Hi There I am sending my son to Brighton College. Was already pretty much decided before the parents evening but lets face it anyone who attended that evening and didn't have a place would be selling their soul to the devil right now to get in. I was/am surprised at the amount of parents from established schools in Abu Dhabi who were there thinking of moving their children. We were offered a place at BSAK but have since turned it down. I want my child to attend a truely private school, not a 'posh comprehensive' Mind you, the problem will be when we return to the UK, affording to send him to Brighton College, London!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 21:05
The turnout was amazing- frankly, I didn't expect so many parents- goes to show how many are looking around for places for their children. The presentation was good- we didnt stay long enough to meet the staff- thought it would get very crowded. There was a question which I wanted to ask, but didnt quite have the nerve to- was about how they would deal with issues of "colour" or how they would deal with bullying- they did say they had an unkindness policy, so I hope all will be okay- we are Indians and it worries me about what my daughter may may have to deal with.. Oh well- can only cross my fingers. Good Luck to all of us.. I was wondering if mums would want to meet up with their kids to see if the kids could make friends before school started- My daughter is 5 years old now and goes to a montessori here in Ab dabs. She has been accepted for Year 1. Did anyone stay ling enough to ask how many sections/classes per year they would have etc? Brendan Law said there that the school was desigend with 4 x classes per year group and "about" 18 children per class. It was a very professional and well prepared evening. I believe if they deliver only 80% of their vision, it will still be impressive. The combination of the strong curriculum and the small class sizes and numbers wins it for me! edited by sewingb on 27/04/2011
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 11:33
The turnout was amazing- frankly, I didn't expect so many parents- goes to show how many are looking around for places for their children. The presentation was good- we didnt stay long enough to meet the staff- thought it would get very crowded. There was a question which I wanted to ask, but didnt quite have the nerve to- was about how they would deal with issues of "colour" or how they would deal with bullying- they did say they had an unkindness policy, so I hope all will be okay- we are Indians and it worries me about what my daughter may may have to deal with.. Oh well- can only cross my fingers. Good Luck to all of us.. I was wondering if mums would want to meet up with their kids to see if the kids could make friends before school started- My daughter is 5 years old now and goes to a montessori here in Ab dabs. She has been accepted for Year 1. Did anyone stay ling enough to ask how many sections/classes per year they would have etc? Brendan Law said there that the school was desigend with 4 x classes per year group and "about" 18 children per class. It was a very professional and well prepared evening. I believe if they deliver only 80% of their vision, it will still be impressive. The combination of the strong curriculum and the small class sizes and numbers wins it for me! <em>edited by sewingb on 27/04/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:36
Oh and I kind of loved the idea of being the foundign parents so to say.. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 10:35
The turnout was amazing- frankly, I didn't expect so many parents- goes to show how many are looking around for places for their children. The presentation was good- we didnt stay long enough to meet the staff- thought it would get very crowded. There was a question which I wanted to ask, but didnt quite have the nerve to- was about how they would deal with issues of "colour" or how they would deal with bullying- they did say they had an unkindness policy, so I hope all will be okay- we are Indians and it worries me about what my daughter may may have to deal with.. Oh well- can only cross my fingers. Good Luck to all of us.. I was wondering if mums would want to meet up with their kids to see if the kids could make friends before school started- My daughter is 5 years old now and goes to a montessori here in Ab dabs. She has been accepted for Year 1. Did anyone stay ling enough to ask how many sections/classes per year they would have etc?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 09:55
So what did the ladies who attended last night think? I came away feeling enthused for the school, thinking they seem to be really commited to making it a good school and felt as confident as possible that it would ALL be ready to go on time. Looking forward to September!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 20:56
Apparently all the major structural work is done and the more decorative fitting (don't know the technical name for it) is underway. Was told that the builders are supposed to be handing it over to the school at the end of June (or July?) for the school to do their own pre-opening stuff. Was also told that all supplies e.g furniture etc has already been ordered and are on their way. So hopefully all of this will be ok before Ramadan. They did say though that the last thing to get done will be the soccer pitch as all the building materials and site office etc is on this ground at the moment but really - who will be out running around a soccer pitch in September anyway? Sewingb - love your positive attitude! Hope we meet up at the school. yeh the building works and fit out (inside etc). hope that all their stuff arrives at the port and is cleared before ramadan otherwise it may well sit there until its over. thats usually the case the things like the music or the pe/swim pool etc will be the last things to be done if there is time constraints.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 17:14
Apparently all the major structural work is done and the more decorative fitting (don't know the technical name for it) is underway. Was told that the builders are supposed to be handing it over to the school at the end of June (or July?) for the school to do their own pre-opening stuff. Was also told that all supplies e.g furniture etc has already been ordered and are on their way. So hopefully all of this will be ok before Ramadan. They did say though that the last thing to get done will be the soccer pitch as all the building materials and site office etc is on this ground at the moment but really - who will be out running around a soccer pitch in September anyway? Sewingb - love your positive attitude! Hope we meet up at the school.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 16:28
Hi ladies I have hopped on here to find out who else is looking at Brighton College. My children have been accepted (Year 5 and 8) but I am very worried that the school will not be finished on time. Did anyone find out if they have a contingency plan? I suppose we will find out tomorrow night at the meeting. i suspect the school will open but not all of it will be ready. when all the new schs such as muna, pearl, yasmina etc etc opened some were a week or so late, but they will open with what is required, ie classrooms, and then they will "catch up". Based upon what BB2 - what the other schools previously have done? Whilst lots of projects here in UAE never are on time, according to the school they have 600 workers working 24 hours a day to get it done on time. I have my fingers crossed it will be ready on time and look forward to an update tommorow night at the session. S remember though in abu dhabi they will limit the working hours come the summer months and also things will slow down in ramadan again they limit the working times, so hopefully they will have finished all the major building works before those come into affect.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 16:18
I had a quick look at the site, I am not an expert, but it seems considerably more advanced than the other new builds - e.g. Bateen. I am sure that there will be teething problems, but I think that this will be out weighed by the enthusiasm and commitment to make it a success by the new staff!! Although still undecided, I am warming more to the idea of BC and it's fresh new approach! It is what is needed in the Abu Dhabi school scene!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 14:34
Hi ladies I have hopped on here to find out who else is looking at Brighton College. My children have been accepted (Year 5 and 8) but I am very worried that the school will not be finished on time. Did anyone find out if they have a contingency plan? I suppose we will find out tomorrow night at the meeting. i suspect the school will open but not all of it will be ready. when all the new schs such as muna, pearl, yasmina etc etc opened some were a week or so late, but they will open with what is required, ie classrooms, and then they will "catch up". Based upon what BB2 - what the other schools previously have done? Whilst lots of projects here in UAE never are on time, according to the school they have 600 workers working 24 hours a day to get it done on time. I have my fingers crossed it will be ready on time and look forward to an update tommorow night at the session.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 14:10
Hi ladies I have hopped on here to find out who else is looking at Brighton College. My children have been accepted (Year 5 and 8) but I am very worried that the school will not be finished on time. Did anyone find out if they have a contingency plan? I suppose we will find out tomorrow night at the meeting. i suspect the school will open but not all of it will be ready. when all the new schs such as muna, pearl, yasmina etc etc opened some were a week or so late, but they will open with what is required, ie classrooms, and then they will "catch up".
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2011 - 13:37
Hi ladies I have hopped on here to find out who else is looking at Brighton College. My children have been accepted (Year 5 and 8) but I am very worried that the school will not be finished on time. Did anyone find out if they have a contingency plan? I suppose we will find out tomorrow night at the meeting.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 07:45
Thanks both for your comments. SJ Aussie - think you were very sensible adding your specific comments on the acceptance form. The current wording is very one sided. Yep we do need to make a decision but think i will do post the open night next tuesday with Brendan Law. i dont think they would be able to charge you a terms fees if the school didnt open, it may be late etc but if they do what all new schs here seem to do, they will open but not with all the facilities, they cannot "not" open in some form or shape.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 23:17
Thanks both for your comments. SJ Aussie - think you were very sensible adding your specific comments on the acceptance form. The current wording is very one sided. Yep we do need to make a decision but think i will do post the open night next tuesday with Brendan Law.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 16:04
Yes, you have understood it correctly. It basically means that if you agree to attend, accept their offer etc then there is nothing more to pay until the 1st day of term - easy enough. If you accept the offer and between now and 1st day you [u'>pull out [/u'>(making it difficult for their planning and they may have turned down another child) then you need to pay a terms fees as a penalty. As per Sewingb said, they would have to invoice you for monies not paid and in faith hope you pay it then. We returned our form of acceptance but also modified the T's & C's to say that we could pull out without penalty should the school not be ready to open (unlikely from what they tell us) in September. They did not question that on or form, or maybe they have not read it. Either way, maybe you just have to take a chance.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 15:39
SJ Aussie I am a bit confused now as the acceptance letter says you are obliged to pay a terms fees if you dont proceed with the offer. I quote directly from the declaration in the acceptance letter 'This acceptance will not be withdrawn or cancelled without a term's fees paid in lieu.' I did clarify this with BC but am going to double check. Is it just me who has this understanding? I have also read this clause, but I think that it is difficult to reclaim monies that haven't been paid! It is a problem with most of the schools. BSAK require 9,000 AED when you accept a place. Not as much as BCAD, but too much to lose and additional to fees! I suppose we just have to be bold and make a deision!!! <em>edited by sewingb on 20/04/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 12:29
SJ Aussie I am a bit confused now as the acceptance letter says you are obliged to pay a terms fees if you dont proceed with the offer. I quote directly from the declaration in the acceptance letter 'This acceptance will not be withdrawn or cancelled without a term's fees paid in lieu.' I did clarify this with BC but am going to double check. Is it just me who has this understanding?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 10:13
We (4yo daughter) are also signed up to make the move to BCAD in September. It may be a new school, it may have teething problems etc but I think it is a risk worth taking. I like the thought of the new facilities (oldest in Abu Dhabi doesn't always make it the best!), "new blood" teachers into Abu Dhabi etc and the chance to be part of a new school environment and to help as a parent to make that community feel for the school. We are also looking forward to going along next Tuesday and nearing more about the developments of the school. P.S - To clarify the school has not asked for anymore than the 500dhs application fee and nothing more has been asked to pay until day 1 of school - all above board and legal. if your kids are small it wont affect them as much as perhaps when they are studying for their gcse/alevels etc. obviously when these new schools open they usually only open up the years before ie up to year9, so that by the time they sit the exams some of the teething probs should be ironed out, but i would perhaps not consider if you had a year 9 child because they then have to start their gcse options etc through any teething problems that will occur.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 09:55
We (4yo daughter) are also signed up to make the move to BCAD in September. It may be a new school, it may have teething problems etc but I think it is a risk worth taking. I like the thought of the new facilities (oldest in Abu Dhabi doesn't always make it the best!), "new blood" teachers into Abu Dhabi etc and the chance to be part of a new school environment and to help as a parent to make that community feel for the school. We are also looking forward to going along next Tuesday and nearing more about the developments of the school. P.S - To clarify the school has not asked for anymore than the 500dhs application fee and nothing more has been asked to pay until day 1 of school - all above board and legal.