The Scottish schools started back from the summer holiday today and my 4 year old boy Adam has moved on from nursery school and started primary school. Loads of parents where in the playground, as the school arranged for the primary 1’s only to be in the playground from 9 to 9:15, so could take photos and so on. None of the kids seem phased by going to school at all, they all looked happy enough, was expecting one of two to be crying but nope, the all seem keen to get in. So that’s it started, next 12 years or more having to make sure they get up on time and in school for the bell.

Today Leona and myself took Adam up to his Primary School visit at Hillington Primary. It gives Adam a chance to see what a class room would be like along with the other kids that will be starting with him and for the parents you get an introduction to the school, booklets and information and can ask questions.

It was pretty interesting hearing how they finally sorted out reading and writing and is now done in a way that children can learn by using not only the words but sounds and actions to remember them, indeed I remember getting this kind of teaching when it was discovered was dyslexic and at the time it was specialist one on one stuff as the school couldn’t cope with it, but glad to see finally worked out all kids could benefit from that type of teaching.

A good friend of mine Julie is heavily involved in her children’s school (as is Paul helping with football coaching), she has been member of the Parent Association for what sounds like ever and get the impression that she works dam hard to make sure the school gets the extra things it needs and I am seriously considering doing the same, probably not in primary 1 but can see how it really benefits the schools if they have active fundraising and help to make sure the school is able to meet the expectation of the parents and local community, I did note that no dads are involved in the Parent Council in Hillington and wonder what the reason for that is.

Anyway the epic journey of 7 years in primary and 6 years in secondary starts this August, can’t believe Adam is ready to go to school now