DS Forums

 
 

The Bad Crimes Inn - General gossip thread (2)


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 03-05-2013, 20:09
rosetta12
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FI
Posts: 3,934
I love sport but hate ice hockey, basketball, baseball and American football. Americans have no taste
Maybe, but over here ice hockey is the most popular sport, and it's not seen as "American" at all The only world cup Finland has ever won!
Just realized, if an ice hockey cup match collides with Eurovision, there will be very bad viewing figures here...
rosetta12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 03-05-2013, 21:09
BBAnne
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 22,465
Give me an engine and 2 or 4 wheels and i'm a happy bunny!
BBAnne is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:10
BBAnne
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 22,465
Finland is reported to be the best place in the world to be a mother according to Save The Children with the UK coming in at 23rd. Any thoughts rosetta?
BBAnne is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:25
rosetta12
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FI
Posts: 3,934
^ Really? Well, I guess there is relatively lots of government support to mothers here, for example one can stay at home with child on a government allowance until the child is 3 years old (though most mothers go to work before that anyway ). And every mother-to-be gets a government maternity pack full of baby clothes etc, or alternatively a sum of money.

But the attitudes of people in general are not very child-friendly nowadays, though that goes for most Western countries these days, I'm afraid...

And one thing I must say, the school system here is way more humane than in the UK, though that's obviously to the kids mainly, not mums That was actually the main reason we moved back, but this is getting a bit too personal now...
rosetta12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:30
contejas
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 8,392
^ Really? Well, I guess there is relatively lots of government support to mothers here, for example one can stay at home with child on a government allowance until the child is 3 years old (though most mothers go to work before that anyway ). And every mother-to-be gets a government maternity pack full of baby clothes etc, or alternatively a sum of money.

But the attitudes of people in general are not very child-friendly nowadays, though that goes for most Western countries these days, I'm afraid...

And one thing I must say, the school system here is way more humane than in the UK, though that's obviously to the kids mainly, not mums That was actually the main reason we moved back, but this is getting a bit too personal now...
I'm intrigued Rosie -- a humane school system -- please elaborate...maybe I'll try to move to Finland...
contejas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:42
rosetta12
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FI
Posts: 3,934
^ I didn't know you're still at school age? Or are you thinking of your kids? I don't think you'd like it here, it's cold and boring most of the time What would you like to know?
rosetta12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:53
contejas
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 8,392
^ I didn't know you're still at school age? Or are you thinking of your kids? I don't think you'd like it here, it's cold and boring most of the time What would you like to know?
In the distant future -- for my future kids... I like to plan ahead...

I'm just someone who disliked the UK school system tremendously...

I'm intrigued by how a school system can be more humane...
contejas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 08:58
MissMidgard
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 4,533
What I disliked about the UK school system was the rapid rate of change - if someone in the government had a problem with the system and put a change into place, it felt quick and subsequently disjointed.

I think there's much too much bureaucracy in schools - I think a school should almost be able to run itself.
MissMidgard is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 09:05
rosetta12
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FI
Posts: 3,934
In the distant future -- for my future kids... I like to plan ahead...

I'm just someone who disliked the UK school system tremendously...

I'm intrigued by how a school system can be more humane...
OK

Well, this is such a huge issue that it's difficult to know where to start, but I chose this UK article for starters:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21354932

This is what it says about Finnish school system, and I've highlighted the most important parts (and those that differ from the UK most) in my opinion:

"Welfare society: There is an emphasis on supporting every individual, every child regardless of their economic or social background. This basic principle of equality applies to our education system but also healthcare and social care. It's an holistic approach.

We pay for it through taxes and the government tries to support every family.

Highly-qualified teachers: Our teaching profession is highly valued and respected. The programmes are highly competitive and many students do not get a place. We get highly motivated students and the five-year courses are to masters level. Even if you teach at a primary school, you need to have a masters qualification. This is not the same in other Nordic countries.

There is a relaxed atmosphere in Finnish schools
The classroom is a very interactive space where pupils can challenge the teacher. The traditional teacher-directed style is not so typical in Finland.

Local power: Municipalities and schools have a lot of power to localise the national core curriculum. We trust our teachers as they have been selected through a careful process. They are given a lot of freedom and responsibility to tailor learning according to the needs of every child. They are not just paying lip service or following a script.

There are core subjects such as literacy, numeracy and science but we try to achieve a balance in the curriculum. A school day is a mix of core subjects and also art, physical education, woodwork and entrepreneurial education (at secondary level).

The curriculum is being renewed and is due out in 2015. There will be an increase in 21st Century skills, such as collaboration, social interaction, problem solving and life-long learning, but they will not be separate from the core subjects, they will be integrated.

Other factors which impact on teaching: Class sizes are between 15 to 25 across primary and secondary schools. There are no national examinations or rankings. We don't have that culture of comparing schools. If a school is not doing well, it is not closed down. It is given more resources.

Final word: There are elements of the Finnish model which could be implemented elsewhere, such as the emphasis on high quality teachers.

The teaching environment is also important. In relaxed and educationally-supportive environments children are granted authority and accountability in and for learning. We believe that learning and interacting in relaxed educational environments will teach children for life, not for school."

Just to add a few things to this:
For me the most important thing not mentioned here is that here school starts at age 7 (or in the school year the child will turn 7), not at 5 like in the UK. And in the first years the school days are short, 4 hours is the average.

Another thing, kids are not separated in class in groups according to how well they seem to be doing - I was at that in the UK... It's so unfair to the child; it's the ones not doing well that need more support, not the other way round!
rosetta12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 09:13
contejas
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 8,392
Thanks Rosie -- very interesting and unfortunately all completely logical but yet rarely is that implemented here...

I do believe that teachers are the most important profession in any society...if you get the wrong type of people to teach or you misjudge how important the profession is -- everyone suffers!
contejas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 17:54
Ulfgeirr
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,349
Just to add a few things to this:
For me the most important thing not mentioned here is that here school starts at age 7 (or in the school year the child will turn 7), not at 5 like in the UK. And in the first years the school days are short, 4 hours is the average.
I started at age 4, as did everyone else I know (this was in 1999, so I don't know if it's changed since then). We had to wear uniform and sit formal lessons during the morning.
Ulfgeirr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2013, 19:05
EuroChris
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 8,650
OK

Well, this is such a huge issue that it's difficult to know where to start, but I chose this UK article for starters:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21354932

This is what it says about Finnish school system, and I've highlighted the most important parts (and those that differ from the UK most) in my opinion:

"Welfare society: There is an emphasis on supporting every individual, every child regardless of their economic or social background. This basic principle of equality applies to our education system but also healthcare and social care. It's an holistic approach.

We pay for it through taxes and the government tries to support every family.

Highly-qualified teachers: Our teaching profession is highly valued and respected. The programmes are highly competitive and many students do not get a place. We get highly motivated students and the five-year courses are to masters level. Even if you teach at a primary school, you need to have a masters qualification. This is not the same in other Nordic countries.

There is a relaxed atmosphere in Finnish schools
The classroom is a very interactive space where pupils can challenge the teacher. The traditional teacher-directed style is not so typical in Finland.

Local power: Municipalities and schools have a lot of power to localise the national core curriculum. We trust our teachers as they have been selected through a careful process. They are given a lot of freedom and responsibility to tailor learning according to the needs of every child. They are not just paying lip service or following a script.

There are core subjects such as literacy, numeracy and science but we try to achieve a balance in the curriculum. A school day is a mix of core subjects and also art, physical education, woodwork and entrepreneurial education (at secondary level).

The curriculum is being renewed and is due out in 2015. There will be an increase in 21st Century skills, such as collaboration, social interaction, problem solving and life-long learning, but they will not be separate from the core subjects, they will be integrated.

Other factors which impact on teaching: Class sizes are between 15 to 25 across primary and secondary schools. There are no national examinations or rankings. We don't have that culture of comparing schools. If a school is not doing well, it is not closed down. It is given more resources.

Final word: There are elements of the Finnish model which could be implemented elsewhere, such as the emphasis on high quality teachers.

The teaching environment is also important. In relaxed and educationally-supportive environments children are granted authority and accountability in and for learning. We believe that learning and interacting in relaxed educational environments will teach children for life, not for school."

Just to add a few things to this:
For me the most important thing not mentioned here is that here school starts at age 7 (or in the school year the child will turn 7), not at 5 like in the UK. And in the first years the school days are short, 4 hours is the average.

Another thing, kids are not separated in class in groups according to how well they seem to be doing - I was at that in the UK... It's so unfair to the child; it's the ones not doing well that need more support, not the other way round!
The Finnish education system sounds incredible. I'm quite jealous. My time at school wasn't very exciting or challenging.

Unfortunately, the current Education minister in the UK has a ridiculous elitist and 'old fashioned' approach to how education should be. Not to mention the fact they've introduced these 'Free Schools' which cause more social division and diverts money away from the standard schools which are already strapped for cash.

I also never liked the different ability classes. At my school there were 7 sets for some subjects (Set 1 was top ability, Set 7 was bottom ability). Sadly, most of the Set 7 kids were from poor backgrounds and caused disruption in every lesson. In the end, none of them progressed and didn't have any aspiration to do well in life.
EuroChris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2013, 06:30
rosetta12
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: FI
Posts: 3,934
I started at age 4, as did everyone else I know (this was in 1999, so I don't know if it's changed since then). We had to wear uniform and sit formal lessons during the morning.
Yeah, I know (my (elder) daughter also started a little before she turned 5, we lived in the UK then); I meant that it's supposed to start on the term the kid turns 5, isn't it?

I also never liked the different ability classes. At my school there were 7 sets for some subjects (Set 1 was top ability, Set 7 was bottom ability). Sadly, most of the Set 7 kids were from poor backgrounds and caused disruption in every lesson. In the end, none of them progressed and didn't have any aspiration to do well in life.
That sounds horrible! One of the main reasons why I prefer the education system here (though that's one of the few things I do), and also why it achieves better results... Like I said, it's the kids who are not doing well that need extra support, not the ones who are!

(Also, I really shudder at dividing people according to whether they're from "rich" or "poor" background, that's the Finn in me I guess...)
rosetta12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2013, 07:28
EuroChris
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 8,650
That sounds horrible! One of the main reasons why I prefer the education system here (though that's one of the few things I do), and also why it achieves better results... Like I said, it's the kids who are not doing well that need extra support, not the ones who are!

(Also, I really shudder at dividing people according to whether they're from "rich" or "poor" background, that's the Finn in me I guess...)
Yep, that's the unintentional consequence of segregating people based on grades. For some reason, people from disadvantaged backgrounds tend do worse than people from better backgrounds. If classes were mixed ability, it would encourage those kids to try and better themselves because currently, kids in the bottom sets just give up because there is a stigma attached.

One of my teachers at school told us that there is a saying/joke amongst teachers which is "You can predict a students grade by their postcode".
EuroChris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2013, 16:07
Ulfgeirr
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,349
Yeah, I know (my (elder) daughter also started a little before she turned 5, we lived in the UK then); I meant that it's supposed to start on the term the kid turns 5, isn't it?
Yeah, it's the academic year in which the child turns 5 (e.g. I started in at the beginning of the academic year in September 1999, and I turned 5 in March 2000 during the same academic year). To add confusion this year is called Reception, whilst the second year of school is called Year 1.

One of my teachers at school told us that there is a saying/joke amongst teachers which is "You can predict a students grade by their postcode".
That's actually one of the factors that determines predicted grades at GCSE. A friend achieved mostly As and A*s, but they were predicted all Cs because they lived in Zimbabwe until they were 9.
Ulfgeirr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-05-2013, 11:17
BBAnne
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 22,465
Criminally under-used thread alert


Here's one for the grammar police out here, a quick quiz which I failed dismally at 4/10

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-2...rue&score=2+10

Makes me nervous for Little Anzej today!
BBAnne is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 14-05-2013, 11:35
nick1990
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Manchester
Posts: 3,515
Criminally under-used thread alert


Here's one for the grammar police out here, a quick quiz which I failed dismally at 4/10

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-2...rue&score=2+10

Makes me nervous for Little Anzej today!
I only got 6/10!

And I still don't understand how
Spoiler
even with the explanation!!!!!!!
nick1990 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 14-05-2013, 11:46
steeleuro_wolf
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 11,309
Criminally under-used thread alert


Here's one for the grammar police out here, a quick quiz which I failed dismally at 4/10

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-2...rue&score=2+10

Makes me nervous for Little Anzej today!
As a self-confessed grammar nazi, I'm a bit annoyed with myself at only getting 9/10
steeleuro_wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-05-2013, 11:47
Gwen 404
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,687
i only got 3! the first 3 as well, i was feeling so pleased with myself
Gwen 404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14-05-2013, 11:52
nick1990
Forum Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Manchester
Posts: 3,515
As a self-confessed grammar nazi, I'm a bit annoyed with myself at only getting 9/10
Show off!
nick1990 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 16-05-2013, 12:22
gottago
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 13,404
SO FCUKING ANNOYED. Just had Sky round to install a dish and there is ZERO signal thanks to a fcuking great big useless tree several metres away from my home next to a railway line. ALL my frigging neighbours have got a bloody dish, we're the only ones who can't get anything. Fuming.
gottago is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 16-05-2013, 12:41
globbits
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,414
SO FCUKING ANNOYED. Just had Sky round to install a dish and there is ZERO signal thanks to a fcuking great big useless tree several metres away from my home next to a railway line. ALL my frigging neighbours have got a bloody dish, we're the only ones who can't get anything. Fuming.
Is the tree so big they can't put the dish on a pole to help raise it above the treeline? That's what they've done on our street to avoid obstructions.
globbits is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-05-2013, 13:24
gottago
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London
Posts: 13,404
Is the tree so big they can't put the dish on a pole to help raise it above the treeline? That's what they've done on our street to avoid obstructions.
Sadly not, the house is at the bottom of a bank and the tree is on top.

Took a day off work because they could only install it today.
gottago is offline Follow this poster on Twitter   Reply With Quote
Old 16-05-2013, 14:27
NightFox_Dancer
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 12,730
How will you watch tonight's semi-final, gotterz?
NightFox_Dancer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-05-2013, 14:47
AxG
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: The ⓩorro of ⓩero
Posts: 6,829
SO FCUKING ANNOYED. Just had Sky round to install a dish and there is ZERO signal thanks to a fcuking great big useless tree several metres away from my home next to a railway line. ALL my frigging neighbours have got a bloody dish, we're the only ones who can't get anything. Fuming.
I know how you feel, our property is slap bang behind some large Popular trees, so had no access to the satellite for years. We finally got an export round to have a look, and the only good place was a neighbours gable end, we've been friends for years and so was happy with it.
AxG is online now   Reply With Quote
 
Reply




 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 17:25.