Memorandum from Sean Burke
1. Lack of consistency. Great school at
AFNORTH in Netherlands, dreadful school in Rheindahlen in Germany.
2. No consistency of resources. Great resources,
sports facilities, library etc at Netherlands. School in Germany
does not even have a library!
3. Poor teachers and provision of little
after school clubs result in a lack of emphasis on team games
and sport.
4. Poor SCE schools have meant we have decided
to board our children in UK just to secure a consistent education.
The allowance is now woeful and I have to find £9,000 a year
just for fees after the allowance has been claimed. This from
a take home salary of less than £2,500 a month.
5. Poor SCE education is a major reason
why so many people choose to board their children. The choice
is a poor SCE education or an expensive private education.
6. Less than six months notice for a posting
means our children cannot secure a place in any decent state school
as the places are filled at least nine months in advance.
7. Uniform allowance on posting is dreadful.
It does not even buy a blazer and dress at some schools.
8. Six flights a year should be more flexible
to allow trips by road. It is totally impractical to expect a
child to take all the clothes required at Boarding school within
airlines weight allowances. It is also impossible for any child
to carry the uniforms required. A more parent friendly allowance
recognising the problems parents face should be considered.
7 April 2006
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