Different Paths to Success
When you were growing up, did you want to be just like everyone else? Maybe you dyed your hair, changed the way you talked, walked, or just wanted to do what others are doing. But we need to acknowledge that we are all different. From hair colour, eye colour, to the way our brains work. At Skills4Parents we teach about different learning styles, and that once you know your learning style you can work in ways that suit you, and enable you to reach your potential comfortably. We even use three different models, as we believe you can’t put people in a box! Read more about VARK and Dunn and Dunn learning styles here.
The ‘Traditional’ Route
The socially acceptable pathway to success is doing GCSEs followed by A levels, then going to university (especially Russell Group) and getting a job. More than 50% of young people go to university although according to whatuni 6% of those that go, drop out.
In the 1980s only 15% stayed on in education after 18. That’s a huge difference now, but education doesn’t need to be university. We want everyone to reach their potential, but it needs to be in a way that suits them.
We should acknowledge that our children need to be educated in different ways. It could be that they have time out and get a job and then pick up their studies later. It could mean going to college and studying an NVQ, doing a traineeship, or an apprenticeship. If you don’t know where to start look here:
Choose a Career and Work Backwards
The National Careers Service is another great starting point – their website is comprehensive and you can speak to a Careers Advisor.
Back in January I spoke to Sophie Breslin, who told me all about her unusual journey from being asked to leave education (I know, what a rebel!) before moving into the successful career she has today. She’s incredibly inspirational and proof that actually, even when things don’t go to plan at first, you can still have everything you deserve from life.
Whatever you do, encourage your children to be themselves and take a pathway that enables them to work to their strengths. My e-book ‘A Guide to Learning Styles’ explains each model, provides questionnaires to help you identify your child’s learning styles, and suggests the pathways to take.
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£2.99The Skills4Parents Revision Planner is a downloadable e-book that contains all you need to plan your revision. Print off as...