One of the most important factors in homeschooling is the desire to learn and there are reasons to homeschool in Ireland. Children have an inherent thirst for knowledge and are natural learners. By six years of age, they are already fluent in a whole language, have mastered the skills of rolling, crawling and walking, and have made thousands of internal connections. The parent is merely an avenue through which they can learn. Besides, children are often more motivated than adults to learn and you can encourage that natural desire to learn by homeschooling in Ireland.
Dissatisfaction with academic instruction is the second highest reason to homeschool in Ireland
In Ireland, home education is legal, and the right to homeschool is enshrined in the Constitution. However, to homeschool, families must register with the Child and Family Agency (CFA). According to the latest data, there are 1,772 children on the homeschool register and another 477 waiting to be assessed. Since the pandemic began, the number of applications has increased by more than threefold.
Many parents homeschool for several reasons. While the most common reason is the need to provide their children with a more personalized environment, homeschooling can also help them feel better about their academic progress. In public schools, kids are put under tremendous pressure to perform well on tests, complete homework, and memorization, and often experience boredom.
GCSEs are less likely to involve coursework
Choosing GCSE subjects can be tricky, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Usually, the process of choosing subjects comes around year nine. There are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to this decision. For students who are certain of their future career paths, you can choose subjects that are not too challenging. These subjects will hopefully be ones that your child enjoys.
If your child is a beginner in subjects like mathematics, English or science, they may be better off taking a private course instead. Alternatively, they may opt to do a Flexi-schooling course where they can attend part-time and pay for the books and tuition but not the exam fee. Home-educated children may also want to consider attending a local school for two or three years before they are old enough to take GCSEs. Interestingly, some home-educated children have obtained excellent results in local schools.
If your child is considering higher education, they should consider applying for GCSEs in the subjects they are interested in. Generally, most universities and colleges will require five GCSEs in grades A*-C. In addition to GCSEs, your child may opt for A levels. Applied GCSEs are designed to offer a more practical approach to learning. They are similar to two traditional GCSEs, but will often include an extra portfolio. They may also follow the same pathway as traditional GCSEs.
The cost of homeschooling is low
Homeschooling in Ireland is affordable and a popular choice among many parents. Among its benefits are reduced exam pressure and bullying, a relaxed learning environment, and the chance to avoid the pressures of an overcrowded classroom. Parents have also praised the experience of homeschooling their children during school closures. Some homeschooling families also opt for unschooling, which is based on the philosophy of John Holt, who argued that children naturally want to learn and that they are capable of learning anything.
Homeschooling in Ireland can be a challenging choice, especially for disadvantaged families or children with special needs. The government’s efforts to keep children in school have failed due to socio-economic and safety concerns. Homeschoolers in Ireland may have to deal with the cost of school uniforms, school trips, and other costs related to schooling. Some private schools also charge a fee for annual tuition. Some parents use homeschooling as a stepping stone to competitive secondary schools or to retake A-levels. Others opt for a full-on homeschooling experience and devote all of their time to it.