TheBladeRoden
Deity
My high school was like Daria.
Ask a British private school boy...
- Thread starter Truronian
- Start date
WillJ said:
Yes I used that term misleadingly it just means the older pupils who control the younger ones by the right of seniority, a sort of hierarchy, although using small boys posteriors as toast racks is all part of the process
j/kWillJ said:
In the olden days schools/colleges were all fee based schools, peasants and middle class lads didn't get to go to school/college, unless they were sponsored or their famillies could pay for it, which even in the middle classes who had some disposable income was no guarantee. So Public was basically the general public who attended these schools, the nobility in other words, and so when schools became truly public they needed a new word for it and state sponsored was the word although it was probably called something else at first, not sure.
Simon Darkshade
Mysterious City of Gold
Fagging does not exist in its old form, but is still alive and well in modern permutations. Paper chases as well.
I'm not sure about roasting, cube calls and other assorted saturnalia.
I'm not sure about roasting, cube calls and other assorted saturnalia.
So, some of the stories us grammar school kids heard from the escapees, new pupils, were true then. Then again the only person I know who has actually played a game involving circles, five knuckle shuffles and digestives went to a state school
Most of it sounds better than my school though, which despite being so high up in the league tables didn't really help me at all, I hated almost every moment there, for all 7 years. Full of parents sons (yep, to make it even worse it was single sex) who weren't quite able to afford private school, but acted as if they were somehow better than us unwashed scum
Some of the teacher's were "personalities" to say the least though. Not just the crazy physics teachers either
It also had the same sort of worship the rugby team mentality, but I was in it for a few years so that didn't bother me too much. There were very few people I could genuinely say I enjoyed spending time with at school though, but thankfully now I'm at uni I've actually made friends that don't all have giant egos
I think it must be something about public school that changes the way you speak (ie properly). I've been accused of sounding "common" before, and I don't speak very well at all to be honest, yet everyone I know who went to public school does sound a bit posh
Most of it sounds better than my school though, which despite being so high up in the league tables didn't really help me at all, I hated almost every moment there, for all 7 years. Full of parents sons (yep, to make it even worse it was single sex) who weren't quite able to afford private school, but acted as if they were somehow better than us unwashed scum
Some of the teacher's were "personalities" to say the least though. Not just the crazy physics teachers either
It also had the same sort of worship the rugby team mentality, but I was in it for a few years so that didn't bother me too much. There were very few people I could genuinely say I enjoyed spending time with at school though, but thankfully now I'm at uni I've actually made friends that don't all have giant egos
Truronian said:
I think it must be something about public school that changes the way you speak (ie properly). I've been accused of sounding "common" before, and I don't speak very well at all to be honest, yet everyone I know who went to public school does sound a bit posh
RameNoodle
ND Number 1!
I am currently attending a private (American) school, co-ed, and rich. Rich I tell you. It went co-ed about twenty years ago. It is possibly the most sports-obsessed place on the planet. Something like 90% of the boys in my freshman class played football, which our Varsity happened to win the State Championship in in 2003, class 6A. I also attended a private elementary school which was kindergarten to eighth grade. I attended every year there.
I didn't like private school for a long time, but now, looking back on it, it was an awesome experience. I think that I got the best education available to me, and I developed socially just fine. Bullying was not an issue, because the class was only about 70 kids, who attended school together for our whole lives.
Well, thats my private school experience up until age 15.
Hah! My high school Some of the readers of The Onion might notice that one of our graduates tends to be berated in the section "Savage Love."
I didn't like private school for a long time, but now, looking back on it, it was an awesome experience. I think that I got the best education available to me, and I developed socially just fine. Bullying was not an issue, because the class was only about 70 kids, who attended school together for our whole lives.
Well, thats my private school experience up until age 15.
Hah! My high school Some of the readers of The Onion might notice that one of our graduates tends to be berated in the section "Savage Love."
WillJ said:
The terms independant, private and public tend to be used interchangably nowadays, although technically (as Simon Darshade said) the public schools are a subset of the private schools. All the famous independant schools in Britain (Eton, Winchester, Rugby etc.) are classed as public.
Rambuchan
The Funky President
About the naming and terminology of these schools:
There is also the name "Independent" school, which gets used for the "Public" School subset of "Private" schools. Still with me 
?
I may or may not be right in saying this, but I always thought that the Public / Independent school subset (they are one and the same afaik) in England was a product of the enhanced wealth brought about by Trading Guilds and East India Companies.
See, my schools' crest was this:
Please note the clear references to the Spice Trade in it, eg. the Camel on top and the three groups of black peppercorns. It is in fact the Coat of Arms for "The Grocer's Company", a renaissance era trading guild. This is hardly surprising, because the school was set up in 1556 by a certain Sir William Laxton. This man was the Master of The Grocer's Company in his time. There is plenty of reference to and correlation with the Spice Trade in the history of such schools.
There are many other examples of such schools being set up to cater for the 'nouveau riche' and Spice Trading communities springing up in England, and not just in the 16th century. Another fine example of such a school is Haileybury. This was in fact specifically established to be the training ground for the British East India Company. It was a kind of "private" school for the sons of East India Company officers, as well as for those who aspired for their sons to join the EIC. Their wealth is what made it "independent" of the wider educational traditions. Here's a lift from Haileybury's website:
There is also the name "Independent" school, which gets used for the "Public" School subset of "Private" schools. Still with me
? I may or may not be right in saying this, but I always thought that the Public / Independent school subset (they are one and the same afaik) in England was a product of the enhanced wealth brought about by Trading Guilds and East India Companies.
See, my schools' crest was this:
Please note the clear references to the Spice Trade in it, eg. the Camel on top and the three groups of black peppercorns. It is in fact the Coat of Arms for "The Grocer's Company", a renaissance era trading guild. This is hardly surprising, because the school was set up in 1556 by a certain Sir William Laxton. This man was the Master of The Grocer's Company in his time. There is plenty of reference to and correlation with the Spice Trade in the history of such schools.
There are many other examples of such schools being set up to cater for the 'nouveau riche' and Spice Trading communities springing up in England, and not just in the 16th century. Another fine example of such a school is Haileybury. This was in fact specifically established to be the training ground for the British East India Company. It was a kind of "private" school for the sons of East India Company officers, as well as for those who aspired for their sons to join the EIC. Their wealth is what made it "independent" of the wider educational traditions. Here's a lift from Haileybury's website:
The prevalence of bullying is given a context with this I hope, as per my previous post on bullying.
happy_Alex
Happiness set to 11
Truronian, in your opinion, would you have done as well (or better maybe) if you had attended a local secondary school? Does having attended a private school offer any advantages other than those achieved through qualifications? Do you prefer posh totty or the local crumpet?
Probably not. The teaching in private schools is better, but I think its the atmosphere that is most beneficial, everyone goes to uni so everyone is looking for the same grades that you are.happy_Alex said:
A few good social events. Rich people know how to throw a party. Private school can be useful for establishing contacts and to write on your CV, but this applies more to the wealthy public schools up country.
Both have their perks
Winston Khan
Fact = Reason
There is also evidence that the former pupils of Public School go on to secret societies - Masonry (Masonic Lodges). These are places for the 'Rulers of the Empire' to breed and intermingle. Keeping the elite; elite, and the peasents away from the halls of power...
Public School was a great laugh. There is plenty of time for you to enjoy yourself. They have Rules that need to be adhered to - but there are most definately ways in which to bend them! I remember being a permenant member of the 'Debauched Society'. One would get pigeon-holed easily.
Public School was a great laugh. There is plenty of time for you to enjoy yourself. They have Rules that need to be adhered to - but there are most definately ways in which to bend them! I remember being a permenant member of the 'Debauched Society'. One would get pigeon-holed easily.
pardon my ignorance, but what is boarding, what is a boarder?
I assume the term doesn't describe some wintersports, so I'm completely lost...
I assume the term doesn't describe some wintersports, so I'm completely lost...
Rambuchan
The Funky President
Boarding school is where you stay at the school, not with your parents.
You go to school at the beginning of each term and you stay there until the end of the term. Boarding schools have dormitories in which the students sleep and the teachers become you "in loco" parents.
You can get weekly boarders or full term boarders.
You go to school at the beginning of each term and you stay there until the end of the term. Boarding schools have dormitories in which the students sleep and the teachers become you "in loco" parents.
You can get weekly boarders or full term boarders.
Winston Khan
Fact = Reason
Rambuchan said:
Weekly boarders pay less money to attend the School and therefore are subject to more of the infamous bullying from the Term Boarders!
ah, ok, thanks that clears it up 
PrinceOfLeigh
Wigan, England
Thankfully my computer has stopped freezing long enough for me to post here. "Rugby" was not invented in a public school. The "Webb Ellis" story is largely a myth. The game may have taken it's name from that event but similar pastimes have been around for thousands of years.Rambuchan said:
Could this be yet another example of British Public Schools taking false credit for changing the world?
Rambuchan said:
<INSERT TIRED REMINDER ABOUT BRITISH EMPIRE NOT BEING BUILT IN EATON>
BTW Sanabas: , you are more than entitled to your opinion that Rugby Onion* is better than Rugby League no matter how false, misinformed, wrong, and foolish it may be
*Can't bring myself to say the real name.
Abaddon
Deity
I went to this school
Hymers College
Hymers College, Hymers Avenue,
Hull HU3 1LW
Tel: 01482 343555 Fax: 01482 472854
Website: www.hymers.hull.sch.uk
• CO-ED, 8–18, Day
• Pupils 968, Upper sixth 100
• Termly fees £1890–£2151
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Headmaster
What it’s like
Founded in 1893, it is single-site and urban. Solid, late-Victorian and Edwardian buildings are situated on a 44-acre estate of the former Hull botanic gardens, half a mile from the centre of the city. There has been a lot of recent development and very good facilities are provided. Recently acquired land has allowed for the extension of sports facilities, including a swimming pool, sports centre, all-weather pitch, and also a junior school. Originally a boys’ school, it has been fully co-educational since 1989. Firm discipline and high academic standards are insisted on and the need for full parental involvement in the school is stressed. A well-developed pastoral system monitors every pupil’s progress. Examination results are very good. The music, drama and art departments are impressively active with a large number of people involved. High standards prevail in sport and games (there are many county and national representatives). A plentiful range of extra-curricular activities and some emphasis on outdoor pursuits. Young Enterprise is strong and there is a distinguished record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 8–18; 968 day pupils (562 boys, 406 girls). Senior department 11–18, 744 pupils (439 boys, 305 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 25% main senior intake, plus 50% to sixth form. Many senior pupils from own junior (enquiries to 01482 441211).
Scholarships, bursaries & extras 16 pa bursaries, dependent on parental income. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; trips, theatre etc extra.
Head & staff
Headmaster: John Morris, in post from 1990. Educated at Leighton Park and Oxford University (modern history). Previously Deputy Head and Head of History at Hymers and Assistant Teacher, Housemaster and master i/c rugby at Woolverstone Hall, Suffolk.
Teaching staff: 55 full time, 18 part time. Turnover 3%. Average age 40–45.
Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 106 pupils in Year 11, 92% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 68 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 97 in upper sixth: 50% passed in 4+ subjects; 47% in 3. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 407.
University & college entrance 96% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree
course, 6% to Oxbridge. 12% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 35% in science & engineering, 44% in humanities & social sciences, 5% in art & design, 4% in other subjects eg music. A few go on to non-degree courses, art colleges or straight into employment.
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 AS-level subjects offered, 21 at A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies, A-level optional. 25% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 45% both. Key skills integrated into courses and activities.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered from age 10 to GCSE and A-level.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week in Years 7–8) and across the curriculum. 182 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access; computerised language laboratory.
The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 17 musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, string groups, many choirs, madrigal group etc. 3 members of National Youth Choir,1 member of National Children’s Orchestra.
Drama: Drama offered and GCSE and AS-level may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions.
Art & design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level.
Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, rounders for girls. Optional: tennis, basketball, squash, swimming, athletics, badminton, fencing, cross-country. County and regional representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, national representatives in tennis, rugby, fencing, swimming.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Young Enterprise in Year 12. CCF and community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg environment, chess, music, drama, technology, various sports.
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, appointed by Headmaster in consultation with staff.
Religion: Daily (non-denominational) assembly for whole school.
Social: No organised functions with other schools. Some trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.
Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion.
Alumni association is run c/o the college.
Hymers College
Hymers College, Hymers Avenue,
Hull HU3 1LW
Tel: 01482 343555 Fax: 01482 472854
Website: www.hymers.hull.sch.uk
• CO-ED, 8–18, Day
• Pupils 968, Upper sixth 100
• Termly fees £1890–£2151
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Headmaster
What it’s like
Founded in 1893, it is single-site and urban. Solid, late-Victorian and Edwardian buildings are situated on a 44-acre estate of the former Hull botanic gardens, half a mile from the centre of the city. There has been a lot of recent development and very good facilities are provided. Recently acquired land has allowed for the extension of sports facilities, including a swimming pool, sports centre, all-weather pitch, and also a junior school. Originally a boys’ school, it has been fully co-educational since 1989. Firm discipline and high academic standards are insisted on and the need for full parental involvement in the school is stressed. A well-developed pastoral system monitors every pupil’s progress. Examination results are very good. The music, drama and art departments are impressively active with a large number of people involved. High standards prevail in sport and games (there are many county and national representatives). A plentiful range of extra-curricular activities and some emphasis on outdoor pursuits. Young Enterprise is strong and there is a distinguished record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 8–18; 968 day pupils (562 boys, 406 girls). Senior department 11–18, 744 pupils (439 boys, 305 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry 25% main senior intake, plus 50% to sixth form. Many senior pupils from own junior (enquiries to 01482 441211).
Scholarships, bursaries & extras 16 pa bursaries, dependent on parental income. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; trips, theatre etc extra.
Head & staff
Headmaster: John Morris, in post from 1990. Educated at Leighton Park and Oxford University (modern history). Previously Deputy Head and Head of History at Hymers and Assistant Teacher, Housemaster and master i/c rugby at Woolverstone Hall, Suffolk.
Teaching staff: 55 full time, 18 part time. Turnover 3%. Average age 40–45.
Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 106 pupils in Year 11, 92% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 68 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 97 in upper sixth: 50% passed in 4+ subjects; 47% in 3. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 407.
University & college entrance 96% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree
course, 6% to Oxbridge. 12% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 35% in science & engineering, 44% in humanities & social sciences, 5% in art & design, 4% in other subjects eg music. A few go on to non-degree courses, art colleges or straight into employment.
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 26 AS-level subjects offered, 21 at A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies, A-level optional. 25% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 45% both. Key skills integrated into courses and activities.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered from age 10 to GCSE and A-level.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week in Years 7–8) and across the curriculum. 182 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access; computerised language laboratory.
The arts
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 17 musical groups including orchestra, wind bands, string groups, many choirs, madrigal group etc. 3 members of National Youth Choir,1 member of National Children’s Orchestra.
Drama: Drama offered and GCSE and AS-level may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions.
Art & design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 10 A-level.
Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, netball, rounders for girls. Optional: tennis, basketball, squash, swimming, athletics, badminton, fencing, cross-country. County and regional representatives in rugby, cricket, hockey, national representatives in tennis, rugby, fencing, swimming.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Young Enterprise in Year 12. CCF and community service optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg environment, chess, music, drama, technology, various sports.
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, appointed by Headmaster in consultation with staff.
Religion: Daily (non-denominational) assembly for whole school.
Social: No organised functions with other schools. Some trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/motorbike to school. Meals self-service. School tuck shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.
Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion.
Alumni association is run c/o the college.
Abaddon
Deity
Ive just noticed the bit about cannabis.. that just makes me giggle.
Rambuchan
The Funky President
Good link and there's much of interest in it - about football.PrinceOfLeigh said:
There is also some good material about the Celtic sports of old. In fact, as I was posting about that I had my mate sitting next to me and we mentioned these Celtic sports (Hurling was also mentioned wrt to lacross).
However, I wonder if you read the page you linked me to? It does not actually refute the Webb Ellis claim. It just says that you cannot find enough evidence to prove or disprove it. Note that it doesn't actually give any other provable account on the birth of rugby. It does talk about its codification. And it does talk about how football was played by different rules at the school I mentioned - Rugby. It then goes on to tell you how those rules were passed around other public schools. Like Eaton.
You think I'm saying all of this because I am infatuated with these twisted institutions?
I mean really Prince.
You sir, need to learn something about the British Empire and Public Schools. You might want to learn something about Britain's class system in the process. You think those toffs allowed the working classes to govern the country and / or adminster their empire? Excuse me while I choke with laughter.Could this be yet another example of British Public Schools taking false credit for changing the world?
<INSERT TIRED REMINDER ABOUT BRITISH EMPIRE NOT BEING BUILT IN EATON>
Get over your problems with public schools and read my previous post about Haileybury for one. Then think about, nay, go research those officers of the empire that were churned out by public schools. Then go check how many prime ministers places like Eaton created and so on and so forth.....
Did you bother to do any of that before you went for your lazy <insert> format? Doesn't look like it mate.
