Homeschooling Interview

A week ago Orla was preparing for her first day back at school in over a year after homeschooling last year. We thought it would be worth capturing her thoughts about how school was going so far. Here's a video.

Here's the transcript:

Dad: So, it’s Sunday the 8th of September 2024, and it’s the end of your first week back at school. How does it feel to be back after all this time?

Orla: It feels completely bizarre that it's only been just over a year since I left. It feels like it's been so much longer, especially since for that whole time I thought I'd never be going back to school.

Dad: Yeah, it’s been quite the journey. Do you remember how we first approached the idea of you going back?

Orla: You initially suggested just going back for a few weeks to test it out. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t like it, and I'd go back to homeschooling. That was the only way I agreed to it because, at first, I was like, "No way, I’m not going back." Especially after how I felt when I left—I was in a total crisis point, and it was horrible.

Dad: But then we kept talking about it. What changed for you?

Orla: Yeah, the more we talked about what going back would actually be like, the more I warmed up to the idea. I thought, "What if it's actually better now?" And it really has been. So many people have left, and now I get to focus on the subjects I actually like: English, music, art, applications of maths, and psychology outside of school. There are no subjects that I hate now!

Dad: And you’ve got friends in your classes now, right?

Orla: Yeah! In quite a few classes, I’m with Hannah, or at least one other friend, which wasn’t the case before. I’ve also got a better common room with actual windows, which makes a huge difference.

Dad: Sounds like the environment has improved a lot for you. How about coping with things when school gets overwhelming?

Orla: Oh, that’s been a massive help. I’m allowed to use the toilet in the Haven and take breaks from class if I’m feeling overwhelmed. Just getting out for 10 minutes to walk around helps so much. I didn’t realise how much I needed that until I had it. Before, I’d just feel discomfort but couldn’t even recognise what was wrong.

Dad: That's so important. I’m glad you have that option now. But what about the facilities? Are they okay?

Orla: The Haven toilet is pretty terrible. It stinks, but compared to the other toilets, it’s at least usable. It has toilet paper, soap, a working sink, and a flush—so it’s better than the rest. It’s funny, but that matters a lot. 

Dad: Wow, that doesn’t sound great. Anything else you’ve noticed?

Orla: Yeah, something I haven’t mentioned yet—some departments don’t even have enough money to print proper Jotters. The Math Department doesn’t have grids on their paper. It’s just blank photocopies.

Dad: That’s frustrating. How are you finding your classes so far? Let’s start with English.

Orla: I have the same teacher, Miss McLelland, as before, and she loves me. I’m good at the subject, so that helps. But, before I left, I really didn’t like having her because we didn’t do proper work—just copying annotations from the board. It was awful. Now it’s completely different. The class is actually engaged, and she’s a much better teacher.

Dad: That’s good to hear! And how about maths?

Orla: I’m doing applications of maths now, which is more practical. We’re learning about things like finance and how to use Excel. It’s still my least favourite subject, but at least I can get breaks, and we’re doing things that might actually be useful.

Dad: That sounds like a big improvement! What about art?

Orla: Art is good! I don’t know anyone in the class, but my teacher, Mrs. Ritchie, is really nice and has the most bizarre outfits. I’m doing a project on a vampire bat with coloured pencils—my theme is going to be Gothic Halloween, which I’m really excited about.

Dad: Gothic Halloween sounds perfect for you! And music?

Orla: Music’s going to be easy. I’m studying for grade five music theory outside of school with Ellie, and I’ll be moving on to grade seven soon. I’m doing piano and voice for school, focusing on musical theatre, and I also get to do composition, which I’ve never done before. 

Dad: That’s great. How does your timetable feel compared to homeschooling?

Orla: The timetable is a lot longer. Each period is 50 minutes, and double periods are an hour and 40. I’ve got full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I’m home earlier on Mondays and Wednesdays because I’ve got free periods. On Fridays, I only have one double period of music, so I’m still figuring out if I need to go in every week for that. When I get home after those full days, I’m exhausted, but I have time to recover.

Dad: And how’s the social aspect?

Orla: I didn’t realise how much I missed social interaction until I went back. Seeing my friends every day has made a huge difference.

Dad: That’s wonderful to hear. Do you feel like you’ve adjusted well to being back?

Orla: Yeah, I think I’ve adjusted. I’m happy to be back, especially because I get to see all my friends. Homeschooling was fine, but I didn’t realise how much I was missing until now.

Dad: I’m really glad it’s worked out. Of course, I miss how we used to chat more during the day when you were homeschooling.

Orla: Yeah, we didn’t talk much during the week before, but now we’ve got the walks back from school to catch up!