Ana's flock Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 This morning I took my son Eden to a casting for a new TV programme. ...and he was chosen as one of 8 children to take part! I was told they really liked him, his attitude in front of the camera and his unusual and clever answers... (I wish I could have been a fly in the wall during that interview... unfortunately parents weren't allowed as they wanted children to act naturally and 'be themselves'. ) I'm a proud mum. Now the thing is he'll only be able to participate in the programme if his new school's principal, allows him to take 2 days off the first week of term... and that's not the best time for them as they've got planned all the welcome talks, induction etc... Eden already knows his way around the school as he's done 'summer scheme' with them. He also knows lots of other children (all his school friends are moving to this high school with him), so I think that although the first week is important, the experience of spending 2 weeks living and working in a farm and being filmed by a TV crew is also very valuable and more unusual than the school intro. He's got 6 or 7 years at Walton High ahead of him and the farm/TV is probably one in a lifetime experience... Can you please put your thoughts so that Eden is allowed to take part on the TV programme (is all about city children finding out about life and work in a farm) - I think his little comment about helping mum with the chickens clenched it for him... that or the fact that's a very philosophical vegetarian and he gave them his honest opinion about how farm animals should be treated - whether they're destined for the table or for pets. He's an animal lover but doesn't have a problem with us eating meat - as long has the animal has been treated well and with respect. He can talk for England, Scotland and Wales... I don't know who does he take after... Please send a little thought, prayer, light a candle, or whatever works for you so that we can see Eden on the new farm programme on TV... I have complete faith in Omlet power. Thank you everybody. Will keep you posted. Ana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 What a fantastic experiance that would be for him Postive vibes being sent from here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Wow, how exciting . Positive vibes from me - it sounds like a wonderful experience (and much more fun than the first 2 weeks of school ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Fab - how old is the young star in the making? Its only 2 days off isn't it - I might be tempted to call him in sick myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I work in a school, so I can see that the head could think that it is an important time in a new students life... but, we send children to school to help them to develop skills for their future, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime and it could mould his future forever. the school I work in has had at least 2 students go on soccer AM's skill skool , one of our ex-students was in the olympics , if it wasnt for opportunities like this and the encouragement of staff and parents, this wouldnt have happened, I think its a great opportunity for your son, I really hope he is succesful cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Good luck Eden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Good luck I'd have loved to do something like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 What a fantastic opportunity - you're quite right, it's so important that he helps show the kids of today where their food comes from and the importance of animal welfare. He sounds like a real little star already - go Eden! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Education happens in lots of places other than school rooms! I would 'big' this up with the school and governors as the wonderful opportunity it is! One of my lads auditioned and got shortlisted for the role of 'young chef' on Blue Peter: it would have meant regular trips to London but I couldn't think of something more fun and eye opening. He didn't get through but the experience was fantastic..... I think Eden will get huge benefits from taking part. I will send my positive thoughts winging their way to you, Eden and the HT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 good luck to your son with getting the 2 days off so he can take part. Can the principal really stop him from going if it's what you think is best for him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Sounds fabulous, what an incredible life experience, he'll gain far more from that than 2 days at school I am sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 That sounds brilliant Fingers crossed for you. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 Can the principal really stop him from going if it's what you think is best for him? Yep, we all got letters at school saying parents can be prosecuted for taking children out of education for holidays/other reasons, with loads about going to prison and geting fined - the only thing they can't really say anything about is for religious reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 Thank you all for your positive thoughts. He's 11 and starting high school this year. ITV needs the school's permission before filming, so it's not even up to the parents! The fact that the state has more control over our children than we have has started to worry me... it smells of URSS or of China (how long before we get told how many children we're allowed...?! ). I'm starting to wish I had gone for home-education so as to keep them away from institutional claws a bit longer... But ultimately, even if the school takes this opportunity away, it's 'the hand that rocks the cradle' isn't it... Let's hope they let him go... he's a good, sensible child and can catch up on those two days in no time at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted August 14, 2009 Author Share Posted August 14, 2009 ...it's just occured to me... I wonder if the Head Teacher keeps chickens herself and is a member of this forum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Ana, if I remember rightly, when we do our registers, we book children out for a number of different reasons. things like sporting events/competitions, religious activity, educational visits, im sure that the school can push it to being something positive. you only really have an issue with unauthorised absences when the child is out for a long time, you know like a school refuser, or more holidays than is deemed reasonable good luck cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CluckyBucks Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Sending positive vibes your way Eden... xx xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Good luck and positive thoughts to Eden. My YS got through two rounds to appear on Richard Hammond's blast lab thingy but didn't get through to the show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Can the principal really stop him from going if it's what you think is best for him? Yep, we all got letters at school saying parents can be prosecuted for taking children out of education for holidays/other reasons, with loads about going to prison and geting fined - the only thing they can't really say anything about is for religious reasons. wow, I assumed parents had more say, obviously keeping children out of school for long periods and disrupting their education would have to be prevented and stopped but two days... oh well learn something new... Good luck, Ana, I hope he gets to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 Oh good luck, it sounds like a wonderful opportunity for him. Start preparing your appeal just in case they say no. I always find if I get myself all fired up ready to do battle, then things turn out fine and I don't need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ana's flock Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 Today I contacted the company doing the auditions as we hadn't heard from them. I spoke to one of the interviewers who told me that although they loved Eden and he was his and the other interviewer's personal favourite, when the production team reviewed the tapes they felt they wanted to represent a cross section of Britain's children, from different ethnic backgrounds and from all parts of the country and unfortunately Eden wasn't selected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 Oh my goodness, how absolutely ridiculous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Oh I am sorry. I hope Eden's not too upset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 That's life - but look on the positive side. He had a very useful experience and you never know what opportunities are around the corner. I'm a great believer in Fate - often a disappointment turns out for the best ( I can hear my mother speaking here!) Just enjoy the rest of the holiday with him Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 That's life - but look on the positive side. He had a very useful experience and you never know what opportunities are around the corner. I'm a great believer in Fate - often a disappointment turns out for the best ( I can hear my mother speaking here!) Just enjoy the rest of the holiday with him Tricia Its possible they will remember him in the future. Its how many stars got their 'break'. As Patricia has said, he has gained an experience he would not have had the chance of otherwise. Actually, so have you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
