I have written about my youngest son, Jacob on previous occasions and long time readers will know he has Asperger's Syndrome, which doesn't always make for plain sailing, especially where education is concerned. I'm not going to tell his story all over again but you can read about his early experiences of education here... RESULT.
After GCSEs Jake attended the local Regional College to study Music Performance... with the typical 16 year old dream of playing in a band. He did play in a band briefly but the course was not for him. Whilst he was serious about what he wanted to do, too many others in his year group saw it as a chance to mess about and disrupt classes and after nine months he left.
However he did move on to one of Cambridge's leading 6th form colleges where he took A levels. I won't claim he enjoyed this experience, but he did stick at it and came away with some qualifications, still with a dream of working in the music industry.
He returned to the Regional College, this time to study music production where his talent started to shine and he gained several distinctions for his work.
And on the strength of his work, he gained an unconditional place to study for a degree in Electronic Music Production at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. Today I'm taking him to move into his digs... my baby is moving out!
This is a massive step for him, given everything he has battled through and I am hugely proud that he has come so far. Go and enjoy the experience Jake and know that I'm your biggest fan! I'll miss you but I know you'll do well! x
Well done Jake. Enjoy the next three years - you,ve earned it
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS JAKE!!!!!!!!! I hope that he loves it and gets a lot out of it. It sounds as though it hasn't been the easiest road to travel, but the best things don't always come easy, so this is made all the sweeter for the difficulty in getting there. Wonderful!!! xx
ReplyDeleteOh, well done that lad and well done to you, too, because we all need other people to help us achieve our dreams. Such exciting times ahead (though, yes, tinged with some sadness back in the nest).
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful achievement and I am so pleased that Jacob has found his niche. I wish him every success in his chosen field. You are right to be proud of him and I have no doubt that he is grateful for all the support you have given him.
ReplyDeleteAwe well done Jake! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI can feel your pride Gina and I'm quite sure Jake has not yet finished making you proud.
V x
Such a positive story Gina and Jake. The very best to you.
ReplyDeleteWell done Jake and well done you for supporting and believing in him all through his growing years. xx
ReplyDeleteThe very best of luck to Jake and the hugest well done on all he's achieved.
ReplyDeleteI remember those proud yet bitter-sweet days when they first move on ... just one more to go here.
What an inspiring story. He looks lovely and thanks for sharing particularly for parents with children with some differences which can be little understood x
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing achievement Jake and Gina (and the rest of the family). I read the post you linked to here and I am absolutely inspired by you. One of my little ones has obvious problems with memory and learning and although this is quite different from Asperger's Syndrome, we face similar obstacles by our local school. I will keep fighting for James' needs, thinking of you as I do so. Cx
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Jake did not give up and it shows strength of character that he knew what he wanted to do and stuck with it. I come from just outside Cambridge and can guess which 6th form he transfered to. Shame he had to do that but wth hindsight was for the better perhaps.
ReplyDeleteA lad in my last tutor group has Aspergers syndrome and I work with his Mum still so I still hear how he is doing. School was hard for him, not just the work and with various changes to his timetable and 1:1 sessions he finished with some GCSE's. We both found a course at college based on what he enjoyed at the time and despite a shaky start he is still there and has really shone. He has recently passed his maths with a grade C which he never thought he would and just before the summer I heard he had got through various interviews to get from 1000 applicants down to the last 6 for apprenticship places in Carpentry. I am waiting in the wings to write referenes when needed. It is stories like these that make me stay in teaching. Pity the first college could not root out the disruption and removed those wasting a place that could have been given to someone else. Best of luck to Jake and his course a very exciting time for him. Keep us posted.
Sorry to have rambled on but I love a success story like this.
Best wishes
xx
Gina, please do pass along to Jake a huge bravo from me. It's grand that he's continuing to find ways to explore his love of music and build on his talents.
ReplyDeletexo
Such an amazing story. Wonderful that the Contemporary Music Academy in Guildford recognized Jake's talent and gave him a place. Congratulations and good luck to a courageous young man. And of course to you Gina for believing in him and fighting on his side.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great step he's taking now. He's clearly found his niche and I'm sure will both love his time at Guildford and have a wonderful career in front of him. Huge congratulations :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job you've done...you gave him the wings now he can fly. And I'm sure he'll not forget!
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely story Gina and what a result. as you know I shall be very interested to hear how he gets on. I hope the has a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jacob, hang in there Mum x
ReplyDeleteWell done Jake, I wish you all the best for the future!
ReplyDeleteYou've made your Mum the proudest in the land! xx
Times are changing and your young boy has matured into a handsome young man. It's wonderful that Jake has won a place at this special Academy, what a great opportunity and wonderful that they have such faith in him. Having battled so much to come so far Jake will be sure to do well. Good luck Jake and good luck Mum as you both start a new phase in your lives. xx
ReplyDeleteBringing up children is always a challenge and some more than others. The scariest part is when they come to point of going it alone and becoming real, independant adults. Looks like you've a good 'un there Gina. Well done and good luck for the next stage. :-)
ReplyDeleteDeep respect for all your son and you have accomplished. It takes tenacity indeed. I hope the empty nest is not too hard on you Gina, I have to confess I enjoyed the space.
ReplyDeleteHuge congrats to Jacob! How proud you must feel, Gina :)
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news! There's no greater joy than seeing a child - however grown! - achieve a goal after long struggles. All luck and congratulations to all of you. Your pride is entirely justified!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic news! An exciting move for Jake, you must be so proud of him. I know miss having him around - who will eat all your baking?
ReplyDeleteheart warming to read this post. best of luck to everyone involved. It's scary to move on with one's life and do things that have not been done before...congratulations to jacob and to gina and the others in the background.
ReplyDeletexx
What an achievement, well done Jacob!
ReplyDeleteWell done to Jacob - and I was thinking of you on Friday Gina. I am sure he will miss you as much as you'll miss him - but he's less likely to admit it! xx
ReplyDeleteWell done, Jacob! How proud you must be, knowing how hard he has worked toward his goal. Good news.
ReplyDeleteThe boy will do good
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge success! Lots of huge successes. I am so happy for you both!!!
ReplyDeleteBig congratulations to Jacob! That's absolutely fabulous! xx
ReplyDeletehow wonderful Gina ~ wishing Jacob all the very best in his next amazing step x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jake, and well done to all of you for never giving up and for going with your intuition and not always listening to the "experts". May your new phase in your life be wonderful Jake, and full of happy times and experiences.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous stuff - what a star!
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