Dear Heston:
I've been very surprised by the way our british and european comrades do their teaching. I can't speak for all schools in the USA but I think we do things a little differently.
When I was teaching, I would always ask what my student planned to do with his flying. Some just wanted an interesting hobby, others wanted to have a career in flying, and there were other reasons too.
But I did try to mold their minds into the mind of a pilot. To start thinking like a pilot even before they got their hands on the controls of the plane. To put SAFETY FIRST.
Thinking like a pilot might be something as, when you are out walking around, always observe the winds and know which way they are coming from. It becomes a good habit. And so much more.
My students would always take a bit longer to actually be ready for their PPL flying test. But they would always be ahead of the game farther down the path.
And then there were the books I would assign, over and above what the FAA thinks is needed. And sitting for hours on the instructor's bench to watch landings and takeoffs while listening to an aviation band radio for the "LING" (lingo as you might imagine)>
So, there you go. I've been attacked and seen others attack similar views on this forum, but its just that they have been 'brought up' in a different way.
So, good luck HESTON. Interview your instructors thoroughly. And if they don't have time, you don't want them as instructors!