On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:34:45 AM UTC+12, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
True (for me....).

"Train for the worst, plan for the best".

I do a sorta standard 3 sided pattern, allowing for adjustments.
I will also allow students to get low on the "wrong side of the pattern" to see what they do.
At the end of tha day, are they OK, is the aircraft flyable?
If yes to both, that's a start, discuss from there.

Some here know where I've landed before, not happy on my end other than worst was a broken gear door hinge or grass stains......
I can teach from my "less than wonderful choices" in the past.
Do the "standard pattern" (at least in the US) most of the time so others can "guess" what you're doing.
Adjust as needed.
Be prepared for stupid stuff "weather, other pilots, ground peeps, etc.......".

More than that .. take students lowish (300 or 400 ft) downwind of the field or on the wrong side of the pattern (or both), or directly over the touchdown point (deliberately "thermalling" in sink works well) and then "you have control". If they can't sort it out with a non-standard circuit then they're not ready for solo.