Parents Eve Yr 7

[kizzie]

Hi Just wondering if this is usual? DS in yr 7 at relatively good state comp.

First parents evening coming up but we can only see a small sample of the teachers (because there are too many pupils for them see everyone.) DS says that basically the teachers 'choose' to see the parents who are struggling with a subject and those who are doing brilliantly in it.

TBH this confirms all my worst fears about the school (ie. that if you try hard but you arent the best or the worst then you get ignored.)

Although Im guessing that as you move higher up the school then you get more access to the teachers as subjects are selected???

Any info appreciated as I clearly have no idea how it all works

[webwiz]

This isn't how parents evening works at my DCs school even in year 7 we could have appointments with ALL the teachers. Sometimes teachers that teach everyone in the year such as the D&T teachers try to suggest that they don't need to see everyone but I'm fine with that.

[kizzie]

Thats interesting webwiz. This includes 'main' subjects (so not just things like D&T) eg. we wont get to see science , RS, french and form tutor.

Seems very strange to me - but then as I say havent done it before.

[noblegiraffe]

If it's a big school then there simply aren't enough appointments to go around.

I'm a maths teacher. I teach 2 Y8 groups, over 60 kids. I have 35 appointment slots. I can't see all the parents, and parents usually want to see maths because it's 'one of the important ones'.

So I say to the kids 'if you got outstanding on your report, then I don't really need to see your parents because I'll just be saying "yes, brilliant, NEXT" so unless they desperately want to see me, please don't make an appointment.

That's just how it works, the teachers can't see everyone in the time available, so they have to whittle it down somehow. If you really need to see a teacher because you have specific questions or concerns, then ask your DS to tell the teacher that you want to speak to them and if they can't see you on parents' evening, then to phone you. That'll usually get you an appointment.

[mrsmbuble]

Hi there, we have all that to come and it must be so daunting being the 'newbies' all over again after top dog Year 6. The advice I get from other parents at state schools is that you have to get to know your teachers and year heads so that your child does not get lost in the system, whether they be bright, in the middle or struggling. I think that is probably sound advice. If I was in your position, I would probably find out from the school whether you can see the other teachers at another time and what the policy usually is on parents' evening. Is it generally an approachable school ?

[kizzie]

thanks - really useful to have that insight.

I think part of it is just getting used to them being at such a huge school - and also not having that close contact that you have at primary school.

We havent had reports yet - so dont really know how he is doing (so in a way dont which if any teachers we need to see).

mrsmuble - that sounds like good advice. And certainly something trying to do. Although in practice it does seem difficult to build up any kind of relationship with the teachers - not because the school isnt approachable but because they are just dealing with so many different pupils.

[haggis01]

Do they have a system to contact the teachers - eg. a parent portal where you can look at your child's results etc or can you email them direct?

At my Dc's school some teachers can't see all the parents as they teach 3 or classes of that year - so you can email them with questions and they will respond or you can see them after school by appointment if you want. You could send a note or email just to get feedback - I think it is important as it shows you care about your child's school and I often feel I have no idea where my kid's are in their progression or if they have complaints about a class if I haven't met the teacher.

[kizzie]

Thanks haggis - I'll try that. Will wait to see how parents evening goes - and then if have any queries once Ive seen report will contact them.