My DS is in Y7. He got a L6 (and was in the 'G+T' maths group) in his SATs last year so I was not overly concerned about maths this year, feeling that he has all the skills and confidence and it would be good for him to have the chance to consolidate his knowledge and not be stressed by maths for a year.
His secondary school is a good one, and the Head of Maths is an 'old school' type, very hot on knowing the basics, no messing about with him, etc (we know him outside school) so we thought this ethos would filter through to rest of dept.
I have now learned that in fact the school is very short of maths teachers, as two left last year amend they're struggling to recruit more. And apparently they are using other teachers to cover, after putting them through 'crash courses' in maths teaching (I was told they were already good at maths, just needed extra skills for teaching it)
DS has a maths teacher who is described as an ICT teacher on the staff list, and the same man teaches him ITC as well. DS claims to be getting on OK with maths, and I've looked at his exercise book and it looks alright. But all the homework they are given is on a computer programme called MyMaths, and teacher doesnt always put the work on there on the day he sets the homework, meaning that sometimes DS struggles to get it done because of extra-curricular activities.
Same teacher uses an ICT programme called Edmodo to give the class homework, and also uses it as a chat forum for class members. The 'quiz' programmes on it that he uses as homework are really badly laid out and confusing to use.
I have met the teacher once, on an Open Evening (for DS2) and I really didnt warm to him, he seemed very techie/geeky and not really used to talking to parents. The ICT kids think he's cool because he understands MineCraft, but that doesn't fill me with confidence!!
Parents Evening is tomorrow and teacher wants to talk to all the parents. I know DS's CAT results (all L6) so what should I say to this guy and how should I gently express my slight concern that I have in my gut? Should I ask what DS's expected progress is? Will the staff have that sort of info or is that only used in Primary school? I just feel uneasy about his ability to maintain interest and concentration and the old person in me thinks that using computer programmes for homework is rather lazy teaching. Am I out of touch?! Please advise before I make a tit of myself
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Concerned about Y7 maths teacher
40 replies
NameyChangey666 · 11/11/2013 20:20
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