Watching movies at school

[searchers]

Our prep school has taken to teaching via movies particularly in Geography and History. The children are not working in class they are just given sheets to stick in their books.
Now we are revising for end of year exams its clearly evident that nothing has been taught.

Is this happening at other schools? What would you do?

[MrsWinnibago]

Is it a small prep? How were last years results? Have you spoken to the parents of past students?

[scaevola]

What movies?

I can think of ones which might be a good fit for history, but am struggling a bit for geography. Or do you mean documentaries too?

[knitknack]

No! I'm a history teacher and can assure you that this is NOT normal OR effective!

I have, however, known teachers who really shouldn't still be teaching who USED to just 'bung on a movie. Thankfully can't really be done now - ofsted and slt wouldn't put up with it!

[knitknack]

Ah, it's a prep school... They can do what they like then!! Don't even have to have QTS to teach in a private school.... :/

[Soveryupset]

Plenty of dvd watching at my childrens state primary before people start saying it is prep school territory. I would raise it and consider pulling out of it.

[soddinghormones]

Ds2 is in the accelerated stream of an outstanding partially selective comprehensive and I can assure you there's plenty of DVD watching going in esp at the end of term - drives me up the wall ...

[searchers]

Its a small prep in Croxley Green. Last years results were ok, mainly due to parental involvement and external tutoring.

Lots of children are leaving. I think I have left it too late to apply to other preps.

Do other schools teach by video?

[searchers]

Knitknack I have spent the half term teaching History, there was no work my child had done in the workbook only stuck in sheets.

[mummytime]

I would be furious - that isn't what you are paying for.

Videos can be a useful teaching aid - but this usually involves clips, and often involves a lot of preparation so that pupils are actually looking for the relevant facts. There has to be a real purpose.

[watfordmummy]

Searchers I know which school you are talking about, and have to disagree with you!

[searchers]

Watfordmummy, I can show you the books if you like, there is not a scrap of written work. Maths is horrendous too. Maybe we attend different schools!!

[watfordmummy]

No we don't attend different school - I would place money on it!!!

My son left last year, and I can assure you he wasn't tutored! Some are, but I think that is common at most prep schools!!

[IndridCold]

I would not consider paying for the teaching OP has described here, and if I had to pay for extra tutoring as well I would definitely be looking for another school.