State School & Extention

[outofthebox]

Son is like 3-4 years ahead in math.

From many years of past experience in private schools, the schools are unwilling to provide necessary enrichment. The standard line is that the kids are 'extended' in class.

This year was the last straw. Son was in the top set in 7 sets and the top child in the set and STILL THE TEACHER PROVIDES NO EXTENSION. Son even asked for challenging work and we got kickback.

Any advice. I'd ideally like to take my son out of math and provide math at home. Or have him take an online math class in the school library during math. Today we met his teacher for next year and she is entirely inflexible and I am already not happy.

Thanks for advice.

[DinkyDaisy]

What is the extension work?
What is your aim? Taking an exam early?
My son good at maths [though doubt 3-4 years ahead as needs to be introduced to concepts]. He is given enrichment work/ puzzles on current theme of work etc if whizzes through class work. This seems to keep him happy. He also supports other children in class where appropriate and that seems to work well as done sensitively for all I think.

[French2019]

I'd have thought that most schools should be able to cope with kids who are 3-4 years ahead - obviously, he's a talented mathematician but 3-4 years isn't totally off the scale and they should be able to cope with that in a normal classroom. Surely, if there are enough children for seven sets, they must have quite a lot who are at least a couple of years ahead, so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch to cater for your ds.

Your thread title asks about state schools but you seem to be talking about your experience in private. Why is that?

I wonder if the real problem is that there is a mis-match in expectations and in opinions about what your son actually needs? It sounds like you favour acceleration, but perhaps the schools prefer the approach of developing depth and mastery?

[TalkinPeece]

Richard Feynmann stayed in his correct year group right the way through school
he stretched himself sideways
not up in a single subject
follow his lead

[LadyPeacock]

You could send him to one of the maths schools (London or Exeter)?

[TalkinPeece]

Why?
How will that stretch him sideways and outwards
the UK system is rightly criticised for early specialisation
why on earth would you want to closet a bright kid into one subject?

at DC's 6th form there was a lad who got 5 x A* in maths and variants
while still being shit at football
balance is everything

[LadyPeacock]

Umm, because the OP is not you and she and her DS might want different things to you??

[SuperPug]

Many universities are offering great masterclasses, competitions etc. There are also maths Olympiads. Sorry, I am not a maths teacher so not massively helpful. Tbh, his school should be advertising these. I think The Brilliant Club works with schools to offer this.

[MissMarplesKnitting]

Is this private or state? OP is confusing.

There should be scope to extend him, any maths teacher I know would delight in having such a talented young person and would help out.

PS, it's Maths. Mathematics. Unless you're American, in which case, I apologise.

[SuperPug]

I am not sure if taking him out would be great if he has to learn the syllabus etc. for GCSE? Not sure which year group your son is in. Someone else will be more knowledgeable about this but I am sure there is a higher level maths qualification at GCSE and some schools offer AS a year early. There is also the Royal Institute for lectures and workshops.

[Anasnake]

'Math' - are you American?

[MissMarplesKnitting]

They can do GCSE early too.

In fact, if it's private, as per the OP, it's often done in year 10 for very capable students.

Then there's A level and further maths....

[TalkinPeece]

Math / Maths is just one subject
it does not make a rounded individual
hence my comment about Feynmann
anybody who thinks their child is brighter than him need not be posting on here

[LadyPeacock]

Not all people are rounded people though, and that can be OK. You are forcing your own values.

[TalkinPeece]

Ladypeackock
why are you so anti wanting to aim to be like feynmann?

[LadyPeacock]

I'm not sure if you are trying to be funny TalkinPeece? If so, I'm sorry, I hate it when people on mumsnet are too obtuse to get a joke!

[TalkinPeece]

I see no joke
I just see somebody who has not read enough Feynmann

[titchy]

Not all people are rounded people though, and that can be OK. You are forcing your own values.

And that's fine for adults. To force kids down one particular route age 10, 11, 12 is ridiculous.

[LadyPeacock]

Ok then.. I'll leave you to your rather.. unrounded.. interest in him...

Fenymann clearly had a very special interest in maths/ physics/ engineering which he pursued vigorously from an early age. I am certain though, that you are right (and you would know) that he would have been wholeheartedly against any thought of a 6th form which specialised in these subjects (whilst allowing students to take qualification in other subjects).

[TalkinPeece]

????
You REALLY need to read more Feynmann!
You suggested a maths school
he loved Samba drumming ,,,,,

[LadyPeacock]

Ahh, well you DEFINITELY would NOT be allowed to do Samba drumming at Exeter Maths School. Actually now you mention it, I read that on their website.

Disregard me.

[grasspigeons]

My son's normal primary state school has maths specialist from a very well regarded secondary drop on and take extension classes with 6 of the better at maths children. Could the school do that?

[sue51]

MissMarplesKnitting Loads of state schools take GCSE maths early too

[MaisyPops]

Early entry to GCSE is an option, but there was a great thread a few months back on the downsides of pushing early GCSE- early A level etc.
Generally (from what specialists said on that thread) universities don't want gaps in study so sitting all your maths early doesn't actually help you get into a top maths course. It leaves you at 16-18 with a gap in maths study.

There are ways to enrich a child's underdtanding and experience without chasing the 'but they are years ahead' thing. E.g. GCSE/A level maths isn't all of maths. There will be other topics. Logic puzzles of different difficulties will help develop many of the thinking skills to support a broader depth in maths. Exploring applications of maths could be another option.

Extension doesn't always mean drop work from years ahead down to a child.