Going to the year above for some lessons but head has said no

[mumoverbored]

Had a chat with ds' teacher (year 1) a while ago and she said that she thinks he should go to year 2 for some lessons. I was all for it as I don't think she is able to differentiate appropriately given she is very over-stretched and ds is an outlier, quite a way beyond the top groups in some areas.

Ds was all for it too as was the teacher in the year above but I've now been told the head has said no as 'other parents might start demanding the same for their kids'.

Well that strikes me as a rubbish reason as surely she can just say no and explain why it's not appropriate (unless it is).

I'm left with a situation where I don't think what's being done instead (not a lot) works.

[Heroine]

Head is twat - make appointment, ask how you can help get a G& T programme in school, say that stage one is an appropriate move up scheme.

If parents want same for kids and are justified - indication new teacher needed - heads have spare money given to them by govn't for this, and for retention that they keep in order to play 'look how good I am with money' you need to make sure that 'look how crap I am at managing the school' is a bigger risk for him/her - but gently..

if resistance, talk to LEA and ask for school to cover extra tuition to them in writing, copy in head - watch him/her call you in for a meeting.

Just watched NEDS (film) in which a really bright kid goes off the rails - at end he is treated as a thicky and in a lesson where he can't possibly learn, and it was so tragic it makes me really angry at this kind of wasted opportunity.

Also write to local public schools and explain your case - they love clever kids (good for results) and having someone else agree will be good for you whatever you decide to do.

[mumoverbored]

Could afford private if needed but not really got any local enough schools so huge trek involved compared to where he is and he is happy which counts for a lot (although does occasionally say work is too easy).

I think writing is easier to differentiate for and he's not hugely ahead in that anyway. Reading is the lesson the teacher says he should move up for, whilst I am having a battle with her as she has clearly not twigged how able he is at maths (last year's teacher had so it's not just me thinking this).

Ds has started making silly mistakes sometimes as the sums are very easy for him and I am having to teach him to be more careful (a useful lesson anyway for him) because this is making this year's teacher think he's just reasonably able not very able at numeracy. But that's another story.

Squidgy - the teacher knows she has to do something different for reading but ds still gets the same phonics lessons and the same homework as everyone else from what I can tell. Very little differentiation. Very nice but inexperienced teacher who is, on all accounts, very over-stretched. Hence I think going to year 2 would be a good solution, but head is vetoing it as I say.

[mumoverbored]

ds meant to have weekly extra one on one for guided reading but it doesn't seem to be happening .
I feel like a pushy parent questioning this again.

[mumoverbored]

You're right - I need to pick my battles.

Yes there is more to phonics than the 44 sounds. If you google letters and sounds phase 6 I think, it shows the level that sort of thing seems to go up to.

And besides in our class they are doing something like a-e which is still within the 44. Slow...

I need to get her to understand the maths side. This is a kid who likes playing around with square and prime numbers and doing sums with negative numbers (granted he is not as far ahead as some) yet is being made to do 14 + 6 at best.

[mumoverbored]

Exactly Beertricks. It's such a stupid explanation if the head has any backbone, what's the problem? Just say no to the others and give reasons.

[FreudianSlippery]

Just seen this - any luck yet mumoverbored?

What a ridiculous reason to say no anyway, the head is a wimp. Hope you get something sorted.

BTW - you mention prime/negative/squares - have you shown him the fibonacci sequence/spiral and the golden ratio yet :o I have such fond memories of watching Donald in Mathemagic Land and dad explaining all the maths to me.

DVD here - it's the first cartoon on it. Very old-fashioned but OMG, such a classic, I just love it. My best mate bought it for my eldest when she was born, so I could pass my love of maths on to her :)

Sorry I'll shut up now I tend to go on a bit when maths is involved :o

[mumoverbored]

Yes dh did something about Fibonnacci with him a few months ago and he enjoyed it! I've already fogotten what it was.

Quite often if ds is choosing something he will go with say number 7 or 11, and declare that it's because it's a prime number [geek emoticon]. Bless him.

No luck as still haven't plucked up the courage to ask the head about it. I'm sure they already think I'm a total pain it the arse so am worried about adding to that.

[FreudianSlippery]

Of course you do need to keep pushing for this - please try not to worry what they think of you!

As an aside though - if you haven't already, check out nrich it's supposed to be really good for maths geeks :o