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Transferring from private to state - things not to say to/ask the Head.

239 replies

thedolly · 10/09/2009 11:58

I have a meeting with the Head of our catchment primary school (5-9) next week.

So what things shouldn't I say/ask the Head if I want to give the right impression.

It's beginning to feel like a bit of a soap opera now - this is my 4th thread on the same topic . I nearly posted this in AIBU .

However it does have the potential of being quite a funny thread and it may even help me from committing an unwitting private/state faux pas.

Thanks.

OP posts:
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LadyGlencoraPalliser · 10/09/2009 12:00

Ask the same things you would have asked the head of the private school .

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MarmadukeScarlet · 10/09/2009 12:01

Don't ask if they have a latin club?

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LadyGlencoraPalliser · 10/09/2009 12:09

She could offer to run one MS, I do at our state primary school.

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mrsruffallo · 10/09/2009 12:22

Our state primary teaches latin

Going by your past threads on this subject I would say as little as possible thedolly

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scarletlilybug · 10/09/2009 12:33

Ask the same questions you would ask the head of a private school.

What a bizarre question. Or were you hoping to have a little snigger at the "paupers" attending the state school?

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NoahAmin · 10/09/2009 12:35

oh god are you STILL on about this

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Lilyloo · 10/09/2009 12:36
Hmm
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blinder · 10/09/2009 12:40

Don't say 'bollocks' or the c-word.

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thedolly · 10/09/2009 12:43

Shall I ask when they start preparing them for Common Entrance?

I was thinking along the lines of asking to see a copy of the class timetable? Is that an acceptable question?

OP posts:
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NoahAmin · 10/09/2009 12:45

ask him if HE agrees you are up your own arse? or ist just the rest of us

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Lilyloo · 10/09/2009 12:47

Noah

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itsmeolord · 10/09/2009 12:49

DOn't ask if you can have a list of mums who take in washing.

Don't ask if they have a "poor" fund.

Don't ask if rickets is still a problem in state schools.

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blinder · 10/09/2009 12:49

Yes, you can see a photocopy of the timetable but not a photocopy of his private parts. That's quite important.

Do you think that state schools are run by aliens OP? Your post is bizarre in the extreme.

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AramintaCane · 10/09/2009 12:50

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NoahAmin · 10/09/2009 12:50

it is ok to ask to see teachers o level certificates.

obviosly.



I copy mine

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thedolly · 10/09/2009 12:53

AramintaCane - the good people of MN have assured me that it is the done thing to meet with the Head.

OP posts:
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NoahAmin · 10/09/2009 12:54

hehe
yes
you need to wear a hat.
DONT FORGET or they will get no reading books.

ANd take a bottle of somehitng too.

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AramintaCane · 10/09/2009 12:55

This reply has been deleted

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blinder · 10/09/2009 12:56

Don't ask whether Year 4 have a heroin issue.

Don't ask about their Oxbridge record (they are too young).

Don't ask for a wet-wipe and then wipe the chair you sit down on.

In all seriousness, you should ask absolutely every question you can think of - you sound completely clueless and should be put straight at the earliest opportunity. With regard to giving the right impression - try to let that go. You will probably come across as a well-meaning snob whatever you say / don't say. Could be worse. He will probably try and recruit you for fund-raising activities. Hope it goes well.

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itsmeolord · 10/09/2009 12:58

Don't ask where the school pool is and then say "oh, I thought that was the pond".

Don't offer to coach the lacrosse team. (they won't have one)

Don't ask to meet "matron" for advice on labelling uniforms.

Don't try and discuss swiss finshing schools with the school secretary.

Do wear high street rather than designer. (state schools can be rather dirty I find)

Do try to understand that not everyone has a 4x4.



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AramintaCane · 10/09/2009 12:59

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itsmeolord · 10/09/2009 13:00

pmsl at year 4's heroin issue.

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NoahAmin · 10/09/2009 13:04

ALL state primarys have a drug counselor though.
so do ask when she works

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thedolly · 10/09/2009 13:04

Thanks for playing folks .

One thing that I love about our current school is that the children play outside at least twice a day whatever the weather (raincoats and wellies in school every day).

Is the the norm?

AramintaCane, why the ? Are you saying I should be more suspicious of peoples intentions?

OP posts:
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AramintaCane · 10/09/2009 13:04

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