Aim Higher Event - "Raising Expectations"

[FieldTrip]

DS1 has been selected to go on a school visit to a University "with a focus on raising aspirations", which is apparently part of the Aim Higher scheme.

He is heading for Cs at GCSE the way we're going, although I'm sure he could do better, he needs to seriously increase his work rate, if he's to get to University.

If he did go, that would be the norm in our family, it's not like he'd be the first in the family to go IYSWIM.

So, is he just the sort of child who should go on this event, to give him a glimpse of University life and a reason to put that extra work in, or should I be insulted that the school think he comes from the kind of background that needs it's aspirations raising?!

More seriously, he doesn't want to go because it clashes with his last IT lesson of the year and his last opportunity to finish the project he's been working on in a group. Should I make him go?

I'd love it if he achieved well enough to go to a proper Uni and do a proper degree, but I do think there are too many students racking up student loans for worthless degrees who shouldn't be at University and would be better off doing something else.

[TalkinPeace]

Aim Higher days are a blast.

It might just make him realise that there are loads of people who do work hard and have a life and love Xbox
but in that order

[titchy]

If he's getting Cs now but could do better if he put a bit of work in, he is EXACTLY the sort of kid who should be going to Aim Higher events!

[FieldTrip]

So you'd make him go and miss the IT lesson?

[TalkinPeace]

If the IT teacher is happy to sign the form, then yes, absolutely.
50 minutes versus the chance to click something in his head for the rest of his life
IMHO its a no brainer.
If he's left essential work to the very end of term, becoming a miniscule fish in a massive pond might just be the jolt he clearly needs

[MN164]

Can the IT teacher give some sort of special dispensation or maybe have him do some work ahead of time (or after)? Surely they would appreciate what a good cause its for and with their endorsement the reluctance might dissipate too.

[FieldTrip]

I don't think there's anything crucial about the project, it's just that he's been enjoying it and wants to finish it. It needs to be done in the lesson because they've been working in a group - the others will finish without him if he's not there. He's year 9 and hasn't started GCSE course work yet.

I agree he should go on the trip though.

[lljkk]

I think he should choose if he wants to go or not. I'd say that if he was top of the class in everything, too. You can make the case for or against, but his choice.

[Muskey]

please don't feel bad that your son has been chosen for this event. Obviously his teachers can see much more in him than he sees in himself. It would be fabulous for you to come back and post a thread in two years time saying that your ds achieved better than expected grades because he went to this event

[FieldTrip]

This is turning into a bit of a drama and I have no idea how to handle it.

DS1 is usually so laid back, especially about school, that you want to shake him, but he's really digging his heels in over this and getting himself into a bit of a state.

He REALLY doesn't want to go on the trip because the project is finished and the day of the trip is the only opportunity to present it to the class. Usually he'd be glad of an excuse not to do the presentation. I'm at a loss, I have no idea why it's so important to him, or how to find out, he's been unable to tell me, just that he wants to do it. He was almost in tears this morning when I tried to give him the permission slip to take back.

If I try and speak to the school, would you talk to:

• The deputy head, who signed the letter and runs the programme, but isn't going on the trip and is notoriously hard to get hold of
• One of the adults going on the trip - both pastoral support, not teachers
• the IT teacher?

[Muskey]

Speak to your sons head of year and/or it teacher. They might be able to shed some light on things. Maybe this is just one of those occasions when you give in. After all your ds is showing you that he doesn't want to let people down which is an excellent quality to have.