Languages at GCSE levels

Api2020 · 2020-01-27 18:49:32

Am I being unreasonable or the school is being unfair? This is just one aspect of my disappointed interactions with the school as there are other issues that cause be great concerns as a parent. My son finds languages hard and did not pick his home language unlike his siblings so when he began to speak English I went with it. He began to speak around 3 1/2 yrs old. As he grew he did not understand the home language and I realised languages were difficult for him. When he started secondary school I asked the school if he could drop French as I knew he would struggle. I was advised about the significance of the language but was assured that although he has to study it from yr 7-9 he can drop it when choosing his GCSEs. When choosing his GCSEs he was told he had no choice but to study it. So I made an appointment to discuss this and was seen by a senior leader of the team (SLT). He started by saying what is this you not wanting to do a language pointing to the handwritten note on the form regarding the above. He did not address me and instead told my son is that true? When my son tried explaining he snapped at him; shouted why don’t you go to a private school; where you can choose your own Menu? Why don’t you find a new school? My son appeared very uncomfortable with the questioning. When I tried explaining his difficulty with languages- the SLT wouldn't listen. When I asked him if other school had an option where languages are not compulsory. He said languages are compulsory at 95% of schools. I argued that this was very unfair as he was suggesting that I uproot son and If I took this option; he won't be able to do any subjects he wants as by the time he gets into a school; it will be too late. It would be very difficult to find a school as there is only 5%. I told him this was unreasonable as I was made to understand during the presentation evening that languages were optional. He shrugged his shoulders and reiterated the importance of languages. He then looked at son and said you are failing in other subjects naming Computer Science. My son tried explaining that although he works hard and has a good teacher she cannot manage the behaviour of children as a result; she couldn't teach. He couldn't understand the low grade, as his test grade is good but the overall report doesn't show this. He didn't understand why everyone had similar grades as some children do nothing in lesson. The SLT member told my son what did he do to sort it, as he was a monitor and he should have reported this. My son tried telling him he spoke to his tutor who shrugged her shoulders- He interrupted son and said you should have gone to the Achievement Team Leader (ATL) and used some other abbreviation. Again my son appeared more distressed as the SLT then proceeded to name other subjects he could drop like RE, History, English, Maths,science etc. At this point; I told him that French is not important unless we lived in France but since we lived in England; English is important and so is Maths for future job prospects so he couldn't possibly drop them. He said languages are compulsory and part of the curriculum. I realised he was very unreasonable and not listening so I left and complained to the school. I was seen by my son’s ATL and another member of staff who reiterated the significance of language and informed me that they can only apologise as I was misinformed at the start of the school. My son has a good grade in French but he told me that his teacher gave him a sheet to memorise and he forgot what he learnt once the exam was over. I made an official complaint to the school as I wasn't satisfied by the response/behaviour of said individual and was informed towards the end of December that my son could drop the language(I have to withdraw him by writing a letter to the Head teacher) but have to pick up a new subject. In view of my previous liaisons with school I asked them to consider if he can drop the language and not do a subject altogether, as he would have to catch up for a whole terms from Sept-Dec) of work by himself. I was told this wasn't possible but after discussing my son’s situation; I was told by a deputy head that she can make it happen. Only to be told that she never said this. The Deputy head also defended SLT and said it was a persona and he was part of the SL T but I feel that is very demeaning to a child. No one should ever tell a child they are a failure, especially a teacher?

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