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SLT are adamant early entry is the way forwards

19 replies

Artfullydead · 28/02/2019 19:22

I do not agree.

I am really worried about this. if the results divebomb then it's on my head!

What would you do? I probably can't do anything but is there any way of protecting myself?

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StrumpersPlunkett · 28/02/2019 19:34

Don’t know from a teacher POV but we were told they wanted ds1 to take his gcse maths at the end of year 9. We declined as although his maths may be up to it his maturity isn’t and we want him to stay with his peers.
I can’t imagine the pressure on you as a teacher. If they aren’t mature enough and those results mark your stats it would be awfully damaging.

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noblegiraffe · 28/02/2019 19:35

The DfE agree with you. It’s why they introduced the ‘first entry only’ rule for the league tables, to stop schools doing it, as the evidence shows kids who enter early do worse.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/184109/DFE-RR208.pdf

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Artfullydead · 28/02/2019 19:41

I know giraffe ... it's crazy

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donquixotedelamancha · 28/02/2019 19:48

What would you do?. I'm assuming you are a HoD who has to implement this?

I'd say no. I'd try to do it nicely, pointing out the benefits of a comparison group but if pushed I'd say no until a direct order from the head.

If the head has listened to your argument and made a different decision (get it in writing) then it's on him.

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Artfullydead · 28/02/2019 19:49

I can't say no. That's why I am wondering if I have any comeback when I end up on capability Sad

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noblegiraffe · 28/02/2019 19:54

Email them the DfE evidence so that you have a paper trail of your evidenced objections?

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Artfullydead · 28/02/2019 19:56

Could do.

I had a meeting with the HT back in October where I outlined my concerns though and made that very point.

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UnderMajorDomoMinor · 28/02/2019 19:56

What do they say to the first grade only stuff for progress 8 etc?

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elephantoverthehill · 28/02/2019 23:16

Can you negotiate a 'fast track' group of students who will get grades 8/9 to then concentrate on the others? This might be a way to appease the HT.

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Comefromaway · 28/02/2019 23:22

Ds’s school tried it last year for England dh Language. The idea was they’d do Lang in Year 10 & Lit in Year 11.

His English tutor who teaches a lot of kids from the school told me that results were appalling. Most didn’t even get a 4.

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donquixotedelamancha · 28/02/2019 23:40

I can't say no. That's why I am wondering if I have any comeback when I end up on capability

Teachers can say no to a hell of a lot more than we think. Why would you end up on capability? Unless there is a huge drip feed coming that seems an irrational fear.

If you want some concrete advice you need to give some context.

What subject?
When will they start and end the course?
What cohort of kids?
What is your role?
What are all the other subjects doing?
Why are you so concerned about performance management?

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Piggywaspushed · 01/03/2019 07:00

It's bonkers to do this. Sorry, not helpful but offer moral support!

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Piggywaspushed · 01/03/2019 07:06
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Artfullydead · 03/03/2019 17:37

It is indeed English - HT wants them entered early in year 10. I think this means cramming the Lit course into less than a year and the dullest possible language course in year 11.

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Piggywaspushed · 03/03/2019 17:46

The Lit course is impossible to teach in a year! I take it your Head is not an English teacher....

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Artfullydead · 03/03/2019 18:40

Nope.

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Piggywaspushed · 03/03/2019 18:45

They never are.

Show him the stats in the link I posted. That could work. How many schools in your area/LA/ MAT have the same approach?

Do you start GCSE in year 10?

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Artfullydead · 03/03/2019 18:48

Yes, although if he's insistent EE is the only way I will start in May with the current y9s.

Last year some kids did reasonably well. The same kids are well motivated though and would have done better had they waited - it's infuriating. Also Y11 is so fucking boring.

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Piggywaspushed · 03/03/2019 19:04

Oh God, yeah. We did this one year back when IGCSE was a thing. We still feel the need now to squash everything in so we can revise from January to May. It's soooo turgid.

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