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Original poster

What questions should I be asking at open evenings?

29 replies

CouthyMowWearingOrange · 16/09/2012 10:54

When I applied for Secondary for my DD four years ago, I was looking specifically at how good the school's SEN Dept was, had no clue about asking questions about GCSE's etc, as tbh they weren't even on the radar for a DC that didn't know number bonds to 10 at age 11. (She has improved massively, made the right choice for her.)

However, I am now in the process of applying for Secondary for my DS1. He is totally different, is sitting the 11+, but if he doesn't get a place in the superselective Grammar (96 places for 700+ applicants), I need to find the RIGHT Secondary for him.

At the end of Y5, he was working on L5b in English, L7 in Maths. His Maths is better than mine.

What questions should I be asking? Especially given the changes to linear exams, and the probable introduction of a two-tier exam system.

I want to know how they are set in Maths especially, and how they will differentiate in a mixed class, if they set straight away or after CAT testing, what they do for other subjects too, are they only set in some subjects? All? None?

I can't seem to figure out a clear list of questions, like I could for my DD. It seemed the questions were much more straightforward for her, and I need a list so I don't forget anything.

I'm not bothered about DS1 going to the same school as DD, I just want each DC in the Secondary that is best for them.

Can anyone help me clarify the questions swirling round in my head and get a list together?

OP posts:
seeker · 16/09/2012 14:56

And my two questions when you are being shown round by earnest year 8s-

1)Do you have fun here? 2) Would you want your little brother or sister to come here?

Sparklingbrook · 16/09/2012 14:51

After school and lunchtime clubs.

Do they do vertical tutoring?

Are there lockers?

Knowsabitabouteducation · 16/09/2012 14:46

Another important thing - how can you contact the school? Can you email the form tutor and when can you expect a reply? How easy is it to see the head teacher, or head of pastoral care? Who is your first point of contact, etc etc.

Knowsabitabouteducation · 16/09/2012 14:45

How and when they set, especially maths, English, languages.

Which MFL(s) they take in Y7 and when/if they add a third.

How they teach Science (all one teacher, or separate lessons with three different teachers).

How they allocate pupils to forms and when they get mixed up.

PE offerings.

Extra curricular drama and music, if this is important to you.

Use of IT, particularly the level on online homework (you will want to have a decent computer, printer and Internet connection at home, or good availability in the school library).

The times of the school day - earliest possible arrival and latest possible leaving times.

If the school does well in a particular area, they will let you know. If they seem silent on anything, you might need to probe.