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Original poster

I am in a quandary of whether I should let DD have a interview for a 6th form place at a Girls Grammar.

37 replies

morry1000 · 17/02/2014 09:46

I have another thread on the teenagers section about DD explaining her situation and needs.

DD has just come in and showed me a letter from a Grammar school Inviting her for an interview ( Despite her being 17) and out of year.
Unbeknown to me and her Senco, she had sent off two applications to Grammar schools in the next county attached with a letter explaining her circumstances and how she has not had the appropriate education and has had issues at her Comprehensive. In the letter she explains how she has gone from E grades to expected A* grades because of her focus and the help of her Senco. I had no idea about these applications and because of my DDs issues , I am worried that she will get knocked back due to her age and previous behaviour at school . She has though explained both of these issues in the letter.

Whatever the outcome , I am very proud of her writing this letter and showing determination and her own initiative in applying.

OP posts:
mumslife · 18/02/2014 12:49

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
morry1000 · 18/02/2014 10:55

I have just looked on the "Grammar Schools" policy for students with additional difficulties. It gives me hope that DD might be accepted , I have looked at other schools policies and they are not as "Inclusive" as the Grammar Schools policy is. I get the feeling the school might take a positive view towards DDs age and except her behaviour was because of Immaturity and the learning environment . I have also spoken to someone who knows the school very well , they have said it is brilliant at pastoral care and would be a brilliant fit for DD.

DD told me she only just got her application in on time just before Christmas and that she has been waiting for a letter back from the school for ages. The fact she has only just got the letter, could it mean that they have looked at her difficulties and are considering offering her a place .

In DDs letter she states that because of her age ,she would accept high standards of attainment required from her . the school generally does not let students in to Yr 13 with less than C grades in AS levels . DD has stated she would except a minimum standard of B grades.

I don't know what to say about DD , how can she write a fantastic and descriptive letter like this and for four and half years work at E grade or below Gcse standard.

I think with DD it all comes down to " Wanting to do it" and actually trying, instead of finding ways not to do work.

OP posts:
Original poster
morry1000 · 17/02/2014 17:19

Tess I have just seen my Mistake previous School should have said Current sorry.....

OP posts:
Original poster
morry1000 · 17/02/2014 17:13

Tess . I meant to say I should ring in and say she is sick ,even though her Senco knows she is not and is attending an interview..

OP posts:
Original poster
morry1000 · 17/02/2014 17:11

I know technically she is liable for herself, I just don't want the school using that line if it suits them to. I would prefer to pretend that she has to be legally in school I.E Yr11 at 16 years of age...

OP posts:
tess73 · 17/02/2014 16:59

Why do you need permission from the other school? I would try not to say anything until she has a definite place, it might make life hard for her if she doesn't get in. Do you have to tell them?
Good on her by the way.

5madthings · 17/02/2014 14:24

well done to your dd! yes let her go and good luck to her! :)

ThreeBeeOneGee · 17/02/2014 14:22

she had sent off two applications to Grammar schools in the next county attached with a letter explaining her circumstances

Well done to her, for taking the initiative and doing this. I think that's quite admirable in a 17 year old and shows maturity and resourcefulness.

Original poster
morry1000 · 17/02/2014 14:14

Thank You . I have decided to "let Her Go" with my blessing, her senco Is going to come round and give her tips in what to say at the interview.

The interview is next Wednesday and the school is 20 miles away so I will have to take her there. I will need to get permission from her current school who I don't think will take kindly to it. DDs previous school finally after 4 and half years last March stated to help her in the correct way, and will feel with their investment in time and money , that we owe them some loyalty with DD . The truth is we do not owe them any loyalty because for 4 and half years they allowed her to do bugger all and misbehave , DD entered the school with level 3s despite having an IQ of 138 so the primary school was "Crap" as well.

I have told her that even if she does not get a place at the school . She has come in just one year from looking at a Level 1 NVQ , to looking to do A levels in English/Chemistry History and a undecided one , at a selective Grammar School and that is Brilliant...

OP posts:
tiggytape · 17/02/2014 09:50

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Lottiedoubtie · 17/02/2014 09:49

Of course you must let her go to the interview! If they were definitely going to knock her back they wouldn't bother interviewing.

They may still of course, but that's a much better learning experience than wing wrapped in cotton wool.

OddBoots · 17/02/2014 09:48

Oh do let her go, if she goes but doesn't get a place she will come to accept that but if she doesn't get a place because you didn't let her go that will stay with her forever. She has shown huge initiative in doing this and whatever the result you can be very positive about that if you support her.

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