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Original poster

Year 7 results

39 replies

CLL65 · 10/07/2014 20:46

My DS received the following end of year grades, 5M in science, 6M in maths and 5M in English. His target grades for Science and English were 5H respectively. I'm cross with him for failing to attain his expected targets. Am I being unreasonable? It's just that he isn't working to capacity and his teachers know that he's scores do not reflect his ability. Any advice anyone?

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 11/07/2014 06:57

Be cross at him for not working hard, but don't be cross at him not meeting the exact sublevel dictated by his targets, because they are a load of bollocks. Sublevels are arbitrary and targets are generated by sticking a finger into the wind. It's not a science, it's a lie to parents.

picnicbasketcase · 11/07/2014 06:35

My DS is below his targets on several subjects, it is disappointing but my attitude is, the school didn't know him when the targets were set and now he's going into Y8, they have seen his work and will adjust what his targets are in a more tailored way. I haven't punished him for it, just had a discussion about trying harder. They're only 11-12 years old. His whole future won't be decided by Y7.

MadameDefarge · 11/07/2014 06:16

You are being ridiculous. A child who achieves a minimum of level 5 at the end of Year 7 will be looking at achieving As at GCSE.

You sound awful. Year 7 is a massive upheaval for children.

You being overly pushy, the school is being overly pushy. You are verging on being a bully to him.

Cut the kid some slack.

Kenlee · 11/07/2014 00:28

I understand your pain OP. I also understand the desire for your child to get high marks and being a high achiever. I too expect high marks for my daughter.

However, unlike you I have worked out that making ultimatums and setting negative targets do not work. I think you need to review your punishment and reward scheme.

I would reward my daughter with praise and love at her every success no matter how small or insignificant. Yet I would sit down with her and work out any failures no matter how big or small. In a calm and understanding way. To encourage her to be better.

I understand now that your child will not go on this trip. That is more about your lost of control of the situation. Than a result of his bad results. I do agree you have to follow through on your threat. Yet that threat should never had been made in the first place.

I understand more than most the effects of helicopter tiger parenting. It can really negatively impact on your child.

BackforGood · 10/07/2014 23:39

To be fair, if you keep adding in information after someone posts each time, then it makes it difficult for people to respond.

This has gone from 'AIBU to be cross he didn't reach set targets?'

to
'AIBU to be cross he hasn't put the effort in?'

to
'AIBU to follow through what has been threatened, and what he's been reminded of over many weeks and months?'

Changes things a LOT

Original poster
CLL65 · 10/07/2014 22:33

Herecomesthesciencebint

In response to your questions,
Sometimes he's kind. Sometimes he's funny and sweet. Is he sporty, no and is he honest, not very often, so no in response yo your comment, there isn't a great deal to celebrate!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
CLL65 · 10/07/2014 22:24

I am not mean at all contrary to your views.

I have spoken to, assisted and cajoled DS to no avail. His report in March was atrocious and he was warned at that time that if significant improvements had not been made, he would not be going on this trip. I cannot now relent on my threat otherwise he will never take me seriously.

I do not want my DS to waste his life and will do everything within my power to ensure that he makes the best of life's opportunities.

OP posts:
Herecomesthesciencebint · 10/07/2014 22:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BackforGood · 10/07/2014 22:16

Right, so this isn't about reaching a particular level, but about him not putting the effort in?
I think your punishment is harsh and will only build resentment, not encourage work.
I think I'd have tried to put in either a carrot or a stick at the time of the Parents evening, and let him know what choice he's making / what he's depriving himself of if he doesn't work as well as he could.

If he's found the transition difficult, then I would have been talking with him about that during the year, helping him organise himself or whatever the issues are.

Hakluyt · 10/07/2014 22:09

How horrible of you.

Would he like to come and live with us for the summer? We have lots of nice things planned.

kilmuir · 10/07/2014 22:07

How will that focus his mind?

kilmuir · 10/07/2014 22:06

How mean

Original poster
CLL65 · 10/07/2014 22:04

Hi Backforgood, the reason why I'm cross is because he failed to meet the targets set at the parents' evening and his HOY and deputy have said that he's capable of achieving much more than he's currently doing. I have tried to encourage him to work hard and he'll be rewarded accordingly but he simply ignores my advice. He has admitted that he hasn't tried his best which he says is because he's found the transition to secondary school quite difficult.

As a punishment, I will not be allowing him to go on a previously planned trip and he's devastated but I'm hoping that this will focus his mind for September.

OP posts:
BackforGood · 10/07/2014 21:54
  • 'Predicted' grades from the start of Yr7 are likely to be a bit of a 'stab in the dark' as the school staff don't know the pupils at that time.
  • Some children take a while to settle/ adjust to what is a very different environment from their Primary.
  • It may well be he was just 1 mark off - it's no big deal
  • It may be (particularly in Science) that there have been some modules he's found more difficult, and next year he'll do ones that he really takes to.

As to whether you should be cross or not - I'd judge that on whether you think he's been putting the effort in during the year, rather than on a grade.

What did they say at Parents evening?
What did they say at review day / target setting day?
What does his report say ?