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Original poster

What do you think of this school?

59 replies

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 26/09/2021 16:21

Trying to decide whether to apply for the local Free School.

  • 50 children per year in two classes. Form groups stay together.
  • Topic based not subject based learning (with topics covering everything from Science to languages to art)
  • all study the same set GCSEs (Maths, English, language, Sciences, History, Art) with some scope for extra subjects.
  • no uniform
  • lots of practical experience.

Some things appeal, others don't.
20 minute bus journey, then 25 minute walk. Have yet to check the cycling route

This is opposed to the local school, 5 minute walk, 7 form entry, traditional uniform, massive range of academic and vocational subjects, range of extra curricular...

Unfortunately we can't visit as Open Evenings this week and she has a positive Covid test.

OP posts:
Whinge · 26/09/2021 16:33

50 children per year in two classes. Form groups stay together.

I would worry about such a small pool of children, 50 is a low number and your child might find it difficult to make friends.

Topic based not subject based learning (with topics covering everything from Science to languages to art)

This sounds interesting, but i'd have to find out how it actually works. There's plenty of scope to learn via topics but how do they ensure that the children understand different concepts, and what steps are in place to make sure those who struggle with specific subjects don't fall through the cracks?

all study the same set GCSEs (Maths, English, language, Sciences, History, Art) with some scope for extra subjects.

How do they differentiate for the different abilities? I would worry the children aren't getting enough support or being encouraged to achieve their potential.

no uniform

That wouldn't bother me

lots of practical experience.

What sort of practical experience?

MissKeithsNeice · 26/09/2021 16:33

Not a chance. I would really worry about staffing - is everyone on v light part time contracts? Or does the English teacher also teach French and history?

noblegiraffe · 26/09/2021 16:33

I wouldn't stifle my kid by sending them to somewhere with so little choice.

But the topic-based learning sounds particularly shit.

CherieBabySpliffUp · 26/09/2021 16:32

A 25 minute walk when it’s pouring with rain wouldn’t be fun.

merryhouse · 26/09/2021 16:31

Who is behind the Free School? How long has it been going?

Zarene · 26/09/2021 16:30

God no. Let your kid have some choice in the subjects and extracurriculars they do!

girlmom21 · 26/09/2021 16:29

There's a lot I don't like there but the commute alone is pretty savage

BlusteryLake · 26/09/2021 16:28

I would not touch the free school with a barge pole. I think students should be given some choice to study subjects that interest them at GCSE as they are more likely to do well in those subjects. Also hate the idea of lumping science and humanities together because, again, some kids excel at one but not the other. Do they set by ability? This is key for me when choosing a school.

Greenandcabbagelooking · 26/09/2021 16:28

No. Lack of GCSE choices, too small for decent extra-curricular options or good setting in upper years. Not a short journey.

I'd only choose it if all other options within the same travel time were awful.