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Original poster

What's the point of a 5 minute parents' evening for A levels

56 replies

MerryMarigold · 01/12/2023 17:51

My son is in Y13. Is there really any point in a 5 min parents' evening? The classes are not so huge that teachers need to fit in 30 appointments. I think it's really disappointing (verging on pointless) as it's such a crucial year.

My other children go to a different school and despite being in Y10 they get 10 minute appointments and a whole day is dedicated to parent- teacher consultations in order that the teachers can see every parent for 10 mins. (Other year groups are off school and have online work). In my opinion, this prioritises the parent/ school relationship.

OP posts:
modgepodge · 01/12/2023 17:57

MerryMarigold · 01/12/2023 17:51

My son is in Y13. Is there really any point in a 5 min parents' evening? The classes are not so huge that teachers need to fit in 30 appointments. I think it's really disappointing (verging on pointless) as it's such a crucial year.

My other children go to a different school and despite being in Y10 they get 10 minute appointments and a whole day is dedicated to parent- teacher consultations in order that the teachers can see every parent for 10 mins. (Other year groups are off school and have online work). In my opinion, this prioritises the parent/ school relationship.

So all the kids are at home for 7 extra days during the year to facilitate the parents meetings? (Presuming they do it for all years 7-13.) Wow. Not sure I’d be happy with that, even with online learning provided, just so I could have a 10 minute meeting with each teacher. Not to mention as a teacher myself getting time off work to attend a 10 minute meeting in the middle of the day (with an hours round trip to drive to it) would be really difficult.

UsingChangeofName · 01/12/2023 17:55

fuckityfuckityfuckfuck · 01/12/2023 17:54

It's only problem, if there's a problem. It doesn't even take 5 minutes to say "everything's fine, DC on track. Expected grades. Could improve by xyz."

But if there is a problem I'd arrange a follow up meeting to discuss properly anyway so even then 5 minutes should be fine.

This.

Also, not really fair on all other pupils losing time so one year group can have a longer appt at Parents' evening - even putting aside it can be much more difficult for parents to get out of work during the day.

fuckityfuckityfuckfuck · 01/12/2023 17:54

It's only problem, if there's a problem. It doesn't even take 5 minutes to say "everything's fine, DC on track. Expected grades. Could improve by xyz."

But if there is a problem I'd arrange a follow up meeting to discuss properly anyway so even then 5 minutes should be fine.

Parker231 · 01/12/2023 17:53

After lockdown I imagine that the majority of parents don’t want to have to stay at home to supervise a days online learning when their children could be in f2f lessons in school (and the parents go to work).

Bobbybobbins · 01/12/2023 17:53

I agree that 5 mins is very short. Our year 11 and 13 appts are longer than younger years. Never heard of doing it across a whole day though, sounds interesting.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 01/12/2023 17:53

In 5 minutes of solid talking, quite a lot can be said imo. I'd find it hard to fill 5 minutes for some of my students, unless the parents are just very chatty!

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