My child attends Michaela community school - ama

[Starship74]

Name Changed for this but very long time mumsnetter.

My child is three years into Michaela Community School. Since it’s so heavily discussed on mumsnet I thought I’d make a post.

I won’t be posting any confidential information but can answer generic questions.

My child was allocated a place through the random allocation. I chose it because of the outstanding academic results and was very impressed at how focussed the kids were on the open day.

There is limited engagement with the headmistress at weekly assemblies, the heads of year are generally in charge from what I’ve seen.

They are allowed smart phones and know the kids have them. Of course phones aren’t allowed out of bags on school premises but I think that’s common in many schools.

Whilst it is a strict school i don’t think it’s as strict as they make out in the press.

Things I like:

• they really push the kids academically which is important to me as I didn’t want my child to coast through
• my child does complain about how strict the school is but I’ve asked several times if they want to change school and the answer is always no as they know they are going to get a better outcome so my child has bought into it too

Things I don’t like:

• communication isn’t the best with parents, no parents evening where I have 1:1 with a teacher
• they have a policy of 4 kids in a group at break time which I think limits friendships, it’s hard to get to know other kids
• dont have an issue with the vegetarian nature of lunch but what they serve seems extremely unhealthy every day - mostly processed food

Feel free to ask any other questions!

Their pupil population is interesting, 18% on SEN support, EHCP about average

Michaela Community School - Compare school and college performance data in England - GOV.UK

I think it sounds great

as a very experienced teacher I'm interested that they think no large groups stop bullying. 🤔

There's a really interesting podcast with Amel Rajan on BBC Sounds and an interview with the head and it explains the meat thing
I think she's obviously quite weird socially , but brilliant

I would imagine no meat means they’re not faffing about with halal & non-halal. I don’t think some religions allow halal meat. So it probably cuts down on waste.

I’m surprised you have not got parents evenings. However what they are doing is clearly working. So I suppose you have to trust them.

I don’t know why people are so critical as the students have a similar outcome as if they had been to a private school.

No issue with vegetarian food, but why is it processed and poor quality according to the OP?

No, they think that firm classroom boundaries and a culture of work and respect limit bullying. At social times limiting groups is supposed to stop large groups forming which exclude other children.

They certainly have high expectations and good outcomes and have narrowed the gap, as they say.

Have you asked them why there are no parents' evenings?
How do you communicate with staff?

How would they cope with a child with ARFID?

Yes. That makes no sense whatsoever.

No, they think that firm classroom boundaries and a culture of work and respect limit bullying. At social times limiting groups is supposed to stop large groups forming which exclude other children.

I don't agree with that either. A group of three can just as easily exclude a fourth. Lots (maybe even the majority) of bullying happens online. Kids who work hard can just as easily be bullies as anyone else. All schools encourage an atmosphere of respect and work. Why wouldn't they? What's harder is to successfully and universally enforce respect and hard work.

I'd be fascinated to know what it's like to be a teacher there. Not sure if any ex-staff have ever talked publicly about it.

Absolutely - the one person I know who was bullied, was bullied by TWO girls. No need for 4, two did a marvellous job on their ownsome lonesome.

That's not the only strategy in place.

I would sincerely hope so.

Why get hung up on the group of 4? At least they're trying a strategy.
Every single school I've worked in (30+ years, non selective state, some inner city) have tried to foster a culture of respect. In my classroom, that's been my priority.
However, you get a number of students who are exceptionally rude, entitled and disruptive. They can significantly impact the well-being and learning of others.
At least this school acknowledges the problems.

I know! I think sometimes people aren't fully aware of problems in the average school!

I would be very interested to know more about the percentage of exclusions, and within that, the percentage given to children with SEND.

Do they have an isolation room, and how is it used?

Good question. Are there adjustments for children with this, and perhaps other dietary issues?.

What’s it like day to day- are the corridors silent??classes silent? Do students get detentions for uniform infringements? Is there event any disruption to lessons? Are lessons lecture style?

what the reasoning behind the vegetarian food - I think al schools should be veggie.

What time does it start and finish?

i think they are mainly successful as people want to be there are there and they tow the line. They know what they are signing up to.

parents evening are really helpful unless a child is struggling and for settling in in year 7 and Christmas before year GCSE. All other issues should be brought up in due course.

does you child enjoy it?

The group of four thing sounds daft and would actively upset my kids. They both have lovely friendship groups with around 5-6 kids. No dramas in each etc. How on earth would they choose who to spend time with? Sounds like it's setting up pupils to exclude each other rather than tackle bullying.

I expect families who sign up know what they are signing up for.
I would want a parents' evening.

If you don't have parents evening how do you find out how your kid is doing?

I have seen an interview with Katherine Birbalsingh and find her ideas and ethos make a lot of sense. I wasn't expecting to!

Her point that you need knowledge before you can have a reasoned opinion seems v sensible.

Also the parts about social skills eg meal times being important and Britishness promotion helping social cohesion.

I watched that us uk school swap on channel 4 and the US kids seemed on average happier and certainly more at ease with their identity as part of the school and nation. I feel like Michaels are trying to do similar thing with promoting school and national identity.

I would worry about the eyes to teacher thing if I was a parent. If every lesson is inspiring that works great. How about in boring lessons?

I think it's great that schools like this exist and it does seem to be very clear what you are getting when you sign up. It wouldn't suit me or my kids but that's fine.

Two questions - what is a typical lunch? (Also, how much is it? Can they buy snacks, etc. as well?)

How do you feel it sets students up for their next steps? It this likely to be their Sixth Form or do they suggest vocational colleges, apprenticeships as well?