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Original poster

Can you help me write a sensible and non judgy email to school please?

15 replies

HarrySnotter · 20/03/2019 15:47

DS is 14 and loves maths, always has done, and he's good at it.

Since he's been in his current class he says it's been more difficult as there are so many behavioural issues in the class. Constant noise, calling out etc and he's really struggling to concentrate. He says he hates the lessons now and dreads them because he can't seem to get much work done because of the disruptions.

We spoke about it last year and he said give it til Christmas to see if it improves, which it did, but now he says it's worse than ever.

How do I word an email to school regarding this? He's really worried that this is going to affect his grades, as am I. I don't want to be a knob about it, I work in a school and I know how difficult it can be, but I don't want to do nothing and he ends up really struggling.

Also, should I email his English teacher, or the HOD? Can you help with a carefully worded email please? Thanks.

OP posts:

hopeishere · 20/03/2019 17:18

Is it maths or English?!

I'd email the HOD.

Original poster

HarrySnotter · 20/03/2019 17:27

It's Maths @hopeishere. How do I word my email without sounding like I expect a miracle? I know it's hard, but I'm genuinely concerned about his progress and so is he.

OP posts:

GottenGottenGotten · 20/03/2019 17:38

Why would you email his English teacher about his maths class?

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14 year olds General education

CuckooCuckooClock · 20/03/2019 17:41

What do you want them to do?

Redskyandrainbows67 · 20/03/2019 17:44

Can he use ear plugs?

Cherrymix · 20/03/2019 17:51

I would email the teacher and ask if they could phone you. I'm guessing that the teacher would know if the class is disruptive and it might be easier to chat through the issues rather than putting it in writing where it could come out wrong.

Or if you think the teacher is the issue, email the HOD and have a similar conversation.

I also find that by talking to people it is easier to adapt how much/ little you say as the conversation develops.

Hollowvictory · 20/03/2019 17:53

Go and speak to Them Rather than emailing

MrsChollySawcutt · 20/03/2019 17:54

Dear HOD,

My Son X is in y form and z maths group. For some months now X has been having difficulties concentrating in his maths classes due to the general level of noise and interruptions from other students during class time.

X is keen to do well in maths, it is one of his favourite subjects but the issues with the behaviour of his maths group and are making him dread theses lessons.

Is it possible for X to be moved into a different maths group where there are less disruptions in class?

I am very happy to work with the school to try to find a mutually acceptable plan of action to help X and ensure he continues to progress well in maths. Please could you me on xxxxxxx to discuss this further?

Thanks and regards

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 20/03/2019 17:55

Could you say your DS is finding it hard to concentrate and ask to discuss?. That way you aren’t apportioning blame.

Pancakeflipper · 20/03/2019 17:56

I'd speak to the year head.

Original poster

HarrySnotter · 20/03/2019 17:57

Sorry! I meant to put Maths teacher!

What do you want them to do?

Well, perhaps the teacher needs support when it comes to behaviour management? Apart from that, I don't really know. Should I say nothing? That doesn't really help DS either.

OP posts:

Lidlfix · 20/03/2019 17:58

Just express your concerns about your DS and his progress. Be honest about the impact that the disruption is having but voice it a manner that is not critical of the teacher ( your post does not sound critical so keep a similar tone). Ask if there is another class at the same level that might be a more natural fit for his ability and personality.

Sometimes we (I am a secondary teacher and have DDs) can use parental correspondence to support our own concerns about classes - sometimes the makeup just isn't a good blend.

Check your school's policy as who to make first contact with can vary. Where I teach it would be Pastoral in first instance as your query is not connected to curriculum content and matters.

MrsWobble3 · 20/03/2019 17:59

I had this issue with dd1 and a history class. It was with a newly qualified teacher and I think some of the class were pushing him to see how far they could go but it was upsetting/annoying dd1. I emailed the head of history and sent a very short message which was that I was concerned that dd1 was reporting continual low level disruption in the class and could he please investigate. That did the trick - the teacher got extra support and the students found out where the boundaries were and stopped misbehaving. Might this work?

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 20/03/2019 18:03

What @MrsCholly said

CuckooCuckooClock · 20/03/2019 18:47

What is behaviour generally like at the school? If there's a lot of disruption then there may not be a great deal they can do about it. It's always worth asking. Probably begin with a phonecall to the head of year or form tutor.

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