Writing this on behalf of dsis as she isn't a member but is very keen to hear some views on this.
New head started recently at her dd''s school (yr 1 and yr 3) so inevitably there have been some changes most of which have been positive. Dsis usually very supportive of school and does go above and beyond with pta etc.
Anyway, I'll get to the point! Thus week a new reward scheme has been introduced whereby children in all years are given a series of "quick fire" maths quizzes.
Stage one is '1 more or less than' numbers up to 10, then getting progressively harder. They include times tables number bonds etc. I think she said there were 12 stages in all. So far no problem, dsis feels that being able to do quick mental arithmetic is generally a good idea and can be pretty useful.
On completion of each stage the children are given a badge to wear at school to indicate what level they are on. This is what she has the issue with. The children are aware of what the stages are and which are lower and higher etc. It is not compulsory to wear the badge but is encouraged.
When we discussed this we both failed to see what positives could be gained from this scheme? Won't it just serve to damage the self esteem for those who, although may try the hardest, are just not good at maths? Create divides within the class and school? Dsis has already overheard children boasting about having badges the same as kids in higher years/ badges higher than their friends.
We also wondered if they would do badges for other things, English, sports, art, being kind, being helpful etc etc. It seems pupils will be instantly judged on one single academic ability.
So I guess the aibu is to wonder if there are any positives to this scheme?? Has anyone else's dcs school done this or similar? If so what was the outcomes? Of anyone can cast a positive light on this please do!!