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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that Art Club 'by invitation only' is a bit wrong?

141 replies

MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 12:57

Every term my DD's junior school send out a list of clubs which the children can take part in either at lunchtimes or after school. The list is varied and includes sailing club, engineering club, wildlife club etc and the teachers give up their spare time to lead these clubs. I think this is fantastic and my DD has loved taking part in some of them.

However, Art Club was included in the list. It stated afterwards (by invitation only).

DD came home yesterday in tears because 2 children in her class had been chosen to attend art club and she wasn't. I told her to speak to the art teacher and let her know that the next time some spaces came up could she please be considered as this is something she would really like to do. She said it doesn't work like that.

So I rang the school secretary to find out why it was by invitation only. She told me it is designed only for children who are 'gifted and talented' in art and no one else.

I'm a bit annoyed about that. Not the fact that my DD wasn't chosen but the fact they are basically creating an elitist group of children and separating them from the rest of the class who are deemed 'not good enough' to join the art club.

Surely if you're 7 and you like doing art then you should be encouraged?

OP posts:
AMerryScot · 18/12/2009 13:00

I think YABU.

It is fair for the school to restrict clubs because of numbers, and providing a club for G&T artists may be part of their G&T provision. It is right and proper for them to do this.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:02

But why only this club? Which loads of children want to do. Why not have a general art club for the others?

In fact why put it on the bloody list in the first place when it's not a club that everyone can join?

OP posts:
DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:03

I wouldn't have a problem with certain things being invitation only. I imagine it is no different to the "extended maths groups" at DSs school except it is after school. I guess it gives an opportunity for those talented at art to be stretched where this is not possible in lessons.

It probably shouldn't have been included on the public list though

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:04

"Why not have a general art club for the others?"

Staffing levels and time I imagine. They can't run every club for all children.

Miggsie · 18/12/2009 13:05

It is a bit unfair, if there is no other Art Club then some children will miss out. They should not have advertised it, simply invited children and not sent out a note like that.

My DD is really very very good at art and she is in the school art club, she does get a lot of extra attention and special things to do but all the children in the class have a good time...it's just that when DD makes a cat from clay it is amazing, while some other ones are a bit like Picasso moulds a cat, but they enjoy it, and DD does not suffer at all by having a mixed ability group.

If it was a chess class I can understand...but it does seem a bit over the top for art when you are 7.

coldtits · 18/12/2009 13:05

Would you send her for remedial reading if she really didn't need it?

It's a provision for the G&T children, who are at extremely high risk of boredom if their need for stimulation isn't met (and I speak as a mother whose child's only noticable gift is fidgeting)

They have been really crap in not providing some sort of general art club for any takers - why don't you offer to run one for them?

mumoverseas · 18/12/2009 13:06

That is nonsense MS It is not fair to restrict them. So what if they have a G & T group, they could do a separate one for them if they feel the need to but they should offer art club for ALL children, not just a select few.
How on earth will the children get a chance to see if they are gifted and talented in that area if they don't get the chance to try and illustrate that.

YANBU

Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:08

Exactly, why not have an art club which anyone can join, some are invited to join and the G&T ones can be pushed further?

It's art ffs. It's fun for everyone to do. Who's to say which child is any better than another - they are only bloody 7!

OP posts:
DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:09

mumoverseas , how do you imagine they will be able to provide all clubs for all children?

Pupils get ample opportunity to display a talent/gift in art during lessons.

AMerryScot · 18/12/2009 13:09

Presumably they have art lessons during their curriculum hours, MO.

AMerryScot · 18/12/2009 13:10

Maybe these afterschool clubs are viewed as free babysitting which is why it is something to get upset about when you are excluded.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:10

Also trying to explain to a 7yr old that they are not G&T in the area of art and this is why they can't join is impossible.

DD just thinks she is obviously shit at art, and so do the other 20 odd children in her class.

OP posts:
DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:11

It's really no different from picking the best players for the school football team.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:12

AMerryScot- I am a SAHM so I can assure you that is not the case.

It's more the damage to the other children's self esteem that I am concerned about.

OP posts:
Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:13

DCDO- anyone can join the school football club. Anyone can join any club, except this one.

OP posts:
DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:13

TBH, the fact that your DD now thinks she is shit at art is something you need to deal with. DS has a girl in his class who is G&T at art. He was able to recognise that she was superb at it but still enjoyed doing art himself and thought he was good at it - just not nearly as good as this girl. And yes, even when he was 7.

ChickensHaveNoTinsel · 18/12/2009 13:14

Our school does these 'invite only' clubs, but they don't advertise them to the other children. They are viewed as 'extra' lessons, and take place straight after school. The children who aren't invited tend to think they're lucky

RainRainGoAway · 18/12/2009 13:14

Personally, I like the idea that those who are particularly good at something are nurtured. There is a 5 year old in DDs class who is amazing at drawing, far above all the others. It is really an beautiful gift and I would never resent her for being given extra help to nurture her.
If DD was that interested in joining, I would help her after school myself to improve and ask to have her work reassesed after a few months.

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:14

Does everyone get to play in the school football team though? No. Only the best.

Everyone gets to do art in class. what is the problem?

AMerryScot · 18/12/2009 13:14

So have your own little art club at home. Does your DD need the input of a specialist teacher?

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2009 13:15

the only thing that is wrong is that the club was included on the list.

Original poster
MarkStretch · 18/12/2009 13:16

I am not resenting the extra help.

I am resenting the fact that this club is advertised on the list along with the others, and the children were invited along by the art teacher during lesson time. I agree it should be done either inclusively or as 'extra lessons' after school.

OP posts:
AMerryScot · 18/12/2009 13:18

That's not always the school's fault though,DCDO.

In the current inspection culture, the school has to provide evidence of what they do for all children and how they keep parents informed, and this is one bit of evidence.

It's just a sign of the times and the school is playing the Ofsted game.

misdee · 18/12/2009 13:21

no no no, its a art club for those gifted in that area.

i would be pleased as punch if dd1 was invited as its one of the few areas she shines in. and has really come along this year with a little extra help.

wearthefoxhat · 18/12/2009 13:24

YANBU - the club should not have been on the list if it is not open to everybody.

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