Lare night musings

[Beavermum]

DS (only just starting yr2) has yet to "get" school doesn't hate it but not ovverly engaged. Its a very good school and he is young in year so not at all worried.

However, given that DH adn I are both bright (sorry if sounds like boasting) but both coasters big time at school amd wondering how we can help DS not to repeat pattern as I odnt think kids can get away with coasting as much these days.

DH and I are both grafetrs now and I have gone on to achieve a high level academically and in work. DH has actively chosen not too.

BBroadly I tihnk let DS find his own path but was interested in other peoples views and advice

They will be what they will be. You cannot force them down a path (well, you can but it will end in tears - for you and them).
The best that you can do is provide a good environment and lead by example. Praise effort and application, not acheivement.

Schools now have to track pupil progress (mine get termly grades(!)), so check with class teacher where he's at and keep eye on it. He should go up 2 Nat Curric sub-levels a year. Also (sure you do this anyway), plenty of reading for him and read to him sort of books he won't be able to read yet for himself (eg The Borrowers, or whatever). Make sure he learns the tables set by teacher, so his maths isn't held back.

No harm in vaguely talking about University (my teacher cousin advised this) as a very exciting place where you get to study what interests you and nothing else. Of course you need to be able to do all the ordinary things first i.e. reading, maths and doing your best in general in order to get there.