Re-phrase this report ...

[roisin]

I work in secondary school, and we frequently discuss the farce of report writing in the staffroom. (Though fortunately I don't have to write any.)

This week dh and I got the annual school report from the boy we sponsor in Zambia through World Vision. How do you think this would be phrased in the UK:
"Child needs to work hard, for the performance was bad"

lol

Despite Luke's obvious talents he has not applied himself as well as he could have done this year.
I hope that next term will see a shift in his priorities.

moondog - cannot improve on this!!!!!!!!!!

I like the original - if a spade's a spade...
If only I could get away with such simple honesty!

Yes.love that bluntness
It's brill.

It would be a lot quicker to write such a report as well!

don't see why you can't myself

His achievement was disappointing but in line with his effort.

can you request that teachers don't sugar-coat reports ?

X is a lively student who can, when he choses, produce work of a satisfactory standard. If he is to fulfill his potential, he needs to concentrate more in class and apply himself o his studies.

LOL Roisin, how I wish we could be as honest as the Zambians!

X is an enthusiastic and capable student who lacks focus and concentration in class. His performance will improve once he is less distracted. He needs to work on his listening skills.

Of course neither of my sons' reports have ever contained such phrases - I just plucked them out of the ether

When I taught, there was a PE teacher who was notorious for writing really close to the mark reports. No-one ever challenged him and photocopies would be passed around the staffroom with childish sniggers! I remember one commenting on his disgust at X spending more time eyeing up the girls than keeping his eye on the ball etc etc They were real gems :)

I would have loved to ahve been "honest" - we had a strict formula. First sentence commented on their progress in positive terms/something they have achieved however minor. Second has to comment on areas for improvement, again in positive terms. Then, if appropriate comment on attitude/social skills. Finally incl. any grades if appropriate and your opinion about them - ie. expect a grade higher next term/achieving at a satisfactory level etc etc
Boring but meant that the reports incl all the info required and was uniform across the school

I have read one that said. @while I am delighted that X is considering the benefits of post compulsory education, it may be of more benefit to concentrate on compulsory education first'

And from when I was in school to a friend, 'It is har to believe that a boy this intellegent still cannot tell the time'

And one that I had, 'An excellent result, except for your persistant attempts to reform the spelling of the language, and writing with a blunt chisel'

I've always given a general comment on aptitude and attitude, a description of achievement, and a statement saying what they need to do to improve.

lol MB (you are on form today)
I thought it was all done by 'pooter these days??

As a straight A student (exception following) the only comment in a school report that I remeber was "V is hampered by her inability to draw well" - it was of course my art report

A more hardworking approach would give a better performance. We will continue to work on this!!

My report when I left school (which thankfully I never needed, because had already got university place) said: 'Edam has considerable talents. We do hope she will use them.' Ouch!

My brother once had a report that said "R must learn that life is not one big joke", to which he replied " but it is to me"! (He's an accountant now btw ).
Love the Zambian report Roisin-no pulling punches there!