Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Flip

Original poster

Dont you think your first parents evening is like going for an interview for a job you know anything about?

15 replies

BloodyTenaLady · 31/10/2006 13:52

I mean, I have little regard for our education system and have always thought that the school becomes a black hole that you which entrust your kids. Does anyone apart from teachers know anything about what they do?

If you had the first notion then you may actually ask some sensible questions and get any tips on how to assist your child.

If you have been doing this for years do you have any tips.

My ds is in reception.

OP posts:

Original poster

BloodyTenaLady · 31/10/2006 14:18

No just me then, Where is everybody today, dressing up the house no doubt for a spooky halloween.

OP posts:

SSSandy · 31/10/2006 14:20

Dunno, I have my first one-to-one interview with the teacher in two weeks. I think we're allocated a grand total of 10 minutes. TBH I don't have any questions, I'm happy with everything so far. Think I'll just listen and see what the teacher has to say - and of course tell her how happy I am with everything so far. Don't think it is a big deal really unless you or dc have major problems with some aspect of school. What's bothering you about it exactly?

Original poster

BloodyTenaLady · 31/10/2006 14:27

I guess it is because he is the oldest in the class and he was identified by an educational psychologist to be forward (im not talking genius) He missed out of school last year by just 2 days because of when his birthday falls.

The Education department locally just said they wouldnt let him start a year earlier because it was their policy and nothing to do with any of his capabilities.

He has told me himself he is bored. I just feel like Im pushy if I mention all this to the teacher.

OP posts:

SSSandy · 31/10/2006 14:32

I'd definitely say all of that to the teacher - in a calm, logical manner and ask her opinion. If she's keeping an eye out for it, she may well pick up on his boredom faster ( and interpret it correctly). I think it's a very bad thing for ds to be held back and get bored. Isn't there a danger he'd just switch off in class full-stop?

I'd ask about moving him up a year, about extra tuition or work that would be necessary to make it a successful transition (if that's what you want and she supports). I'd also ask what the school does/can do about dc who need more stimulus/are finding the work too easy.

Think really it's very valid that you bring it up, get teacher aware of the problem and ask for advice, etc. My situation is that I haven't really any questions or worries, so I find it a bit of waste of time, just going to show interest basically. In your situation though, I would discuss it.

Original poster

BloodyTenaLady · 31/10/2006 14:42

May give it a go again. The Headteacher was aware and in agreement that he could join them last year. It was the department of Education that have the final word. Some departments are very set up for these situations and encourage it and other like ours just cant be bothered and moot policy as their reason.

OP posts:

wychbold · 31/10/2006 18:16

If you had the first notion then you may actually ask some sensible questions and get any tips on how to assist your child.

Advice from Dfes

Blandmum · 31/10/2006 18:45

I realise that 10 minutes might not be long for you, but in a class of 28 this is 280 minutes (assuming thatno-one runs over , or is late ....or over 4 hours of talking! Trust me it is jolly hard work.

Key questions, what are their targets? Are they meeting their targets? What do they need to meet their targets. Does the teacher have any issues to raise? Are they happy?

frances5 · 31/10/2006 18:57

I felt that 10 minutes was about right for us. Afterall my son's teacher had only known him for 4 weeks.

There are other ways of getting in contact with the teacher if there are any concerns like the home/school contact book or making an appointment at a different time.

cat64 · 31/10/2006 19:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

clerkKent · 01/11/2006 12:30

At DS's secondary school, where they have different teachers for each subject, you have to elect in advance the 3 teachers you want to see, and you get 5 minutes with each. This is nto long enough if there is anything to discuss, but ample if all is well or the teacher does not know who he is.

Original poster

BloodyTenaLady · 02/11/2006 10:30

Thanks for the tips, all went well. The most we have to deal with is his cheekiness and tickling other kids. (Better than beating them up eh!)

Not helpful with his French. DS5 is at a year 5 5 standard with his French. They agreed to put him in year 1&2 but other than that they cant help! I have to pay for these lessons too!

My solution was to remove him completely from the French classes BUT they wouldnt have anywhere to put him.

Put him with year 5 pupils for French BUT they didnt seem keen on that either.

Another brick wall!

Any suggestions?

OP posts:

marialuisa · 02/11/2006 10:40

How come you have to pay for the French lessons in a state school?

TenaLady · 02/11/2006 10:55

Lord only knows, I guess cos its primary, its not truly part of the curriculum.

marialuisa · 02/11/2006 12:05

But if it's not part of the curriculum surely they must have to have other arrangements in place in case there are kids whose parents can't /won't cough up?

TenaLady · 04/11/2006 15:06

Apparently not, quite affluent area half of them pay and dont even know what for!!!

Flip