Do I need to have a conversation with school?

[OhyouWickedWickedQuilp]

Not something I would ask anyone irl - just something I dont discuss!

Just got dds year 7 report. We know she is g&t in maths and the school are supporting very nicely, with her own work set for her in class and extended projects. No need to have discussions about that.

When we had a chat early in the year about her maths, her year leader said 'well its not just her maths is it?' and we pushed that to one side somewhat thinking, well she is quite bright at other things but not outstanding.

Her report gives her a level 7a in English and science and generally very high levels (apart from pe ). We thought that put her in the top few percentage until we looked at the back sheet where it says how many percent got each level. It is a large intake - over 250 kids. In science and english it shows there are 0% level 7's. So that means that only a couple of kids at the most got a level 7.

dh says it is pointless having another chat to the school - what do we want them to do about it? I want to talk to them because I feel we ought, but I don't know what I want them to do either. dd extends herself as much as she can and is pretty successful - although she is probably hitting the ceiling in class in science due to not having access to more information in class.

So, should I just chill do you reckon and let the school figure things out or should I phone for a check in to see if more needs to be done?

just chill. with english at this age she can pretty much extend herself (and obviously is doing, because she is exceeding expectations). usually in the next year or two, schools will stream for english, with the kids expected to get much higher grades put into one class. i would just ask that at the next parent's meeting. the same will happen with science - those that are doing individual sciences will be in different classes. i think there's a bit of a gap at this point as to what could realistically be done.

that's just me though. i'd just ask what will happen in yr 8 or 9 and when they start streaming (and later for options) etc.

dd is v similar in y7. she works hard and quite enjoys not having any homework because she's finished it all at school.

As a secondary teacher I would say have a chat with the school - level 7 at this point in year 7 is pretty exceptional :) Just tell them what you've said here - you are more than happy with how they have supported her in maths, you didn't really take on board what they were suggesting with the comment about it being 'not just her maths' and that you were rather taken aback by her levels on the report. Ask them what they feel this means for her in educational terms. Also chat to your DD and ask her how she feels things are - is she bored, is she getting lazy or complacent because it can all get done easily/quickly (is she failing to develop good self-study skills because she gets it all done without effort?) etc.

two rather different opinions.

dd usually does have homework cos she goes into such detail and research with everything - (just spent two hours on her geography) which worries me a bit as I'm scared she'll burn out.

I think I will chat with them, I don't think they are going to think I'm pushy - I hope, because it is dd who is so self disciplined, but even if they do, it doesnt really matter as long as we are working together to help dd.

I will take your approach adoptmama - thank you both :)

i'm way too relaxed really.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. Ds just did his year 6 mock sats and got level 7's. So how can it be exceptional to get 7's in year 7?

I think he's having you on memoo!

memoo - if he did year 6 papers then they go up to level 5 (unless he has also been put in for the level 6 papers which are new this year)

you can get a level 7 on a level 5 paper - it measures performance at level 5, and doesn't 'project' additional levels for high performance, iyswim

do you mean 'can't' adoptmama?

sorry should say can't get levely 7 on a level 5 paper - a time when a typo is pretty significant!!

and obviously I meant can't get a levely seveny webbily of a fivey wivey

bugger

where the hell is the whine when you need it

cheers ;)

Sounds like she has a great work ethos, really enjoys it and extends herself. Sounds like she'll do great.

iggly - if she comes out of the end of school life (and beyond) happy, that is all I ask for :) (she makes me very proud)

Ds and a few of his classmates did do level 6 mocks but Ds said his teacher told him he was working at level 7. Ds must have misunderstood or be having me on! little bugger

he could be teacher assessed as a level 7 :) that would be different from the mock sats. Worth talking to his teacher to see if it is the case and if so what are they doing for him.

Was a good phone conversation :) Head of Year was great, we talked over some of the subjects where dd is hitting a ceiling at the moment and she is going to talk to teachers/heads of department where applicable. Wasnt made to feel pushy at all, it felt like good communication. When we last spoke some really good actions were put into place, so I do feel that they really care.

Such a contrast to dds primary school where they told us we would need a private tutor if we wanted her to be taught at her level and that if she were then she would be bored at secondary. Feel like going back to them and saying 'see, it can be done! and not at a grammar (dont have them here) or private school either'