Is child really bright or is this just the norm is certain areas?

[Knacks]

My Yr4 child has just got end of yr results and got 4a 4a and 4b (apparently this is the level expected at end yr6). Is this normal in certain areas/schools or is this an exception and should we be looking into alternatives (although I have no idea what...)? The school don't have G&T and apparently work at different levels within the classroom although she loves the school and only about once a week comes home saying it was dull and too easy but she's generally just very happy. What do the results go up to anyway before they change the grading structure?

[Redlocks30]

Is the 'holiday homework pack' school a private school?

[Growlithe]

Most certainly not a private school. I've started a new thread asking if anyone else gets it, as I felt I was derailing the OP's thread.

[Bluestocking]

Holiday homework pack? What fresh hell is this?

[chickensaladagain]

Op

In many areas 4s at the end if yr4 would be considered very bright

Mumsnet always seems skewed on nc levels -lots of bright children or the mums of average children don't post

No need to worry about alternatives in terms of education as your dc is already being stretched, otherwise they wouldn't be getting 4s

[colditz]

It's bright but it's well within normal.

[xylem8]

I think I would set the school a homework assignment. Look up the meaning of the word ' holiday'

[curlew]

"In many areas 4s at the end if yr4 would be considered very bright"

When you say "many areas" do you mean anywhere that isn't Mumsnet?

[poppydoppy]

4s and 5s are common in private schools but not so common in state schools.

[Jinsei]

4s and 5s are common in private schools but not so common in state schools

Where is the evidence for this?

[mrz]

rubbish poppydoppy!

[xylem8]

I would suggest that since the levels aren't externally moderated they can tell the parents anything they like

[poppydoppy]

Most private schools work two years ahead of the NC. When my DS was in year 4 he was level 5 in maths and English as were most of his peers.

[LongDeadMotherofHorrors]

Knacks - totally normal for a capable child. A really bright child could easily be getting L5s in Y4 but quite often school doesn't assess them at that level. Just remember this....all children develop at different rates. My son was L4 in Y5 and I was worried that he was lagging behind some of his smartypants peers but now in Y10 he is confident and excelling. I am learning over time that one of the most important factors for academic success is happiness - it makes an enormous difference if a child wants to go to school each day. Sounds obvious, but with mine it has not been an easy ride.

[Jinsei]

When my DS was in year 4 he was level 5 in maths and English as were most of his peers.

Yes, but anecdote isn't evidence. There are plenty of kids in the state system working at these levels too. Two years ahead of the "expected" levels is nothing that exceptional.

[Growlithe]

Our state school doesn't test to L5 in Y4. DD was told that a 4a was the best she could achieve on the tests.

[AChickenCalledKorma]

At my children's school, level 4 in year 4 is highly unusual, but some children are working at that level and they are catered for within the normal spread of differentiation. DD1 was one of them and she has been fine for the following couple of years (just finishing year 6) - they haven't had a problem catering for her.

[xylem8]

I would suggest that since the levels aren't externally moderated they can tell the parents anything they like

My reason for posting the above is this.My DB is a maths teacher at a grammar school. He says the parents of Y7s from private school assume their children are way ahead of the game and get very cross when their DC aren't put in the higher sets.There is a big mismatch between their alleged NC level on entry and what he observes.

[Farewelltoarms]

It's such a line that 'private schools are two years ahead' that paying parents always trot out. It may well be true, I don't know, but it ignores the fact that a swathe of kids in state schools will inevitably be working two years ahead too.

[DomesticCEO]

If my privately educated child wasn't ahead of local state schools I'd wonder what the hell I was wasting all that money for??

[mummytime]

"If my privately educated child wasn't ahead of local state schools I'd wonder what the hell I was wasting all that money for?? "

That is exactly why I think it is a very good thing my children are at State school.

Level 4 at the end of year 4 is bright, but not genius, all good schools should be able to cope. The slightly less academic Private secondaries say to get in your should be at level 5 in most (but not necessarily all) subjects, so not all private schools are working 2 years ahead. The most academic you need to be in the top 30-60 of those taking the exam, which is getting harder year on year.

[poppydoppy]

Most children in state schools will be working at level 4 in year 6. Most children in private schools will be working at level 5 in year 6. There will always be variations but generally private schools teach way ahead of the NC and go at a much faster pace.

[WynkenBlynkenandNod]

DS just had his report at end of year 4 and for the first time has NC levels instead of working towards, at, above type levels. Think it's as going up to Middle school.

He's got the same as in the OP at a one form entry state school. I think he's top set for Maths but not literacy so there will be a few around that level and we've already be warned that top set at first school may not be top set at middle school but the top two sets will be operating above national average. Hardly anyone goes privately here though.

It's lovely to see good grades but having an older DD with dyspraxia who struggled I've seen how good schools are able to cater for children across the ability range and how children not doing so well at this point can make large leaps in later years .

[TheOriginalSteamingNit]

A very good result for a bright child in year 4 - yes, quick, look into alternatives as the school are clearly failing him!

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

How do you all know what level other kids are on? Cards are very close th the chest at both my dc's schools! [Grin] at the idea of privately educated dc being ahead of state! Not round here - probably the opposite in many cases. I know DS is very bright and was on 4c across the board at the end of year 3 but I would guess he certainly wasn't alone in his peer group.

[AvonCallingBarksdale]