Should I speak to Y2 teacher about this?

[alluc]

Hi - DS was given IMHO very low levels at end of Y1 report which completely didn't represent his abilities. I had a meeting with Y1 teacher and head at end of term as I just didn't understand it. Either he had made hardly any progress during the year (which I know wasn't the case) or he had been wrongly levelled.

He started Y1 as 1b for reading,writing and maths and ended on 2c reading and 1a for the other 2!! At the 2 parent consultations during the year we were told he is in top ability sets for all subjects predicted to get all level 3s for end KS1 and he is a 'very able boy' ( so I'm not just being biased about his ability!)



This is despite progressing in reading from stage 6 to stage 12 and reading with full comprehension at home things like Charlie and choc factory.
Writing he has come on loads as evidenced by his literacy books we got home at the end of term.
But it's the maths level that is really annoying me as this is DS's strong area. The meeting I had at school was not very satisfactory. I was told- yes he has made loads of progress, yes he is still going to be in top ability sets for everything and yes he is still on track for all level 3s at end y2!

I was told that it was problem solving ability that made him a 1A and to practice this at home. Well out of interest I have now done 3 practice level 2 sats papers over summer. The last one was the 2004 actual paper. With no help DS has consistently scored high level 2A. Getting 28/30 on the 2004 paper.
Yes I know the doesn't mean he's a 2A as the level is based on teacher assessment mainly but...... Surely there's no way he can be. 1A when he gets virtually full marks on a level 2 paper!!
This just confirms to me how wrong his end of y1 levels are.

So... Should I speak to his new teacher a couple of weeks into term about my concerns or leave until October parents evening. Any advice appreciated - thanks.

[alluc]

Thanks for all your replies. I have never been into school to talk to the teacher before this by the way, in the 2 years he has been at the school. I only asked the teacher for a quick chat after school once I had the report (as we don't have a chance to discuss it otherwise) and when I arrived after school the Y1 teacher said -'oh by the way I've asked the HT to come to the meeting too if that's ok'. !!
I really hadn't expected or wanted anything that formal tbh it was just kind of thrown on me.
I will definitely wait until the October parents evening then to speak to the teacher (well teachers as it's a job share). I honestly only wanted what was best for DS and like one poster said - I hope he gets appropriately levelled work to his ability. I certainly do not want to come across as an awkward/annoying parent by any means and I usually have a good relationship with the school - I have previously been in to talk about my job, for example.

[alluc]

Newname - I followed the teacher instructions for the sats paper. I read the oral questions to him as stated on the sheet and then let him get on with the rest. I gave him a ruler/pencil/rubber. I did potter around in the kitchen whilst he did it but wasn't sat by him. Any question I helped him with at all I didn't give him any mark for so the 2 he got wrong were ones I had to re word the question so he understood but as I said I didn't mark it as correct.

[ABofDoncaster]

Alluc,

You're wasting your time stressing over levels. What matters is the fact that your child is making progress which clearly your little boy is, and also indicates that the school has being doing a good job. So don't worry. 1A is fine for the end of year one anyway. It may be that your school is being extra cautious on levels this year.

I wouldn't give 'levels' another thought, and just focus on whether you're happy with the progress he's making. No one asks you in a job interview what level you got when you were six.

[simpson]

Sounds like your DS is doing well.

I just wonder if it is like my DS at the same age in that he would work well with me because he was 100% comfortable but at school he is reserved and would not necessarily show his teacher what he could do.

If this is the case it will improve as he gets older (matures) DS has always been v strong in numeracy (although his end of yr1 result did not reflect this due to lack of confidence) but he blossomed in yr2 and is now going into yr4 v strong despite being 31st Aug baby (happy birthday DS!)

[alluc]

Yes Simpson I think you are right. He does sound like your DS. He is quite shy and reserved in a class with a lot of boisterous boys. I really don't think Y1 teacher 'got' him. He is, however, a kind, lovely boy who is extremely sporty and this is where his confidence shines through. He is the youngest boy in his class (May birthday) although I would say very mature for his age ( people who don't know him think he's about 8!). The HT said have I thought about drama lessons to boost his confidence but he really would hate that. He is quite happy to go to rugby or cricket coaching and not know anyone. By the time I collect him he's already made several friends!!
Roll on year 2.....

[Panzee]

Maybe it's a bit like my son. Both his nursery teacher and I know that he can count far higher than his report says. But she has to witness him doing it independently more than once before it can be recorded. But we know what he can do and don't worry too much that it's not official.

I hope a good chat with the teacher will reassure you that they know your child more than some numbers and letters suggest, and know how to help him progress.