It's another boring thread about primary levels! Come humour me?

[AwfulMaureen]

Sorry! I'm just after some reassurance...DD2 is in year one and has had an IEP since the start of this last term....mainly for reading but also numeracy.

Just had parents evening and they seem happy...didn't mention her IEP...her levels are "Reading 1b, Writing 1b and Maths 1a"

I guess these are the lower end of average right? Wrong? Is she ok?

Also...DD1 is in year 5 and she's got "Reading 4b, writing 4a and maths 3a"

Just how bad is that 3a? I was hoping to put her in for 11 plus but with a 3a at this point that might be a bit optimistic yes? She'd have to jump two whole levels in a year...what think you?

Sounds like DD2 is on target (based on my own DD in year 2 now). I think 1b is normal achievement for the end of year 1, and heading to a 2b at the end of year 2 which is the national expected attainment. 1a is slightly ahead.

No idea about the year 5 stuff though, sorry.

Ok thanks! I wonder why they never mentioned her IEP though? I assume she's still on it then? It's done her no end of good so I'm not bothered either way as long as she carries on progressing.

You should aim to get a 4b by the end of y6 which is the average expected level. So, it seems like your dd is right on target for 2 sub levels progress by the end of y6. Well done on her writing 4a btw that is ahead so she should get a solid level 5 in y6.

Thanks Elle...on her form it has a column for expected level at end of year 6 and they've put 4c/4a...with that she'd never get into grammar...I asked the teacher who said a 5 is going to be needed for that. I think it might be too much to get there in this time frame?

Year 1 age related expectation is 1a so dd2 is right where she should be. IEP means they put her on the special educational needs register so either the extra intervention she has had has done the trick (very quickly!?!) or they were a little hasty putting her on in the first place? I would ask .....
Year 5 ARE is L4C so dd1 is already above in reading and writing and, as it is not unreasonable to expect a third of level move in the summer term, is probably on track to reach L4C (ARE) by the end of the year.
11+ tends to be predominately verbal reasoning (unless you are in a county that has moved to CEM 11+ Style tests) so her strong reading & writing skills would help her.
Hope this helps

If you are willing to do a lot of extra work with her at home she might stand a chance... I remember at the end of y5 I was a 4c and scraped a 5c at the end of y6 if that helps. Try using the internet to find maths tests for your dd. I found them useful when preparing my eldest for the 11plus

And in my experience grammar schools don't give a monkeys about predicted SATs grades.....it's all about passing the 11+

Thank you Effic and Elle.....re DD's IEP I thought it was a bit hasty as we found out she needed glasses only a few months ago and that had affected her progress in reception. But I don't care...the help was needed and they got it for her which I know doesn't always happen for some kids!

I am so unsure about the grammar thing but I am going to register DD1 anyway after Easter...see how it goes eh. Some DC make huge, sudden leaps don't they.

The Children who pass in my class tend to be the children who were 5c at the end of y5(4a at a stretch-if parents do a lot of tutoring over the summer) and are entered in for the L6 papers in May. I do live in a massively competitive area though where most state secondaries are oversubscribed let alone the grammars.

Y1 levels are normal so the early interventions have obviously had impact :)

It is certainly all about passing the 11plus but the op was wondering about chances based on levels.

A better way might be going through an assessment with a recommended tutor who is usually good at giving ideas about strengths/weaknesses and likelihood of passing.
Not foolproof either but it should give you a good idea.

Hello Awful Maureen

MN Learning pages has info about expected progress through national curriculum levels here: www.mumsnet.com/learning/assessment/progress-through-national-curriculum-levels

END Year 1 - 1a is the target - so bearing in mind there are a few months left to go your DS2 is doing o.k. maybe a little behind in reading/ writing

END Year 5 Target is 4c - so again your DS is doing well. Maybe a bit behind in maths - but there are still a few months left.

With your DS1 - I'd really look into whether the issue is weak multiplication skills (they underpin so much - if he can't instantly recall 7 x 8 = 56 - then reducing 8/ 56th to 1/7th would be hard going - ditto for division).

If he likes video games try downloading the free version of Timez Attack here: www.bigbrainz.com/ - it will test your son and start from where he's at. Lots of practise only it won't feel like it.

Also lots of games on [www.multiplication.com

Woodlands Junior School Maths Zone also a fantastic resource: resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/

He may also be ready to play the games on BBC Bitesize KS2 (which is prep for Y6 SATs): www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/

HTH

In our grammar school area, the teachers generally advise that it is the children that are at L5 by the end of Y5/ very beginning of Y6 that not only pass the 11+ but more importantly are suited to grammar school.

Most of the year 6's in my area who pass the 11+ are working at level 5 by the end of year 6 ( and some higher) but I have had children pass who have ended with a level 3.
Our local grammar has an SEN department that deals ( in part) with children who have been heavily coached to pass the 11+ but cannot keep up with their peers once there.