Is RGS Springfield too small?

[PinkCarnation36]

DS and DD are at RGS Springfield and each term kids, boys and girls, are leaving which is quite unsettling. Are DS and DD getting a raw deal being in a smaller school with less social opportunities and overworked teachers? I ask this because I am getting worried by all the undercurrents. New head brought in lots of clubs to compete with the bigger schools and the list is now OTT but not many free clubs aimed at boys interests like lego club, airfix or playstation, mechano or electronics. Brownie club at Springfield but no cubs for DS. Boys/girl ratio will be even worse with the St Mary's girls joining as not a very co-ed feel now and I know parents are a bit worried about it. Apparently 19 joining so this has made up some of the falling numbers with existing kids leaving as there was talk among some parents about it moving up to The Grange and buildings becoming part of senior school. Girls are very dominant in the school. I've the impression staff more used to girls from AO days and teaching methods from older staff are aimed at way girls learn. Maths teaching at the top of the school not good and there is lots of colouring. No facilities like science labs, fine for DD but not DS. Small numbers in classes mean friendship issues are intense and the nastiness in the playground is not always noticed or dealt with well probably because teachers don't have the time. Only one class per year. Anybody got any experience of bigger schools in the area?

Reassuring to know we are not alone. Think there should be more men too for boys. Music at Springfield seems samey. Little concerts all very ad hoc. No running order and kids don't know when they are going to play and come in and out if something else is on. Nursery plays are good. Summer concert for older kids was supposed to be 45-60 mins but ended up overrunning by 1 hour 20 minutes because we listened to teachers playing and hardly any kids did solos! Lots of parents cross about it all as whole school there. Head made a joke about the overrun but just highlighted left hand and right hand etc

We were at the concert. Agree more kids should have played but my DS not musical and my DD would have been too scared to do solo. Perhaps some poems would have broken it all up as it was a bit heavy going without a break and I hear from other parents that the speech and drama lady is quite good and with it.

Interesting about male role models: one of the things we loved about the Grange was the number of male teaching staff (compared to many primary schools). DS's attitude to sport was revolutionised by the head of boys' sport who was appointed when DS was about half way through the school - he is brilliant at being very inclusive yet bringing the boys on in sport. A number of young men and young women in various roles in the school. DS's Yr 5 teacher was a fantastic female NQT who plays and coaches rugby

Moving down from Scotland to Powick. Will be looking for schools once house is sorted. See that this thread is about the size of a school called Springfield. Does anybody know sort of child Springfield attracts? Not sure reading the thread what the strength of the school is but some people are clearly sending kids there.

I'm sorry, but why is not having a science lab "fine for dd, but not for Ds"

Please tell me I've misread ant you aren't proposing science is a boys subject. Do you need needlework and cooking for your dd instead?

Moving from Wales to Worcester and looking for schools for 3 DC. Just found this thread. Heard on mumsnet that Springfield like St Alban and both city centre schools. Can anyone tell me how they differ, size, facilities? Any strengths / weaknesses etc

Thanks

This is an old thread but I can't believe that people are allowed to name and shame schools in such a way I wish people could understand how much hard work, time and effort go into providing the best care possible for the children. Just look at the most recent ISI report 'Outstanding' as with Ofsted and one of the highest Eckers scores for the nursery provision in the country. I know for a fact that the children at nursery at Springfield are encouraged to just be children and there is so much learning through play, sensory play, small world play etc. The music teacher works extremely hard at this school and I know for a fact a lot of staff put 110% into making sure all the children have the best experiences.