What does it mean to be “working at greater depth”?

[Cushionnng]

DS is in year 5 now, and since about year 2, he’s been “working at greater depth” for reading and maths and “working at standard” for speaking and listening and science.

I know this might seem like a silly question, but what does this really mean for him? Is he a bright child who I should be encouraging more at home? (We don’t do homework as I think it’s important that he plays at home / he doesn’t have a tutor etc) Or does it not mean much and is just slightly above average in a couple of things and average in a couple of other?

Asking because DH and I are talking about secondary school options. We’re in London and it’s kind of a minefield. Been slightly avoiding the secondary topic as it’s so competitive and weird around here!

It means he is working above age related expectations

At standard means he is meeting age related expectations

Working at standard is average
Greater depth is bright

Thanks both. Is it very common to be working at greater depth? Ie: a big proportion of the year group? Like, a third or a quarter? Or more like a tenth?

There’s a secondary nearby that isn’t a grammar, but you can apply for a place via an aptitude test. Trying to work out whether or not this means he could sit that test or not. I asked his teacher whether or not he should, she said “maybe if he wants to”, which is true, but didn’t give me much direction!

Last year about 28% of children nationally were greater depth in reading, 14% in writing and 23% in maths. In some schools, the percentages can be MUCH higher!

Maybe if he wants to means that he is capable of sitting it.

Some parents are very focused on their child's education. They will have a sense of which secondaries they are going for, whether they need to find religion to get in or an aptitude test or an entrance exam (usually grammars).

If there is an aptitude test or entrance exam many parents especially in more competitive areas of the country (mostly London and the south east) will have started tutoring in year 4 or year 5.

The teacher will not want to say do the test because what if he does it and doesn't get in and then you are cross at her? Most state primaries will refuse to advise on secondary entrance for this reason.

Did he do mock sats? What sort of scaled score are you expecting?

Do research on secondary schools, since you need to get a feel and Open days date etc.

Grammar, secondary, private and bursaries etc.
Application would be coming up in a few months so if you have time it worth checking the schools to get a list of preferences.

I read on here that 10% of children are typically working at greater depth across the board.