challenging and extending children's work

[treas]

Why are my child's Yr2 teachers determined not to extend and challenge my dd? She has been predicted 2a/3 for her SATs but has put in no effort with her work the entire 3 years she's been at the school and been allowed to get away with it. DD has been a free reader since reception and has always been good at spelling but the teachers will not move her beyond phase 5 where she has been since September, even though she has got her spelling correct throughout the year.

My friend had concerns about her child's maths and was told not to worry because she was attaining a 2c. Well as the target for SATs nationally is 2b my friend is doubly concerned now!

These teachers seem not to want to get the best from the children in their classes. Surely this is wrong and sloppy teaching?

My ds's Yr5 maths teacher gave him the target of 4a to reach by July, he achieved it in March so now the aim is a 5c. As she said "Makes him look good, makes me look good!"

Why can't my dd's teacher have this attitude?

I agree there might be a bit of sloppiness here BUT I think all this national curriculum levels obsession is not healthy. I am a teacher - but I want my own kids to enjoy school not be hung up about nc levels that mean very little imo. Yes your children should be challenged and there is definately cause for complaint if they are not- but lighten up about the levels.

Because the school will benefit in CVA terms from your ds's prgress but not from your dd's progress?

I'm not really concerned by the SATs actual results and levels - my actual worry is that my child is coasting through life without having to put in any effort. I just do not want dd to assume / learn that everything is going to be easy coe to her on a plate.

Treas, I sympathise. I'm looking elsewhere right now because the school my kids are at is so laid back, It's not about pushing them or stressing them. It's about encouraging them to take pride in their capabilities and to enjoy being stretched.

furious 27 -fair point about lightening up about the levels - being happy and sociable is more important at this stage in many ways, but it's so tricky to get the balance right. Like the OP I don't want my kids, who are bright, to coast and underachieve. I see pushier parents than me stretching their kids and the kids overtake mine and seem happier and more confident, not stressed by their achievements. It's made me realise that pushy parenting isn't necessarily the evil it's reported to be.

Why is it pushy to want your child to do the best you know they can? If they school were assisting my child to do this then they would not hear a peep from me!