Why might this be? Y1 question

[NorhamGardens]

So we are coming up to the end of term and I've found that things have slacked off for my DD. Spellings not checked/tested for a few weeks, reading not pushed, not heard read or moved up etc. Same with her ability group in the bottom third of the class. Haven't pushed it as not long to go now and I thought it was universal.

I've been in three times this week over was in twice last week. Have some time off and I have always helped out from time to time. Top table have been pushed madly it seems. They've upped the ante on the spellings, tested twice a week and they have upped everyone's reading level. The children are being heard read much more frequently.

We are given SATS predictions/targets for end of year and I think that the emphasis is on improving those that are most able? Haven't queried as so close to end of term and wasn't that bothered really but I have been giving it more thought this morning and wondered why this might be?

Well I think it is the opposite at our school!! The more able children have been reorganised into larger groups and are largely expected to work on their own. The lower attainers are in smaller groups with extra help.

I did wonder whether they were putting extra effort to get the "almost there" children up to the "expected end of Y1 level!.

Odd it should be happening the other way to you!

It doesn't fit with my experience either - last year DS1 at the end of year 1 had a bit of a push to bring his writing up in particular because of the increased volume of written work in year 2. Are you in again soon so you can mention it to the teacher just in case you haven't seen the full picture?

Its right across the groups at dd's school, but its picking up again. The first three weeks after half term there was very little homework, reading, or usual spelling checks. One week was because it was Creative Arts Week (no kids had homework, too busy making/creating), one week the main teacher was recovering from a minor op and not there, and I think the third week was just a 'recovery' period! This week they have lots of homework again, and all the children have been read with.

When a group of kids get extra help, IME, its the ones on lower book bands etc - there is a push to get them to 'catch up' a bit before the year change, I think.