How is the school day organised?

[hogsback]

Disclaimer: DS is pre-school and I don't know anyone with school-age children so my knowledge of secondary schools ends in 1988.

Reading MN, I have been struck by how many things children DON'T do in school any more: separate sciences, multiple languages, sport etc.

I went to school in the 80s and did English (lang+lit), French, Latin, Geography, History, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and at last 4-5 hours of sport and PE every week, all within the normal school day.

So if children in secondary school aren't doing all these things, what are they doing instead?

Grimma: you're quite right. I have no idea where I got the notion from that they didn't.

I have never come across a comprehensive that didn't stream - either when I was at school or now. I'd avoid at all costs.

Streaming for maths and English is generally rigorous (all pupils do them), but some options at GCSE might not be taken by so many and will stream who they have and greater ability range in each class is inevitable. Also depends on size of school.

My DD is at a performing arts specialist school (state). She can take up to 3 languages (French/Spanish/German), single, or triple science, all the other subjects you mentioned + extra music/drama/dance. They also do IT and PSHE as separate lessons. They do streaming, with setting in the streams.