So what is everyone else in your group doing?

[roisin]

This is the question I seem to ask every time the boys have 'group' homeworks. But it doesn't make any difference.

Typically they are writing the script/powerpoint, printing individual copies for everyone, organising the more unusual props etc. And the others in the group are doing little or nothing.

Are we the only ones?

Group work normally has DS up late at night sweating over a powerpoint while the rest of the group appear to be honing their x box skills rather than making any contribution.

DD usually manages to team up with equally switched on kids and they share out the tasks fairly. Often it involves them coming here/going to another friend's to "do" the work

That might be part of the issue actually BigTilly. He goes to school in the next town, so it's not so easy for them to meet up to work together.

I thought it would be easier this year as they're set for everything (and he's in top sets). But he still ends up doing far more than his share of the work.

TBH, I don't think they get much group work this year - seemed to be more in Y7? But as DD tells me as little as possible about her homework, I can't be sure. Maybe we'll find out more at Parent's Eve

Don't think either of mine have ever had 'group homework'. they have to work in different groups within school sometimes, but I'm surprised the school thinks it's OK to determine that various people have to go round to others houses, etc. to get homeowrk done.

Yes, that's exactly what I thought, BfG.
It all seems to pan out fine for DD, but I wonder if DS will manage the same levels of organisation when he starts in September

DD moans, doesn't do more than her fair share and lets the boys sink. DS has been dumped by his group, so coasted; done his share; or once, was allowed to do it on his own, and was recognised for the better job he did than his group.
Drama ones are the best, as either you learn your lines, or its obvious who "didn't bother".

I don't think we have much in the way of group home work. Ds despairs of group tasks in music- he feels "they" are conspiring to bing his grade down lol.

Dd2 is the queen of organsation though in group tasks- she sent me an email at half term that she circulated o her group making sure everyone ( and me!) knew what ingredients they needed each week ir the 1st 3 baking weeks ( yes I'm that disorganised!) . I only hope the group take this in the spirit it is meant- ie " we are going to ace this task" rather that miss bossy getting her boots on. They are all feisty assertive girls though so I think they'd speak up if it want what was needed. ( would so love to be a fly on the wall in that DT class though- 30 girls in groups of 6 competing in a " healthy muffin" project - they've made the packaging decided on muffins and next week an apprentice style " pitch" o sell them!

DD used to moan about group work when others didn't pull their weight but, secretly, I think she was quite glad because it left Miss Bossy Boots her in charge.
OTOH, DS was snorting derisively the other day at a teacher who gave the whole group merit cards for their fine work - DS's contribution to the task was fairly minimal. To be fair to him, there have been occasions where the boot is on the other foot. He is quite into his powerpoint demonstrations at the moment; he loves to throw in totally iirelevant illustrations or bogus facts to see if everyone is paying attention.

DS has done several group projects in year 7 so far. All have been with boys from same small Primary School so mothers have facilitated/urged some getting together out of school to do this - along with much more time 'gaming'. DS has just paired up with a boy not from old school and they seem to have divided the workload and planned how to get it done before the deadline and mostly in school. Either that or he talks a good talk! We shall see.

It sounds like most of your dc are better at this than mine.

This week ds2 (yr8) is writing a script for drama. They do "plays" quite often in several subjects, and he always ends up writing the script. I'm not sure if he volunteers or is volunteered. There's no doubt he's very good at it. But it's a huge amount of work. With homework and music practice he's done at least 3 hrs work every day this week, so far!

Before half term there was an occasion when some others were supposed to be writing a script at lunchtime/breaks. Ds2 had mega rehearsals/performances for school show: after school, lunchtimes, plus all day Sat and Sun that weekend. On Friday night he got a FB message to say they hadn't really got very much done, and could he do it please. So when he got back from long rehearsals on Sat and Sun, he then sat down to get the wretched playscript written!