Great wise MNers, what are the REAL pitfalls of year 7 - for a (PFB) child with AS?

[MrsS3]

We're doing the obvious stuff, uniform (done) numerous visits done and ongoing, form / tutor group with a few familiar faces (done) and photos of the teachers he'll need to remember.
However, I can't help but feel that it's like buying a cot and a pram for a new baby before realising you've not got a clue how to deal with it in reality and the actual practicalities are a whole lot different. Possibly a rubbish analogy but it makes sense to me . I don't want to have got the kit and the book but entirely missed the bits that will really matter. Any tips?

Glad to hear they're all settling in well! Another teacher here - setting is usually done mostly on the primary school's recommendation, as SATS results tend to trickle in over the summer. Like you say, CAT tests should show up any anomalies, and there is usually quite a lot of movement in the first few weeks as we try to get it right. If you're really worried, contact the HOY.

Regarding the PE kit, a lot of ours just stuff it into their normal school bag, without a separate PE bag. I imagine their books for that day smell lovely! (That said, most of my year 7 form appeared yesterday laden with two ENORMOUS bags - one on each side - some of them could barely fit through the door!)

AView - that's what's weird, as Ds was in higher sets at primary and teachers very pleased with progress, SATs results etc. Got a fab report. But from what he tells me about other kids in his groups, they've got a huge mix of abilities in there, so think there will be a shake up soon.

Indigo - we have made the same decision about the dyspraxia. Trouble is, the setting issue has made me question it - primary always put him 'where his brain is' rather than looking at his presentation etc.

lireal - they might not have set yet.

My school don't put them in Sets till Christmas.

Remember the primary school have already spoken to the secondary school about him, and all his IEPs and other SEN stuff will be transferred - so it's not as though they don't know about his dyspraxia.

School DS has started at doesn't set, except in Maths, until Year 8, and not for many things even then.

Haven't set for Maths yet, either. Apparently they do a few weeks of 'normal' lessons to flush out any anomalies, and then use SATs results as a main indicator with CATs and some observations from lessons so far as 'moderating factors'.

Tw2k that sounds a much better idea. Wish they did it here!

And here! Setting across a number of subjects doesn't favour kids with 'uneven' ability profiles :(