When I applied for Secondary for my DD four years ago, I was looking specifically at how good the school's SEN Dept was, had no clue about asking questions about GCSE's etc, as tbh they weren't even on the radar for a DC that didn't know number bonds to 10 at age 11. (She has improved massively, made the right choice for her.)
However, I am now in the process of applying for Secondary for my DS1. He is totally different, is sitting the 11+, but if he doesn't get a place in the superselective Grammar (96 places for 700+ applicants), I need to find the RIGHT Secondary for him.
At the end of Y5, he was working on L5b in English, L7 in Maths. His Maths is better than mine.
What questions should I be asking? Especially given the changes to linear exams, and the probable introduction of a two-tier exam system.
I want to know how they are set in Maths especially, and how they will differentiate in a mixed class, if they set straight away or after CAT testing, what they do for other subjects too, are they only set in some subjects? All? None?
I can't seem to figure out a clear list of questions, like I could for my DD. It seemed the questions were much more straightforward for her, and I need a list so I don't forget anything.
I'm not bothered about DS1 going to the same school as DD, I just want each DC in the Secondary that is best for them.
Can anyone help me clarify the questions swirling round in my head and get a list together?