Latymer Grammar (Edmonton) - teaching of technology subjects

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Hi, we are agonising over whether to let DS try for Laytmer entry (in full knowledge of how competitive it is and how late in the day it is to be making a decision on this).

One thing from the website that puts me off is that whilst it's clearly strong on the 'traditional' academic subjects it doesn't seem to do a lot with IT/tech - either choices of GCSEs or extra-curricular activities. It all looks a bit old fashioned. But the website's a bit thin so there may be more going on than it appears.

Anyone with DC there who can comment on this?

We went have a look at Latymer this year. DS was not impressed at all. He is in Year 4 and said,” History department and DT are boring. Children looked tired and like soldiers walking around the school.”

I imagine most secondary schools look like that from y4! Mine's there in y7. Lots of great things about the school but so far the IT teaching has been unimpressive - possibly just this teacher but the computing syllabus also seems very basic indeed.

We have looked early because the currentl boy’s knowledges equal to Year 6, although he is in Year 4. Children seemed him like “robots” without childhood. Teachers were not open as we saw in other schools. It is not possible to give the best for future without DT and IT. The final point was lack of a swimming pool and strict view on the education system in whole by the Head Teacher.

The final point was lack of a swimming pool

All these years in MN and I normally do an eye roll when people post the following....

I laughed that hard I snorted my tea down when reading that

Lenazayka the majority of schools don't have swimming pools

Everyone has a right for opinion and special requirements. You do not know about my child anything, I do not know you. Nevertheless, I respect your point of view and hope you will do the same.

Lenazayka if you don't like the feel of the school then don't apply.

FWIW very few state schools have swimming pools. I know of two in SW London of the many I know about.

Hahahah lack of swimming pool? are you actually for real? ,you clearly know nothing about the state system in this country.

Good luck with your "currentl boy's knowledges equal to year 6" (sic) who is obviously a little genius. I think the state sector is too inferior for the likes of you

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Barnet has a pool and no catchment area

And a somewhat idiosyncratic method of deciding on progression from year 11 to year 12, apparently, but that is hardly something to worry too much about at this stage.

I believe that the school has already had its open evening for this year, though.

Of course you are free to express your / your DS's opinion that a pool is an essential requirement, but even where a state school has a pool, most serious swimmers will do most of their swimming at public pools / with local clubs, outside of school.

We were also at the open day in June this year. It was sweltering and no one looked chipper. The IT dept specifically mentioned that they were due a re-jig of their syllabus. They have a new head of IT arriving to do that. So it sounds promising for you. We looked in the tech classroom windows and the workshops looked well equipped but we left early and missed the official tour. Science was good with pupils leading on demonstrations to visitors but the staff were quiet. The maths teacher came across a complete star and completely sold it for us. Good luck

The head teachers talk came over a bit odd with a heavy emphasis on encouraging girls to apply. Was tricky and slightly off-putting for DS but I understand these speeches have possibly led to a more even spread of boys & girls. Previously boys were the majority

There's an 11 plus forum which you may find useful. No knowledge of Latymer but DD at a London grammar and its very old fashioned. Today was girls can dress in C18th century dresses and do ballroom dancing day. There's a knitting club and those giant PE knickers. Academically brilliant but DD doesn't like it as lots of work and no play though some after school clubs.

azaleanth90 or if anyone else can please answer ... is the area around the school as bad as it's made out? We went to the open day and really liked the school but everyone I have mentioned it to have said really negative things about the area. Thanks.

If it helps you, we lived in that area decided to relocate after offenses against us.. All our neighbors also moved out. But someone still feels comfortable or does not have a choice. 😟

Well it’s in Edmonton which is a fairly typical Outer London Borough on the North East corner. Have a look at the Indices of Multiple Deprivation Maps online to get a visual picture. The school is located in a sub ward area which is in the 10% most deprived in the country. Not far to the west the areas quickly become some of the least deprived in the UK. Heading to the East areas fall into the deprived category. So it’s all relative. If you live east of the school, the area is broadly similar to the area you live in, while that’s not the case for those living to the west - which might cause concern for some. For comparison consider that the school’s area is similar to Islington - would you worry if the school was in that borough instead?

Lenazayka thank you. I was hoping to hear otherwise!

tartanterror thank you. I will have a look at the indices you mention, though I was looking at it from the "how safe" point of view. I don't know much about Islington except it seems to feature too often in news reports on violence. The area around Latymer seemed relatively peaceful when we visited. That said, we drive through the main roads of Islington too every now and again! I guess I have to make of that, whatever I want to. x

All our children went to Latymer in Edmonton and got a brilliant education. The area was good for them as they were reminded every day they went to school that they were privileged and with that comes responsibilities. They are all doing very well at college, but, more important are really socially responsible young people

Oh wow....and they weren't stabbed or murdered on the ghetto county lines of edmonton? Cool

Wilson's (SW London) is another excellent school in a rather rough area - doesn't seem to stop families wanting their children to go there though.

@NewModelArmyMayhem18

I wouldn't say Wilson's was in a rough area! Yes it's on the edge of a large estate but not one that is known for gang violence! Much if it is now privately owned I think. West Croydon is again not the greatest but that's a fair way from the school and most people won't be travelling through it!

OP, the area's fine depending on your expectations - run-down, outer London suburb. Go and walk it at school hours is the best guide. I've heard of one mugging attempt this year but I'm afraid that's standard for London schools. It doesn't feel threatening and the kids are unlikely to be walking around alone; also the uniform is inconspicuous.

I think most areas of London - where state schools are situated - could be viewed as 'rough', with the potential for trouble to 'kick off'.