Year 7

[mumtosnchild]

DD has just finished her first half term in Y7. It would seem she is struggling with the level of the work in core subjects - English, Maths and Science. Is this the same for others who have just started Y7? The work she has is so much more difficult to Y6 and not sure if this is to be expected and everyone is in the same boat. She does have SEN and has a EHCP and actually didn't pass the Maths Sats test.

Just wondering how she is going to cope and also considering whether to get help in the form of tuition for her in Maths.

How are your Year 7's getting on?

Are they in 'mixed ability' classes at the moment or set?

My DD (now y10) also didn't 'pass' maths SATs but has got on fine at secondary as she was set for maths from the start and so has been taught at a level and pace she can cope with.

I'd consider contacting her form tutor / SENCO and say she is struggling.

Sometimes in the first part of year 7 they are taught in mixed ability classes. This will mean that she will be in a room with the very top of the class - this can be REALLY difficult and demoralising if she is struggling with her learning.

Speak to her tutor / the SENCO. I know that for some students we have taken away pressures elsewhere so for example we take homework away from students in most subjects to give them time to work on the core subjects at home etc.

This will not be the first or last time students struggle coming up to secondary, but there is a difference between "it's just a bit difficult" and "she is not coping" so please let the school know and I'm sure they will help you.

My ds is bright (115+ in all SATs) but he has found the step up difficult as well. It’s all very very different to what they learnt at primary school. He is still in mixed classes for everything but maths so imagine that there will be some who are really struggling,

Definitely speak to school but I doubt your dd is the only one

Our school don't set on entry for those subjects (do after 6 months or so) so would imagine most children previously in a lower set might well feel they got more behind as the average will have risen. Plus its a lot of change to cope with anyway - new school, new teachers, new classmates.

I would mention to senco and see when they do adjust or if they can put support in place. You could also maybe e-mail subject teachers and ask if there's anything you could do to help at home and let them know she feels she's struggling. I wouldn't get a tutor (though I know people who do and they get results but more pressure and cost) but would maybe take a look myself and what they are doing and help with areas she's struggling in.

Mine is enjoying the work and finding it interesting, but finished for half term today and is worn out. He met me at primary pick up for ds2 and held my hand all the way home and has been very cuddly all night. Emotionally yr7 is a lot to get used to. His school has a very structured approach to maths and they were put in one of three sets from raw sats scores and primary reports.

Thanks all for your replies. Yes I am going to check with the school about whether they are set according to ability or if that is coming later. We also have parents evening coming up soon so will have an opportunity to speak to teachers.