Selective Grammar School Experiences

[JRsandCoffee]

Thanks in advance for any responses. We are in the process, it’s looking pretty good, DD gaining lots from doing the tutoring classes which she enjoys, learning new stuff and also about not getting in a fizz if she doesn’t instantly get something. We remind that there is the set homework and help where needed but apart from that it’s just another activity.

However in this grammar school town it’s hard not to hear things and many of them are not that pretty, I wasn’t part of this system so have no point of reference. I’m not in for mopping up tears if my child gets a B and her world ends or being looked at in askance because we have continued with activities other than homework in the face if such a catastrophe and it sounds very much like this is the way it is. If your child is at a grammar what has been your experience? Has it been a very pressured environment? Are the children generally happy and balanced?

Thank you

DD went to a selective grammar school and was probably middle of the road in the class but got straight As at GCSE anyway. That’s perhaps what you need to remember. She was in the bottom stream for French but got an A. You have to keep it all in proportion. She went on to get a 2.1 at Birmingham and an MA. They like pupils who are into sport and/or music as well. Ie contribute to the life of the school.

or being looked at in askance because we have continued with activities other than homework in the face if such a catastrophe

I’m not quite sure what you mean here?

My kids all went to grammar (one is still there). All got excellent GCSEs (and A levels) but continued to do their hobbies. Loads of the kids there are highly accomplished at sports/music as well as being very academic so nobody is going to look at you funny 😂

Both my dds have been at super selective grammars and the amount of homework is far less than the other schools and the pressure also far less from the school. That’s because the pace of teaching is incredibly fast and because the girls are almost all highly motivated to learn and do well. In fact the focus has been on the pastoral and on encouraging them to do other stuff and to chill. It’s quite the opposite of what I was expecting. Couldn’t be happier. They are both well balanced girls (years 11 and 13). My eldest changed to a different school for sixth form (so she could do a levels which weren’t offered at her year 7-11 school) which has a different emphasis and different issues but still I wouldn’t say it is highly pressured. Pressure comes from thei students themselves and they really support each other in a way that really impresses me in both schools.

Sadly I’m definitely hearing of people expecting the sacrificing of the other bits of life on the altar of academic achievement and I’m not on for that!! However it’s good to hear that from responses so far I may just have just encountered a few unfortunate souls! 🙏😁

Often, the kids at grammar can easily do both, eg grade 8 on the piano/black belt karate and straight As as well. If you have a child spending all their time at swimming galas and they aren’t coping with the academic pace/workload, then maybe grammar isn’t for them.

Agree entirely!!

All 4 of mine are currently at or have been at grammars (the boys at a superselective).

All of them are different - my eldest was extremely driven all the way through, did limited extra curriculars and is now at Cambridge. My DD is Y13 and does lots of extras but is more middle of the road academically. My younger two boys are chalk and cheese but get stuck in to stuff at school, play instruments and do outside clubs...but there are children who don't. There is a vast range, the only unifying factor is that they are all bright because they've passed a test...!

As long as your child is able to work at pace, doesn't get stressed and has a good work ethic, they will be fine.