Secondary school teachers. Please advise.

[OrmIrian]

Have already posted this in the PFB thread but I genuinely want some advice. It sounds like somewhat precious boasting but it isn't meant to be.

My eldest son has started at secondary in September. Having had a ..ahem... somewhat alsoran primary school career. Always the child who 'could try harder' who 'would do well if he made some effort'. Never shone at anything. Hated school. Resented homework. Had to be nagged into doing anything. He was excited about moving up to big school. But I was sceptical. It's a good school and I thought it would suit him but I didn't expect miracles.

However according to his teachers and his termly review miracles have happened! He is polite, well-mannered, well-behaved, lively 'in the right way', enthusiastic, always ready to give an answer in class. He had a science test yesterday and came 4th in the class and was given a 5C (not entirely sure what that means but the teacher was impressed). No-one has a bad word to say.

Now while I am delighted I am also a little sceptical. Would they be trying to boost his confidence? Are they not expecting enough of him? I want to be really thrilled but years of muted disappointment in my (otherwise lovely) son has made me a little wary. Is it common to 'big up' Yr 7 students in some way? To get them started.

I know it sounds ridiculous but I will confess to being confused.

IME, teachers do no 'big up' year 7's, they generally tell it like it is! Perhaps the environment of secondary school has rejuvenated his liking for learning. 'Tis not unknown.
Be thankful - some go the other way...

Oh I am thankful donk. Just reeling a little in shock. And finding it somewhat hard to beleive right now

I'm glad he's doing so well!
Long may it continue...

We don't big up year 7s, but try to establish their levels accurately. That's good for science, and I'm glad he's clutched into secondary.

Mine is the other way, very bright, but won't engage at secondary like he did at prep. Boarding school is currently looming if he doesn't pull his finger out.

Thankyou.

I hope it means he has started the way he means to go on. He isn't a child that responds well unless he is engaged with what he is doing and TBH Yr 6 SATs squeezed out the last vestiges of enthusiasm.

OrmIrian you could have been talking about my DD when you were talking about your DS. DD was totally turned off school in YR6 when they went into SATS over drive. At DD's tutorial meeting with her form tutors I was amazed at how well she was doing, how well thought of she was by her subject teachers even subjects she professes to be a bit boring. The DD of old wouldn't have given a toss what set she was in now she's working her socks off to be in the top maths set because she actually wants to be in it. I nearly cried when I read things like motivated, interested,hard working etc in the mini report we were given, as last year I honestly thought she'd never be a child who enjoyed school. So yes going to High School can engage some children who have previously coasted along IMHO.

Thanks magenta. I'm do glad the it's happened for your DD too. It is wonderful but it seemed to good to be true to start with. DS still won't talk about it

He was clearly ready for High School and all the new challenges - brilliant!

Now the trick is to keep him keen