Bucks appeal question
Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:16 pm
Hi
I've never posted here before but have been reading all the threads and advice with huge admiration to everyone who goes through "the system".
My DS got 114 and 117 in the tests and I realise an appeal is a tall order since we don't have much in the way of mitigating circumstances.
My specific question is whether it is relevant mention that DS spent Yr5 being taught in class with 20 Yr4 children (school has several mixed aged classes due 40 children in each year group - classes determined by age - DS has mid-july birthday). I felt this held him back, particularly in the development of his vocabulary. I have a letter I wrote to the school about it last May. Is this a valid argument - or would I be undermining our assertions that despite the lack of challenge in Yr5, DS is predicted to get 5bs in SATS at end of Yr6?
Additional info:
Headteacher recommendation 2:1
School does not do CATS or Reading ages so additional academic evidence is somewhat sparce.
Predicted 5bs in SATS.
HT is supporting & class teacher will write in support
Gifted and talented for Maths and PE
School reports are good but written in a bland style (think they are all written that way)
Other thoughts:
Music teacher offered to write in support - achieved highest score teacher had ever known in music exam. (not sure if that will help)
Vicar has written in support explaining how DS showed outstanding abilities to understand and articulate the complex spiritual concepts covered during his Confirmation classes. (again not sure if this helps)
When in Yr5 DS was first child in whole school to achieve highest level in mental maths challenge (weekly tests at increasingly difficult levels) - is that relevant?
I wondered if anyone had any more suggestions for evidence of ability.
Many thanks in advance...
Ohmum!
I've never posted here before but have been reading all the threads and advice with huge admiration to everyone who goes through "the system".
My DS got 114 and 117 in the tests and I realise an appeal is a tall order since we don't have much in the way of mitigating circumstances.
My specific question is whether it is relevant mention that DS spent Yr5 being taught in class with 20 Yr4 children (school has several mixed aged classes due 40 children in each year group - classes determined by age - DS has mid-july birthday). I felt this held him back, particularly in the development of his vocabulary. I have a letter I wrote to the school about it last May. Is this a valid argument - or would I be undermining our assertions that despite the lack of challenge in Yr5, DS is predicted to get 5bs in SATS at end of Yr6?
Additional info:
Headteacher recommendation 2:1
School does not do CATS or Reading ages so additional academic evidence is somewhat sparce.
Predicted 5bs in SATS.
HT is supporting & class teacher will write in support
Gifted and talented for Maths and PE
School reports are good but written in a bland style (think they are all written that way)
Other thoughts:
Music teacher offered to write in support - achieved highest score teacher had ever known in music exam. (not sure if that will help)
Vicar has written in support explaining how DS showed outstanding abilities to understand and articulate the complex spiritual concepts covered during his Confirmation classes. (again not sure if this helps)
When in Yr5 DS was first child in whole school to achieve highest level in mental maths challenge (weekly tests at increasingly difficult levels) - is that relevant?
I wondered if anyone had any more suggestions for evidence of ability.
Many thanks in advance...
Ohmum!