Ok, Stage 1 of 'Mission Grammar' successful.....
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 9:31 pm
Our letter to Gravesend Grammar School has been accepted, and they would like to har our appeal late April. We are still waiting for a reply from Wilmington however.
Question to Etienne really...
Our plan in the appeal hearing is to outline our sons academic qualities first and foremost - 11+ Results were VR 134 NVR 119 M 118. Predicted SATS Level 5 across the board. NFR results all of Grammar standard. He has been at an Independant school in a class of 12 Children, and every child passed. We would then try to demonstrate that he has been prepared for Grammar school environment all his schooling life, and that he would be a credit to the school, should he be given the opportunity to attend. We would mention briefly, but underplay the fact that at the age of around 6, as parents we split up, although at no point would we suggest this has affected his marks. Instead we would demonstrate how well as a family unit we all get on, and spend time a lot of time together as a family, and that he has a very big support unit.
Although we have no extenuating circumstances to offer with regards to why he failed so narrowly, we would explain that he was incredibly nervous about the exam due to the pressure placed by the school (Is this wise to say???). We would explain that it would mean the world to him to get to Gravesend Grammar (which it absolutely would)
My questions really is, as an appeal panel, what are you wanting to hear? What things tick boxes? Does the quality of the parents public speaking qualities make a difference, or will the appeal panels questions give the panel the information they need to make a decision? What kind of questions will the panel ask? "So Mr R, What makes your Johnny so special that we should give him a place at the school'? I'm told the panel will test you patience or tolerance with the type questions at times, is this true?
As parents we're terrified of letting him down with a bad 'speech', and not being able to convey his qualities and abilities, so any tips or experiences you have had as a member of a panel would be gratefully recieved.
Thanks in advance
Question to Etienne really...
Our plan in the appeal hearing is to outline our sons academic qualities first and foremost - 11+ Results were VR 134 NVR 119 M 118. Predicted SATS Level 5 across the board. NFR results all of Grammar standard. He has been at an Independant school in a class of 12 Children, and every child passed. We would then try to demonstrate that he has been prepared for Grammar school environment all his schooling life, and that he would be a credit to the school, should he be given the opportunity to attend. We would mention briefly, but underplay the fact that at the age of around 6, as parents we split up, although at no point would we suggest this has affected his marks. Instead we would demonstrate how well as a family unit we all get on, and spend time a lot of time together as a family, and that he has a very big support unit.
Although we have no extenuating circumstances to offer with regards to why he failed so narrowly, we would explain that he was incredibly nervous about the exam due to the pressure placed by the school (Is this wise to say???). We would explain that it would mean the world to him to get to Gravesend Grammar (which it absolutely would)
My questions really is, as an appeal panel, what are you wanting to hear? What things tick boxes? Does the quality of the parents public speaking qualities make a difference, or will the appeal panels questions give the panel the information they need to make a decision? What kind of questions will the panel ask? "So Mr R, What makes your Johnny so special that we should give him a place at the school'? I'm told the panel will test you patience or tolerance with the type questions at times, is this true?
As parents we're terrified of letting him down with a bad 'speech', and not being able to convey his qualities and abilities, so any tips or experiences you have had as a member of a panel would be gratefully recieved.
Thanks in advance