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Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 10:38 am
by jacksarsfield
Hi All,

First of all thanks so much to everyone who contributes to this forum. It has been of enormous help and we would have been lost without it. However we do have some questions, and would be interested in anyone's opinion of our appeal plans.

Some background. Our son scored 118 (Verbal: 93, Maths: 142, NonVerbal: 146), born in November.
He was diagnosed with dyslexia in the mid July 2015, so only 6 weeks before the tests were due to take place. We were able to secure 25% extra for the tests, albeit late, so he sat the tests by himself several weeks after everyone else.
We went for selection review, unaware at the time it was optional, and were unsuccessful. Now in the process of getting our appeal together. We have only recently discovered this amazing forum!!

The crux for our case is that he's a bright boy who is very good at maths and sciences as seen by his Maths and Non-verbal scores.
We are also hoping to be able to prove an improvement in English since his dyslexia diagnosis.
We have an Ed Psych report which is rather weighty, but does state that he is of ability above that of 96% of individuals.
He goes to an independent school, so we don't have predictions available that the state schools do, ie. the old 5A for maths etc.. So we're getting hold of assessment marks and class placings in order to prove he is is above average in most non-englishy subjects.
Our headmaster is also being supportive.

Do you think we have a good case?
My concerns are that because he got an additional 25% extra time, his dyslexia will not be taken into consideration. Is this likely?
Regarding filling out the green appeal request form I have read on the forum that it is acceptable to simply state, "Our evidence will follow". Is this still the case? If so when can the evidence follow? As soon as possible? Or should we wait until we have a date of appeal and then send in supporting evidence and details of our case then?

Sorry if that was a bit of a ramble, have a million things going on in my head on this, any help and advice will be massively appreciated.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 11:10 am
by scary mum
Welcome to the forum!
Have you read this, it might help http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... 12&t=41358" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
My understanding is that you have to prove the your review was not "fair, consistent or objective". I don't know very much about it , but the above might give you something to read before those who do know arrive.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 11:39 am
by Tolstoy
I can't help you but you have confirmed what the review panels were looking for. Not only does the test itself penalise dyslexic DC or those who may score low in VR for other reasons (our problem) but so too does the review panel. I heard recently that a second language DC was also unsuccessful at review.

I strongly believe this goes against equal opportunities to penalise certain DC in this way as often many of them cope perfectly well in class without extra support because they are so bright. My dyslexic DC who is currently at an Upper school (thankfully an excellent one) is easily as clever as peers who were deemed Grammar eligible, even in English now, as the older they get the better they get at adapting to their SEN. Whilst I know a friends DC who was deemed selective has to have extra support outside of school with maths! The problem is if you are perceived to be critising the process it won't help your case and I have a feeling it won't be accepted for the FCO issue. Perhaps some clever person somewhere could use it somehow though.

I only hope the Appeals panels are less bias and wish you lots of luck.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 12:07 pm
by Guest55
The FCO hurdle is the first to get over - don't underestimate this. What feedback did you get from the review and was it accurate?

Did you have a HT recommendation and what did the HT predict for KS2 levels?

I had hoped that the new CEM would 'balance out' the 11+ for those with Maths/Science from the old purely VR 11+ - clearly we are seeing that this may not be true.

You have well over 121 in two areas which is a good start - I think I'd also take work to show.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 12:27 pm
by jacksarsfield
Thank you for your responses.

I forget to mention HT recommendation was 3:1. We think this contributed heavily to the review rejection. The review didnt say much other than a tick against the 'Panel's view was they agreed with the HT'.

We have subsequently spoke with the HT who is a pretty new to this area. HT thought we had a decent chance at review. I expressed my opinion that the panel is going to look at the 3 for grammar suitability v unfavourably.

Also our case was solely regarding his low VR score due to dyslexia. We made the mistake of not sending in academic progress information to prove performance above age expected tracking. Therefore 'None' was circled on the review form too.

With this in mind our FCO argument is going to be disagreement with the 3 for grammar school suitability, we're working on the HTs support on this. As well as proof of above average academic achievement in Maths/Science etc.

He was give 5s in KS2, apart from English which was a 4.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 12:50 pm
by Guest55
I don't think you will win the FCO part on an argument that 3,1 wasn't correct. That recommendation was correctly interpreted by the review - they will have also have looked at how many 3,1 qualified from the school.

If the HT is new perhaps s/he can explain this and say the recommendation descriptions were wrongly interpreted? However, that might question their opinion on other matters.

I think FCO is going to be a big hurdle for you - hopefully Sally-Anne might have an idea.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 12:52 pm
by jacksarsfield
Ok thanks. Food for thought.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 12:58 pm
by Tolstoy
Did your review get moderated?

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 1:00 pm
by jacksarsfield
Just checked, and no it wasnt.

Re: Appealing in Bucks

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 1:03 pm
by Guest55
Was the Ed Psych report submitted? If so did an Ed Psych look at your case?

Were you told you had to go to review and, if so, who told you this?