Are Grammar Schools SO good or Comps SO bad...
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pheasantchick
- Posts: 2439
- Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:28 pm
Just finished reading 'Wicked' by Jilly Cooper, about a 'failing' comp school and a 'successful' independent school. If it's based on any truth, then they're as bad as each other regarding sex, drugs and rock 'n roll!
However, it does portray that there are hard working teachers and pupils in both camps, as well as those who cause trouble and mayhem.
GEtting back to the original question, I guess what I'm saying is that although most Grammers are probably good (lets face it, they have the top % of pupils). However, not all comps are bad. Many are good, and even in poorer ones, there are well meaning teachers and hard working pupils.
However, it does portray that there are hard working teachers and pupils in both camps, as well as those who cause trouble and mayhem.
GEtting back to the original question, I guess what I'm saying is that although most Grammers are probably good (lets face it, they have the top % of pupils). However, not all comps are bad. Many are good, and even in poorer ones, there are well meaning teachers and hard working pupils.
Some interesting ideas there. One small point: a lot of the research shows that class size (at least at secondary level) isn’t nearly as important as we think – it comes way behind quality of teacher/teaching and parental involvement.
Our local secondary modern was in special measures a few years ago. Enter an inspirational HT who has smartened the place up (in terms of uniform and physical appearances of school and buildings) and, most importantly, massively raised the expectation levels within the school. To the best of her considerable abilities, she does not allow the pupils to settle for anything other than their best. As a consequence, this year’s Y7 is full and children waiting to join in Y8 are on a waiting list, so it can be done.
What we need are more HTs like this who are then freed from political interference to run their schools.
Our local secondary modern was in special measures a few years ago. Enter an inspirational HT who has smartened the place up (in terms of uniform and physical appearances of school and buildings) and, most importantly, massively raised the expectation levels within the school. To the best of her considerable abilities, she does not allow the pupils to settle for anything other than their best. As a consequence, this year’s Y7 is full and children waiting to join in Y8 are on a waiting list, so it can be done.
What we need are more HTs like this who are then freed from political interference to run their schools.
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Sassie'sDad
- Posts: 459
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:36 pm
- Location: Rugby
Just found this article comparing and contrasting a grammar with a middle ranking public school, albeit in a brief, journalistic way. Nonetheless it is interesting. Thought it was more appropriate to air it here than in the Warwickshire thread.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/se ... rwick.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/se ... rwick.html
