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[Amber]

And are there police on duty on the gate in the morning?

Ouch.

[Rob Clark]

And are there police on duty on the gate in the morning?

Well, no Mike, to be honest, though a police presence isn’t unheard of either… But I thought this discussion was about the ethos of different schools rather than any individual school?

I will defend anyone’s right to send their DC to whatever school they wish (if they can get in), be that private, faith, GS, upper school or a.n.other. But you cannot assume that upper schools won’t push along bright children while GSs will, based purely on your experiences 30 years ago. The world has changed

[Amber]

I wonder what happens to all the bright children in areas where there are no Grammar Schools? Do their brains just atrophy? I imagine that someone has some statistics to prove that certain areas are proportionately under-represented at universities, on account of all the children languishing away in comprehensive schools, police presence or no police presence.

[mike1880]

Indeed Rob, it was a response to a specific comment:

not even bothering to look round the local upper schools because ‘she’s going to go there over my dead body’.

At our nearest comp there is a police presence on the gate (and for all I know inside as per one or two other B'ham schools) and it's unusual to take GCSEs rather than vocational qualifications. (I have no hang up about vocational qualifications per se, but I happen to think BTEC Travel & Tourism is not an appropriate route for either of our two.)

In other words: sometimes the non-GS oportunities are not quite as rosy as Amber's overwhelmingly positive and uplifting experiences would lead one to believe. And I personally do not believe that all schools are necessarily able or willing to stretch the bright but lazy child.

Amber, I should think it's quite likely that those statistics do indeed exist, given the disparity in numbers entering university from various types of school. And I'm afraid the statistics for those entering the professions from various school backgrounds show that comprehensive schools are failing their pupils to a quite staggering degree.

Mike

[Amber]

Oh Mike, no. Of course not universally rosy. But you think grammar schools are? And if anyone had a bad experience of one, that they would be on this forum? A boy recently joined by DD's school from a highly regarded local GS - his mother said he had endured 3 years of misery. I have no idea whether or not this family is unusually dysfunctional, whether the child has odd personality issues or pathologies, but he didn't like grammar school. I find it really hard to accept the idea that we can sling mud at certain types of school and not others, and that all schools of a particular type are good, and all schools of the other type are bad. You would expect representation of comprehensive-educated children at university to be lower than GS because comps are non-selective - it is fuzzy logic and disingenuous to boot to try and compare them. But even in areas of the country without selective education, I imagine the odd child does make it to university, and might even manage to get a job at the end of it.

Edited to add: I cannot let your assertion that 'comprehensives are failing their students to a staggering degree' stand unchallenged - it is a terrible thing to say and an indictment of the many thousands of teachers who work flat out for their pupils. Grammar schools have it all on a plate Mike - the kids are [supposed to be] the brightest, the chances are their parents are right there behind them (with them, in some cases, doing the work for them!) - piece of cake. That many thousands of children leave comprehensive schools with a straight run of top grade GCSEs and A levels (and yes, they do!) is a far greater achievement when you think of the mixed bag they take in.

[Waiting_For_Godot]

GS are not the be all and end all and they certainly don't stimulate all pupils in the way parents expect. In fact I know of a few members on here whose DC's are bored rigid at GS because the work is too easy and dull. However in the OP situation there is no reason why she should avoid the 11+ test just because her son is a lazy tinker - GS may well place that rocket in a strategic place that will get him going in the right direction and at the appropriate speed!

[Ed's mum]

Thank you everyone for ensuring that your differing views are explored in a polite manner.

[mum23*]

My DH went to what was at that time one of the very worst comps in the country and he ended up with a first and masters. I am not saying I would relish my DCs having same school experience but it shows you that your school is not a barrier to achievement. Also, a very good head has since turned that school around.

I agree with Amber and totally disagree with Magwich. I absolutely love the primary school my DS goes to, he is appropriately challenged, has excellent and well marked homework each week in maths, science and literacy. It has superb and dedicated teachers and an inspirational head (female). There is a brilliant PE teacher - a specialist who comes in to teach PE and run sports clubs. The school takes the children to a gym to have proper gymnastic lessons and to a pool for swimming lessons. All abilities are supported including able children and I could not think of anything I would like to be better. The children have lessons in Italian and French and perform plays in the language. Piano lessons are also arranged for those who are interested as well as the regular music service provision.
This school fully supports any children who wish to try for GS although they don't take part in any preparation work. This school has a very mixed catchment which includes some very disadvantaged children and the behaviour is excellent. The children develop a very caring attitude too. Ok what more can I praise? I just had to jump in support of people who dedicate themselves to education.

Schools can vary but please don't write off all state schools

[JaneEyre]

I absolutely love the primary school my DS goes to, he is appropriately challenged, has excellent and well marked homework each week in maths, science and literacy.

Your DS is VERY lucky! The homework handed by my DS before half term was only half marked: only in math and not in English though we had spent lot of time on this poem' Symphony In Yellow' by Oscar Wilde. I was not the only parent surprised an shocked

The French is 15 mn per week if not less... and as no homework is set, the children don't progress...
One month ago, I asked politely the headmistress if the children in the high set in maths could sit the primary maths challenge in order to have their brain a bit tickled... She didn't know about that challenge (is this possible? ) and I got no answer... which means 'no'

Despite everything I said, this primary school is considered a excellent one in a nice suburb...
And also, despite all my critics, I am happy that my DS goes there because he is happy and had a remarkable teacher last year...

But I didn't know that good primary schools like you describe existed in the free sector! Rejoice!!

[Glos_Mum]

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