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should i push my laid back 10 year old towards the exams
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 12:24 pm
by born worrier
My 10 year old is bright and 2/3 of the way through year 5 is achieving 4b for all subjects. Am I right in "pushing" him towards the grammar school entry exams? Does he have a realistic chance or am i setting him to be rejected. We are hoping for Latymer or Dame Alice Owen school near Enfield N. London. But his generally relaxed attitude and constant need to have his time managed to fit his h'work in amongst cricket swimming etc makes me wonder whether I am doing the right thing.
Is this typical of boys? I am anxious that all my conversations with him are turning into nagging sessions on time management.
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 1:11 pm
by Sam
He does not need to be pushed, my child has been offered a place at Latymer for September by having done 3 weeks preparation. I am very pleased we did not follow the parental panic at our primary school. We listened to the advice of our class teacher. He assured us that an able child who would comfortable at the schools you have mentioned will not need much more than a few hours of familiarisation with the format of the papers. Children who have had intensive tuition will fall on the first hurdles of year 7.
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 1:46 pm
by Bewildered
At the tender age of ten, most boys should be just like your son. Main worries in life should be, who he's got coming over to tea, when he's going swimming, and when the next cricket match is.
As a parent, I believe, it's our role to guide them. If he's in top sets, then you're doing the right thing, and presenting him with a never to be repeated opportunity. His job is to be a child, yours is to be the guiding hand. As such, you know your child, and what incentives will work to get him to do what you know, to be, is in his best interest. I think time management comes with age and responsibility, not forgetting boys are notorious for maturing later than girls
I know a boy very similar to your son who is now happily ensconced at a top Bucks Grammar. My Friend had similar worries about his laid back attitude, but is now pleased that she stuck to her guns.
Good Luck, with what ever you decide.
BW
Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:37 pm
by Guest
Agreed. However, you do need to make sure your son has covered the KS2 maths curriculum by October half-term. Some schools only cover this in the spring term of Y6 and some of the Latymer maths questions will be beyond him if he doesn't have this knowledge, regardless of how bright he is.