Medway appeal

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Superstarxxx
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Medway appeal

Post by Superstarxxx »

I am hoping someone can give us some advice. We found out yesterday that we've lost our Medway appeal. My son had scored low on the Medway test. I had a hospital appointment booked for the day before the test which we cancelled as DS was so anxious, but in hindsight, we should have postponed the test. DS sat the Kent test in April and scored 378 but dropped 1 mark in maths. His verbal and non verbal scores were good. We provided the panel with 3 pieces of literacy and 3 maths, all of level 5 standard. His teacher and head teacher wrote letters of support, including levels and stating that he was taking the level 6 maths paper.
The letter we received stated that there was insufficient evidence that our Son is of grammar ability.
We have another appeal in 2 weeks, luckily for our son's preferred school, and I was wondering if anyone can see what mistake we've made so we can sort it in time for this one.
Sorry it's such a long post; we'd appreciate any comments.
confusedmum.com
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Oct 18, 2013 12:13 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by confusedmum.com »

Superstarxxx - I am really sorry you did not win your appeal. Please dont feel that you made a mistake in your appeal - they are really hard to win. You sound like to provided good evidence. You need to show that the mark was unexpected, that if your son was not so concerned with your medical issues he would have scored higher. I expect the teacher would have mentioned this in their letter i.e. that they were very surprised at his result and subsequent tests have showed him working to a higher standard i.e. Level 6 maths. When you present your case you could talk about how he was effected by his concern for you, that he was anxious and upset, unfocussed and unable to concentrate - not his usual self. Also remember you are appealling to a school - is there something at the school i.e. a specialism which really suits your son.

Remember you will have a very different appeal panel and what might seem like insufficient evidence to one may suit another panel. I am sure your son appreciates the faith and support you have shown in him - you are doing all you can.

Wishing you all the best x x x
cockleshell
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2014 2:29 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by cockleshell »

Hi again.
If I am totally honest I think you probably fell down on extenuating circs evidence. - did the teachers notice any anxiety etc? The panel will look at how far off the mark he was too. Don't be disheartened. I was shocked we did get success at SJWMS as everyone told us they don't take non-qualifiers and pick the highest marks. It's not to say you won't get in at another Medway - assume you are going for CG?
Also where do you live? As I think the SJW went for certain areas in appeal as it is an area that consistently gets pipped at the post on over subscription.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Etienne »

Superstarxxx wrote:I am hoping someone can give us some advice. We found out yesterday that we've lost our Medway appeal. My son had scored low on the Medway test. I had a hospital appointment booked for the day before the test which we cancelled as DS was so anxious, but in hindsight, we should have postponed the test.
See the section beginning "If your extenuating circumstances are not too strong (in the sense that there isn’t any evidence at all to show that your child was affected) ….. in this situation the best approach is ......"
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DS sat the Kent test in April and scored 378 but dropped 1 mark in maths. His verbal and non verbal scores were good.
Do you have any other evidence of reasoning ability?
His teacher and head teacher wrote letters of support,
Are they using the right sort of language:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Are they focusing on the right issues?
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b48" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
..... including levels and stating that he was taking the level 6 maths paper.
That sounds encouraging, but what levels are being predicted?
5b would be seen as safer than 5c.
The letter we received stated that there was insufficient evidence that our Son is of grammar ability.
Go carefully through this list to see what's missing:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b11" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Read all the Q&As in sections A, B, C, E and check that you're presenting your case correctly, e.g. length of presentation, how to sum up, what to do, what not to do, etc.
Etienne
Superstarxxx
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Superstarxxx »

Thank you for the advice and support. Etienne, I will email our extenuating circumstances to you and look through the information you have given me.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Etienne »

I do find your extenuating circumstances compelling.

As far as your presentation is concerned, though, my advice would be to say nothing about these, because I believe it will have maximum impact if you let the written evidence speak for itself. You could still talk about how well your son has done "in the circumstances", focusing on academic achievement, and without going into the circumstances. (Remember - the qualification part of the appeal will be won or lost on the academic evidence.)

You may well have a question or two from the panel, which you can of course answer.

When you sum up at the very end of the hearing, include a brief sentence or two about how well he's done at school despite the circumstances, but don't overlook the other points mentioned here:
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... cation#b49" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Etienne
Superstarxxx
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Superstarxxx »

Thank you Etienne, really useful advice. I've posted another question to you I'm afraid. Hopefully the last!
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Etienne »

Yes, I would mention it at the hearing. It's good to match the pupil to the opportunities available at the school, and to sound enthusiastic about it! :)
Etienne
Superstarxxx
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:31 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Superstarxxx »

We're in!!! So, so grateful for all the help and advice that I've been given or have read on here. Good luck to everyone else! X
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Medway appeal

Post by Etienne »

Wonderful news!

Congratulations! :D
Etienne
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