Unlevel playing field

[nervousmom]

My DS was tutored, he is a bright boy and we wanted to make sure he got to a GS. His tutoring was through a company based in Shirley specialising in 11+.
He started in the jan of year 4 and did an online test 5 days a week from jan to July. We didn't do anything though the summer.

Then in nov 11 he attended their Saturday morning 2 hour session, and at the same time did an online test 5 days a week. He also had homework from them.

It was nothing he couldn't cope with and I think he actually quite enjoyed the online work.

They way we saw it was it would increase his chances of passing for GS, plus as they cover a number of subjects in maths and English, it would improve his all round knowledge, actually helped me learn some things too!

His score was 237, maybe enough for CHB, but we decided against this. He is bright boy, top of everything, but we didn't want him going to a school, full of exceptionally bright children, where he may or may not find himself towards the bottom. If this were the case he wouldn't like it and it would have an adverse effect on his education.

We have therefore gone for FW, which was where he wanted. He won't need to be tutored an further to cope, as. Say he is bright, and we have been told he will thrive in the GS environment.

We have a DD currently in year 3, she will start the online tests at the start of year 4 and will attend the centre once in year 5, she too is bright and top of the class, so we will aim for FW for her too.

In 8 years time our youngest, age 2 now, will be due to start, he too is another bright one, so I have a few more years of this to go!

[KenR]

Hi nervousmom

Just a word of caution - you do have to keep an eye on all children in year-7, to make sure they are properly organised and on top of their work and homework etc. This is particularly true of boys in year-7 due to the lack of maturity in some cases and the fact that it sometimes takes a while for them to develop their potential.

KEFW gives them an excellent thick planner/diary at the start of every year - make sure they fill this in every day and that you review and sign-it every week. You will find out more after the offers come out and you go to the induction days.

You often don't get a reality check until the 1st parents evening in year 7!!

[echoes]

There is absolutely no corelation between how a child performs in the entrance exam and how they will perform at the allocated school. Infact when you get to GCSE's and particularly A levels the hardworking and determined lot can overtake the naturally bright who don't put the hours in.

MSD

I think you are right there.. I totally agree.

[echoes]

Echoes, good for you and your dd!

Does everybody cope in year 7 - has anybody ever left a gs because they can't cope with the work? Shouldn't happen to my dd!

Thanks but I didn't do much.. If anything, I feel I let her down by not taking active interest and spending more time.

As long as there is supportive, loving and caring environment at home, child should be able to cope with work.

[MSD]

I tend to agree with you Nervousmum. With our son it's all about confidence and we would rather send him to a school where he feels confident about his ability. Moreover, three quarters of the children in FW perform equally as well as CHB, it's only the bottom lot that need a push. They also have a choice of IB or traditional A levels and I believe that's a great advantage. I read an article recently where they envisage most grammar schools moving to IB within the near future and that surely is a big positive for FW.

MSD

[nervousmom]

Thanks ken we will keep an eye on him, like most 10 year old boys, he would spend all his time playing on his games consoles if we let him!

[first time mum]

Our DS attends a faith school and our head invited the consortium in to deliver a talk about the schools and exams. We found it very interesting and helped make the decision. If we had not had this information evening we would not have known how to approach the grammars.

We did ask at parents evening Y5 and were advised our DS was above average and there was no harm in trying. We had a tutor for a small amount of time and our son achieved 213. He was extrememly nervous and felt pressure from his peers. Lots have been tutored since Y3. Many have bragged at school that they have the choice of schools, which has been dampened down by teachers to my knowledge.

Im happy in the fact my DS is a team player, has a great circle of friends, is kind and has impeccable manners. When I look at those who have been tutored for a long period of time, they are very insular and cannot cope with team activities.

We are extremely proud of our DS and will support 100% wherever fate takes him

[newbiemum]

We didn't tutor as we just can't afford it with 3 children. My husband works and I'm a full time mum. We bought the papers to practice of eBay and smiths and tutored him ourselves, splitting the categories into each of our own strongest areas. Did an hour each weekend and in the last month stepped it up. He enjoyed it, was relaxed as no pressure and cost involved and has done well. It can be done its not impossible if you don't have the budget for a tutor.

[ginx]

Good for you newbie - that's exactly how we did it! I'm a full time mum too with four children. I know one tutor round here charges £25 per lesson!!!!

I'm glad there's someone out there like me ... I have one child to go ... the oldest two didn't pass the 11+ but you know what? they're happy and doing well. What more can I ask?

[newbiemum]

Hi ginx, thanks for your post like you say it is reassuring others do the same, so expensive! I'm glad your children are doing well and you are right as long as they are happy enjoying school that's what it's all about! It can be done and it's a nice feeling that you have as well, I enjoyed it to be honest! I still have a 5 and 2 year old, big gap so wont have to think about it again for a few years, phew! All the very best