JHGS vs RGS

[Bustermartin]

Hi BnB

My son doesn't play rugby at all. He enjoys his local team football at the weekend though - and is on the RGS tennis squad. He has learnt to play hockey since going to RGS and thoroughly enjoys that, although isn't on the team.

You are completely correct about the lesson times - they are shorter than JH. Now he is in year 10 he seems to have a lot of double lessons though.

Thinking back to Year 7 the homework was hard. They say that it will be 3 pieces of a maximum of 30 minutes each - which isn't in theory, too bad, I don't think. However it always seemed to take him quite a bit longer. Since year 7 though either ds has got more efficient in using lunchtimes and breaktimes for homework, or the homework has become less demanding. I feel that now, in year 10, it is taking up a similar amount of time to what it did in year 7. He's a real trier though - not like his brother who may, or may not, be going there next year!!!

We chose RGS over JH for my eldest because we formed the impression that it was more 'formal' and we felt that would suit him better. He'd had some bullying issues at his primary school and we also felt that RGS would be more 'on top' of this type of thing. (whether that is true or not I don't know, but it is the feeling we got). I think he would agree it is the right school for him. Whether it will be the same decision for his younger brother I am not so sure - there are many different considerations.

Should add that RGS has had a very strict no phones policy for the whole time DS has been there

Getting really stressed at the wait now.......

[BucksBornNBred]

I can't master multiple quotes so please accept my apologies for the format.

BM: We chose RGS over JH for my eldest because we formed the impression that it was more 'formal' and we felt that would suit him better. That is what I had heard - I don't think it has changed much since I was at school and flirting with the Grammar Bugs!

BM: He'd had some bullying issues at his primary school and we also felt that RGS would be more 'on top' of this type of thing. (whether that is true or not I don't know, but it is the feeling we got). JH do have occasional issues with bullying but I can say that they treat it very seriously and do everything they can to stop it in its tracks.

BM: Should add that RGS has had a very strict no phones policy for the whole time DS has been there. Sorry, I must have misunderstood RGS policy; their website has a strict policy about how a phone should be used in or out of school. JH, on the other hand, say no phones are allowed in the school without specific permission and then they have to be handed into reception - that is one policy I am hoping the new head will be changing.

[scary mum]

All the boys I know at JHGS must ignore the"no phones" thing, then. Plus, they have iPads with them all the time, or at least did a couple of years ago.

[BucksBornNBred]

All the boys I know at JHGS must ignore the"no phones" thing, then. Plus, they have iPads with them all the time, or at least did a couple of years ago.

As I said, mine seems to be the only DS that follows the rules, but when I asked the school for permission they were adamant that no phones are allowed except for emergencies and on the condition that is was handed over at reception! And yes, all students from year 8 must have an iPad...another thing to consider, BlueBerry.

[Bustermartin]

Sorry, I must have misunderstood RGS policy; their website has a strict policy about how a phone should be used in or out of school. JH, on the other hand, say no phones are allowed in the school without specific permission and then they have to be handed into reception - that is one policy I am hoping the new head will be changing.

It's me that has misunderstood you! The boys at RGS are allowed to take phones to school with them - but they are to be locked in their lockers (or switched off in their bags) all day. They can be confiscated if caught using them at any time during the school day including break and lunch. I do know of a couple of boys who have had their phones confiscated because they were caught with them during lunch. These boys were loaned a very basic phone to use for emergencies until their phones were collected by their parents. I think this is a fair rule. I wouldn't want DS to go to school without one as he has to catch the bus home and we live in a very rural area. Equally I think they are a distraction if they are allowed to be used on school premises so this seems to be the most sensible solution.

So far as ipads go - from Year 8 onwards they have to have one for lessons. These can be provided through a scheme set up by the school, which is pretty good I think, or parents can provide them. Either way the parents pay for them! This seems to be pretty normal practice now in grammar schools I think.

[scary mum]

Not at Burnham Grammar, the school has quite a large number which are sometimes used in lessons. The year 12s & 13s are allowed to take their laptops in. I don't think Becky High has them either, but I may be out of date. (Sorry, off topic)

[BucksBornNBred]

It is a couple of years since I have requested permission (denied) to take a phone into school, so I might have to reopen the debate! Knowing DS can't contact me without returning to the school is a major nightmare (Handy Cross traffic being what it is, along with new parking restrictions!) RGS has by far the more sensible approach.

[BlueBerry]

Thanks for the replies. I'm really enjoying reading your comments. I saw some question on another thread and I'm copying them (with permission!). So, I would be extremely grateful if someone can shed some light on these questions.

1. How pressurized/ competitive is the environment? My son is bright but a little lazy, how would the school deal with such a child?

2. Does the fairly large geographical intake area (around 8-9 miles for both schools) have a particularly negative effect on kids' friendships/ being able to meet up with friends outside school?

3. Do the children have a lot of homework? Is there support for those that are struggling?

4. What happens if the child doesn't make it onto a school sport team? Is there an opportunity to try out again or is it just a once a year that the team gets chosen?

5. Most importantly, if you have DCs there, are they happy & would they recommend the school to others?

Thanks

[BucksBornNBred]

Thanks for the replies. I'm really enjoying reading your comments. I saw some question on another thread and I'm copying them (with permission!). So, I would be extremely grateful if someone can shed some light on these questions.

1. How pressurized/ competitive is the environment? My son is bright but a little lazy, how would the school deal with such a child?

Sounds like my DS! The main pressure I can think of is that JH have tests at the end of every term and we get a report detailing their level/attitude to learning; they have to achieve a certain level/ATL or "action will be taken". My DS has achieved his grades so I can't say what action is taken. I also can't really comment on whether it is competitive as DS just doesn't worry about that and just does his best, but they do have an awards ceremony at the end of each year so if children are competitive then that gives them something to work towards.

2. Does the fairly large geographical intake area (around 8-9 miles for both schools) have a particularly negative effect on kids' friendships/ being able to meet up with friends outside school?

My DS has friends as near as up-the-road to 20 miles away. He is able to see them outside school as I am willing to drive him. If birthday gatherings are arranged most parents seem to use HW as the location as they know everyone can get there.

3. Do the children have a lot of homework? Is there support for those that are struggling?

There doesn't seem to be a lot of homework tbh. It probably averages a couple of subjects a night. They are advised to spend 20-30 mins per subject but sometimes it only takes 5 mins, other times hours of online research (oh, for a text book!) We haven't needed support with homework but DS has at last realised that we really do learn from our mistakes, so if he can't do something he will ask the teacher. They also have some lunchtime clubs where they can find support (maths in particular).

4. What happens if the child doesn't make it onto a school sport team? Is there an opportunity to try out again or is it just a once a year that the team gets chosen?)

I can't help with this as my DS would rather have his finger nails removed than join a sports team

5. Most importantly, if you have DCs there, are they happy & would they recommend the school to others?)

DS is, overall, happy at JH. He wishes it was stricter and more formal (think mortar board and cane) but he likes most of the teachers and enjoys the lessons. We have had some issues but the school is always willing to listen and help. They encourage students to speak to a teacher if they have problems and, if really struggling, JH have a "buddy" system they can put into action. I am not sure DS would recommend it if I asked him directly (I certainly wouldn't have recommended my HS at his age!), but he usually seems happy and full of life when I pick him up.

I am sure other JH parents have different opinions but those are my observations. Good luck

[BiscuitEater]

My DS started at RGS this September. It's early days for us, and I won't be comparing his experience to his friend's at JH until Sunday lunch this weekend when the families are socialising and we'll be getting our notes out , but as I mentioned on the other thread there is one exception to JH's "supportive pastoral care" vibe and that's their unsympathetic view on learning disabilities.

I won't recount the story again on this thread, but I'm not the only person who's experienced this and I do think it sits strangely with the widely held views on the two schools' relative differences and strengths. Before I spoke to the SEN Cos I would have assumed the attitudes to be the other way round.

On a different note, DS definitely doesn't have access to his phone at school. I really wouldn't mind being able to text him at the moment, but I know there's no way he'll see it until the end of the day!