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AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2021 12:05 pm
by payel123
Hi

DS is starting AGSB in September 21.A few freinds have told him that the “academic pressure “ is too much to handle.He was a bit apprehensive the other day that what if he crumbles ?Generally he is quite a happy child sans any predespositions ,but of course I want my child to embrace his high school with a happy mind and oodles of excitement.

spoke to an acquaintance who apparently had to take her son out of the school due to the surmounting pressure and as much as I can appreciate her wrath towards the school ,
would love to have your honest opinions on whether it’s more of a hype or is it as intense as some people make it out to be ?Its one of the best schools around so I’m sure there are both sides of the story.

Personally I believe it’s difficult to predict how a kid would thrive in any school for that matter,just depends on the child and how he fits in to the puzzle

Ps:I am not panicking but just a bit unsure (lol)
Your opinions please
TIA

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2021 2:31 pm
by Mandy21
Not my experience at all academically - although there is no getting away from the fact that there are some very bright boys and the school wants top results. It can be demoralising I think for some children who are used to being in the top few at primary school to then be lower down the class in terms of ability - particularly as there are always boys that don't seem to need to work hard / it all comes very naturally or easily. I imagine too if a boy has been heavily tutored and just scraped in that it might prove tough. Having said that, we have found that school has been really supportive, teachers have always replied to emails or telephoned if we've ever had any concerns, and the head of year system is really good - they really seem to know the boys. There is also a mentoring system in place in the run up to exams etc for boys that need a bit more guidance.

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 1:26 pm
by wilmslowmum
I think the pressure comes from the fact that there are some very talented boys , my son is a bright boy scored well in the entrance exam but he certainly isn't in the high flyers category. I do notice that he sometimes feels he isn’t as good as others at a lot of subjects nevertheless he doesn’t let it bother him. The teachers are great and they expect the boys to work to the best of their ability. I think they are very supportive and certainly in my experience don’t put undue pressure on the boys when it comes to grades. They seem to know the boys well and understand that not all the cohort can turn out “9s” at every exam. I would say to your son not to judge himself on others and he will be fine after all he has earned his place to be there. There are lots of areas to shine be it academically, sports, music and more. I think it is a very well rounded school.

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:15 pm
by cherryblossom
I have three boys there in different school years. They have different personalities and their academic abilities vary. What I have found is that all three have thrived at the school and found friends and pursued interests there that match their individual personalities. So far they have really enjoyed their time there and I don’t feel that there is enormous academic pressure. The homework is manageable and like the other posters have said the teachers supportive and the head of year is very good at helping new starters settle. There are some very talented and able boys there but there is also support, eg mentors, available for anyone having difficulties academically or otherwise. Also lots of opportunities in terms of clubs, societies and sport. One of my sons didn’t know anyone when he joined the school but he made new friends easily. In fact, all three found their new classmates to be friendly and welcoming.

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 5:02 pm
by payel123
Mandy21,wilmslowmum,cherryblossom-Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and your encouraging words.Means a lot to the parents of new starters .Shared all your opinions and suggestions with DS and he feels quite positive now.
I feel a lot relieved to hear that teachers are so supportive and there are loads of clubs etc available .thanks a lot again

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2021 10:38 pm
by scooby1
Hi Payel123, my eldest son went to AGSB and I cannot fault the school. He wasn't the most studious of pupils but the school did push him because they knew he was very capable. He is now finishing his final year of uni this year. I do sometimes think if he went to a state school oppose to a grammar would he be where is today. Not because he wasn't bright but more to do with his attitude towards his work.

I chose Stretford Grammar for my youngest because we had moved to Stretford when he sat his 11 plus and I did not want him spending 40/50 minutes, twice a day getting to school when he could get to SGS in 10 minutes on his bike. He did pass AGSB but I certainly made the right decision. He has thrived at SGS and his friends are all close.

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Academically it is an excellent school and the school will definitely support him if he needs it.

Re: AGSB..too much pressure?your thoughts please

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2021 2:03 pm
by payel123
Scooby1 thank you so much for your reply. Very helpful.
cheers