11 Plus Exams Forum

I have our appeal tomorrow! I have done the following:Sent in bulk of Academic Evidence SATS results ect.school report ect. I have wrote out a short presentation to read on the day base on facts, headteachers/teachers suppoert ect, then wrote a short summary. I will take a selection of school books/certificates/artwork.I have tryed to do a balance not to little/to much? Ive read through the advice on the forum and wrote a list of questions they might ask. Ive been calm up to now going through things in a logical manner HOWEVER lat minute nerves are knicking in i think ive forgotten or missed anythink important? Any last minute advice greatly received. Forum has been great as i didnt have a clue advice and information has been great.cheers

Dear LMN

Is this a Bucks appeal?

Etienne wrote:Dear LMN

Is this a Bucks appeal?

Sorry yes

I'd advise you to focus on English, Maths and Science as far as exercise books are concerned. I hope the certificates all relate to academic achievement or intellectual interests? I suggest no artwork.

Assuming you're going to County Hall, aim to arrive in good time. If you should have any problems such as parking (and the panel is running to schedule), you don't want to arrive at your hearing breathless and flustered. If you're too early, have a book or newspaper with you to pass the time. Relax with a flask of coffee.

Unfortunately Reception might be a bit too crowded for relaxation purposes! There can be up to 8 panels a day working simultaneously (although I guess at least one of these will be in Amersham). For hearings in Aylesbury you will be taken to one of the rooms in County Hall, or one of the buildings across the road, or possibly to the Civic Centre.

Be prepared for the possibility of delays. The first case usually gets under way on time, but unexpected delays can then build up. (Panels sometimes reduce their lunch break to as little as 15 minutes to try and catch up.) The last figures I saw involved a random survey of 100 appellants a couple of years ago. Of those who replied, 18 were seen for their appeal within 15 minutes, 10 within 15-30 minutes, 8 within 30-45 minutes, 4 within 45-60 minutes, and 2 after an hour or more.

It doesn't matter if you're nervous. Much better to be nervous than overconfident in my view!

Good luck

Thanks Etienne, brilliant advice as always. I share with the original author our hearing is on Friday we are very nervous. Can you advise if you should point out the heads level of accuracy on the order of suitability? Our heads was pretty accurate with only a few anomalies. Our child is sandwiched nicely between two children who did qualify. They will already have the document do we point this out it will it look like teaching them to suck eggs?

Many Thanks

In Turmoil

do we point this out it will it look like teaching them to suck eggs?

Good question, IT.

First of all, work out how accurate your headteacher has been compared with the average. Sally-Anne gave the last available figures in one of the stickies:

For children ranked as a "1" on the OoS (i.e. predicted to score 131-141), 78% actually achieved the qualifying mark of 121+.
For children ranked as a "2" (predicted to score 121- 130) the actual success rate was 43%.

If your head has done well (and your child is in a good position), then after the LA statement, when the chairman turns to you and says "Have you any questions?", reply "Not really. We do understand the Authority's case. Could we just ask one question about the Order of Suitability - it must be a very difficult task, but would this one be considered reasonably accurate?"

The LA representative may not know the figures, so if necessary you can go on to say "I understand that last year 78% of the "1"s were accurate and 43% of the "2"s. This head has got ......"

That's all, I suggest. You've drawn their attention to the accuracy. No need to point out where your child is - they will see that.

Good luck

Thanks so much Etienne, I will work out the exact perecentage and quote it at the point of the LEA statement.