Hi
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We will be requesting letters of support from Class teacher, English, Maths and science teachers from yr 5 and 6.
There might possibly be a risk of 'overkill'. Panel members may not welcome having to read another 8 letters of support - unless, of course, they add something of value.
Normally a letter from the headteacher will incorporate all the academic evidence.
There is a tendency for a letter from the class teacher to turn into a character reference (which is not what is wanted - there needs to be an unrelenting focus on very high academic ability).
If he unexpectedly underperformed in the English or Maths section of the test, then an extra letter from the relevant subject teacher confirming that this was a complete 'blip' could help reinforce whatever the headteacher has written.
However, I would be inclined to leave open the possibility of letters from teaching staff until April. With SATs pending in the summer term, I think panels might appreciate additional evidence that is as up to date as possible.
Some panel members are reported to be interested in having sight of the Y5 report, and it would be appropriate to submit this in March - but only
if it adds value (i.e. if it confirms well-above average ability). From the appeals perspective the problem is that too many school reports just have 3 broad ability levels (below/at/above the expected level).
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Are letters of support from teachers considered “academic evidence”
Yes.
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or will they need to provide any additional evidence to support their comments?
Evidence to back up their comments could be useful. For example, if predicting 111-120, it would strengthen the case if they can say "
In a recent SAT test, taken under exam conditions, he scored ......"
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1) what points should be mentioned by the teachers.
a) suitability to GS?
Yes.
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b) importance to be with like minded peers?
No (unlikely to be an argument the panel will give weight to).
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c) Science and Maths ability makes it important that he attends a school that can challenge and support him to achieve highest possible grades.
Not without some further justification (e.g.
he wants to study medicine, therefore .......).
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(Can we provide comparison of results of the desired and offered school to support this)?
Negative points about the offered school tend not to go down well.
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I have some questions specific to our case and was hoping that you would be kind enough to have a look at our SRP decision and the SR form and advise us? I can fwd it on to the appeals box.
Although we don't normally have time to look at individual paperwork, it would be useful to see if the forms have changed this year (there are usually one or two tweaks). We can also try and spot if anything on your headteacher's review form could have been done differently.
Would you like to send:
the headteacher's review form
the SRP decision with the clerk's notes
the Y5 report (but only if you think this might be helpful).