The SRP said that moving from Syria doesn't explain the gap in his score.
My argument would be that moving from Syria is not the main issue, but starting in Y3 from zero in English and become the first among his class is the main reason that proves his capability.
Agreed. There is no evidence the SRP took into account that he arrived in the UK without knowing any English.
1- We still live in staffordshire and my son needed to travel more than 2hours twice to bucks to do the test and he didn't sleep well in a hotel before the test, we think it affected his score while other pupil are doing the exams close to where they live.
I agree - there is no evidence the SRP considered this point, although it is clearly stated in your letter.
Another argument against FCO is that the clerk's notes state "
No further evidence to explain the gap between 114 and 121". This completely ignores the very high NFER scores shown in section 4 of the headteacher's review form.
3- during the summer holiday before the test the family had to travel to Syria for a very compelling reasons for more than 1 month, so my son lost any chance to practice at least NV ( for which practice can really make a difference )
Lack of practice is rarely a strong argument for a review or appeal because - whether we believe it or not - the official view is that the familiarisation test is all that is needed.
What is the evidence for saying that practice can really make a difference for NVR?
Etienne wrote:I assume you've visited the schools you are appealing for?
It is quite probable you will be asked at appeal if you or your wife have visited the school in question.
If the answer is "No", it will
not make a good impression. (However, if the school refuses to allow a visit at this time of year, the panel would of course understand that it is not your fault.)
You need some very specific reasons for wanting a place.
Have you not read C2?
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/appeal ... -school#c2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It's not a good idea to argue "
I've read all about the school online" or "
Any grammar school will do"!
The panel will not be hearing appeals for any grammar school. Each panel will be hearing appeals for
one particular school.
As My wife works in Milton Keynes .....
Can you provide some evidence? A letter from her employer? An MK council tax bill?
This wouldn't be needed, though, if you have proof of moving in time for the appeal.
I sent all evidences to the appeal box
The class teacher has written a very nice letter, and it is good of the primary school to be so helpful. However, the SATs mocks do not help your case. It would have helped if all these scores were in the range 111-120.
Admittedly there are a couple of months to go before the real SATs, but if he is so strong at maths, why did he score only 110, and perform better at SPAG?
Moving on ......
Perhaps you could now draft an appeal submission in three parts.
Here are some suggestions to get you started.
The FCO case seems very clear (although it is up to the panel whether or not they accept it).
FCO
• At the hearing we shall wish to challenge whether the Selection Review process was 'fair, consistent & objective', but have not yet seen the school's written case explaining why the process was FCO.
We would respectfully point out that para. 3.13b of the Appeals Code puts the onus on the admission authority to prove its case for 'fair, consistent & objective', not on parents to disprove it.
• For the present we would draw the IAP's attention to the fact that the clerk's notes state "No further evidence to explain the gap between 114 and 121". This completely ignores the very high NFER scores shown in section 4 of the headteacher's review form.
• Although the move from Syria, was noted, there is no evidence the SRP took into account that X arrived in the UK without knowing any English, and no real recognition of what has been achieved in a new country in the space of three years.
• The SRP have not considered that X had to travel from Staffordshire in order to take the test, had a sleepless night in a hotel, and sat the test in unfamiliar surroundings.
Academic Evidence & Extenuating Circumstances (I've changed my mind about mentioning NVR):
• The rapid academic progress X has made since arriving in Y3 with no knowledge of English.
• The exceptional NFER test scores the headteacher has reported in section 4 of the review form.
• The 2:2 recommendation and support from a good school.
• KS2 predictions of 111-120 in Maths & Reading (accepted by the review panel).
• EXS for Writing, despite the handicap of EAL (English as an additional language).
• Accepted for Maths master class at secondary school.
• Test sat in unfamiliar surroundings. Journey from Staffordshire the day before, and sleepless night in a hotel.
• We think the NVR test result was a complete 'blip'. This type of test ought to have suited a pupil with a mathematical mind and EAL!
• Most of the summer holiday spent in Syria for compelling reasons. This was disruptive in the period leading up to the 11+.
Reasons for wanting a place
• ????