Appeal Experience
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Appeal Experience
We had our first appeal for a Kent Grammar today (not super selective) My son missed maths by 1 point. We had plenty of evidence indicating high maths ability - he has always achieved the Optional SATS scores in Years 3 - 5 that correlate with the top 8% of the assessed population. He achieved 5C in Year 5, and scheduled to achieve 5A in the current SATS. He's always been in the top maths set.
However, the panel were very negative about his maths, and stated that because the school was a maths specialist school, he would not cope with the level of maths at the school. They wanted evidence of him being on G&T for maths, and evidence of him being selected by his current school for special maths sessions/camps (which, to my knowledge, they do not run!) The school we are appealing for does not require any higher score in maths than the pass mark, but it seems that having missed the 11+ by just 1 point on maths, my son would have to be a truly exceptional mathematician to be accepted at the school.
So, whilst my son is very able in maths, and consistently achieves high scores (apart from the 11+.....!!), he is not a maths genius.
We also felt a little bit 'chastised' for not having him tutored, which really surprised me - perhaps it was just the way the question was worded - ie, 'why did you not have him tutored?' that made it seem that way - but I felt myself having to justify my reasons for not tutoring and then feeling like a really bad, neglectful mother.
Needless to say, we have 2 hopes - Bob & None!!
Good luck to all others still going through this grim process!
However, the panel were very negative about his maths, and stated that because the school was a maths specialist school, he would not cope with the level of maths at the school. They wanted evidence of him being on G&T for maths, and evidence of him being selected by his current school for special maths sessions/camps (which, to my knowledge, they do not run!) The school we are appealing for does not require any higher score in maths than the pass mark, but it seems that having missed the 11+ by just 1 point on maths, my son would have to be a truly exceptional mathematician to be accepted at the school.
So, whilst my son is very able in maths, and consistently achieves high scores (apart from the 11+.....!!), he is not a maths genius.
We also felt a little bit 'chastised' for not having him tutored, which really surprised me - perhaps it was just the way the question was worded - ie, 'why did you not have him tutored?' that made it seem that way - but I felt myself having to justify my reasons for not tutoring and then feeling like a really bad, neglectful mother.
Needless to say, we have 2 hopes - Bob & None!!
Good luck to all others still going through this grim process!
Hi,
it sounds like you had a rought time.
However, I think the panel and the school are all to aware that children who have had a tutor do well at the 11+ but sometimes sink afterwards
when they no longer have one.
I am sure that this was a point in your favour.
I am sure not every boy at that school is g and t.
We came away with the same feeling as you, our son was also 1 short on maths, but he got through
good luck to you
let us know, I think you should hear v soon?
Cindy
it sounds like you had a rought time.
However, I think the panel and the school are all to aware that children who have had a tutor do well at the 11+ but sometimes sink afterwards
when they no longer have one.
I am sure that this was a point in your favour.
I am sure not every boy at that school is g and t.
We came away with the same feeling as you, our son was also 1 short on maths, but he got through
good luck to you
let us know, I think you should hear v soon?
Cindy