11 Plus Exams Forum

Hello
I need some advice before I make acomplete fool of myself at DCs school. One of the questions on grammar school's application form is if child is on the G&T register for anything. I have never been told, although he tells me with great confidence that he is for maths. Do I have the right to know, and should that record be kept formally ie at the school office?
There is a G&T teacher, but is not keen on the boys leaving to go to GS, so have to tread carefully........
Thanks

Just say that the GS is requesting the information for the application. I don't see how they can object under those circumstances. I would have thought that sort of information would be included in school transfer records.

Good Luck.

edit - Sorry I didn't read it properly and thought it was for DC going to school in Sept. I think I would still say it was for a school application though.

Whether you have the right to know depends on the school's policy - some do, some don't.

Imo it isn't worth the paper it's written on anyway, as it tends to be a relative measure (top 3-10% of the cohort in the school) and therefore totally meaningless when the cohort changes as it does when a child moves to another school.

Worth asking the school and telling them why you want to know, but don't fret if he isn't - it will make no difference in the long run.

I am in complete agreement with Amber on this one. Certainly not something to fret over if you don't get the info, or your child is not on it.

I think the whole G&T thing is a nightmare. DS's primary school don't get involved in it and never have. A child in his class transferred from another school where he was on their 'register' for both Maths and English, failed the 11+ but our HT didn't support an appeal. Parents were quite rightly very upset, if their DC was considered G&T at one school but not considered worthy of appeal at another it raises the question 'what does the 'register' mean?' I would say it is used inappropriately and encourages a 'my child is super intelligent' at a far too early stage with no real basis for qualifying.

That said DS1 moved to GS a number of years ago and from their Y7 CAT's became a member of the NAGTY

I think there is a place for it, but not in Primary schools where the ability spread is far wider.

DS's primary school don't get involved in it and never have.

Yes they do, they are required to have a list. It is up to them if they tell you about it.

DCSF guidance states that every school should keep a register of its gifted and talented pupils. Schools are also required to indicate which of their pupils are gifted and talented on a termly basis in their School Census return.

I think G&T is in its death throes!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/201 ... redirected

Schools were obligated to keep G&T registers and if parents ask if their child is on it I don't see how the school can deny that information - so just ask.
As for it making any difference - it depends on the school and how they deal with the 'more able'. My DD was never interested in being NAGTY member ( i think the word 'geeks' was mentioned by her a few times - sorry in advance if this offends some but it is how she perceived such groups). In the great scheme of things for most DCs it doesn't make a difference - though for DCs in disadvantaged areas/families it could make a big difference.

the problem was that it was the top 10% of the school, so one man's G&T may be another's Ok ish..


another badly thought through 'initiative' and wasted opportunity.

I was G&T co-ordinator, , I was given the job under false pretences-didn;t even get a whiff of gin

Giving rise to a generation of delusional parents.

[quote="mitasol"][quote]
Yes they do, they are required to have a list. It is up to them if they tell you about it. [quote]

well I suppose the fact none of the parents know about it is a blessing! Ludicrous to have such a list in primary school!!!!

I wouldn't be encouraged if DS was worthy of such status at 11. Some kids are quite obviously very bright, doubt you need a 'register' to confirm this.

DS1 also said NAGTY was for geeks but by being a member he has had sports coaching which he loved. Always chucked the magazine away without even looking at it! Being clever hasn't made him a geek, a smart @r5e but not a geek!