regime in Grammar Schools

Guest347 · Post by **Guest347** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:51 pm

I know nothing of QE Boys, except that 5 boys from my daughter's primary class got in a few years ago. My daughter socialises with them quite a lot and they all have numerous interests. Why bother slagging off QE Boys? I don't understand the hatred towards the school.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:32 pm

Referring to the earlier guests comments, it is true that QE has an admission number of 180 in year 7 but only 120 or so [after taking new students for the sixth form??]. Also it is true that the boys attend extra pe lessons if the school decide they need them during lunch.

James · Post by **James** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:40 pm

I've been posting a bit yesterday on QE under "Henrietta Barnett Panic" so look there if interested.

I should add my perspective in that my son is doing very well at QE. This may make a difference as life for boys in the lower sets may be harder (or easier if they're just not doing the homework!) or demoralising. Actually my impression is that those in the lower sets don't feel demoralised.

We chose QE (after much soul-searching) partly because (as I posted yesterday) the Ofsted report said that, according to parents, the boys were happy there; partly because a neighbour's son was happy there; partly because he wanted to go there and thought us insane to be considering paying to go to Habs or Mill Hill (he had scholarships at both). Our neighbours son said Habs was far more exam-driven whereas QE teachers were happy to discuss topics at a tangent. A major factor though was that he's bright and people tend to make friends within their own ability range. Choosing QE was as much a social decision on is behalf as anything. There aren't many choices in Barnet, so the question is not simply "what do you think of QE?" but how would your son fare in the alternatives.

So, as for being there! In answer to previous posts, the unfit are not bullied! Bullying is, according to my son, uncommon and mild at QE. However, if you want your son spoiled rotten - don't send your boy there! There is a lot of homework compared with many schools, though I also hear it can be demanding at places like Mill Hill County too. I also heard from a Y7 parent (clearly from a planet far far away) complaining they get too little homework! A common complaint of parents is that homework becomes stressful because the boys are playing computer games and only get round to homework quite late....

But yes, it IS tougher than most and were I designing a school it wouldn't be as hard-line. HBS is a lot more relaxed, but many think boys need the discipline to achieve as they do. For what it's worth, my impression is that league tables/exam system underestimate the academic/sporting/music difference between QE and other schools around. Music performances at QE can be stunning.

Class discipline is very good - little overt disruption, though the boys still text each other illicitly in lessons! Interestingly the boys complain of those teachers who can't maintain discipline.

The boys there are not geeks. The Head may not like it, but 'achieving' there is not cool! No-one likes a swot! i.e. the boys are basically normal teens.

Basically my son still is happy to be there despite the sometimes stressful workload. Oddly in my opinion, many boys even seem to voluntarily take on extra activities like CCF. Suggests they're coping with the workload anyway.

At the moment I don't think you have a problem. Take round 1 exams and keep thinking - you can always drop out before Round 2.

loulou · Post by **loulou** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:41 pm

Thank you very much indeed for your honest appraisal from an insiders viewpoint. There is nothing like the opinion of someone who has been there, seen it, done it and got the teeshirt to put things back into perspective!

loulou · Post by **loulou** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:44 pm

Guest

[after taking new students for the sixth form??].

The Barnet Schools prospectus says that QE do not take external candidates into the sixth form. Is this information incorrect?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:12 pm

Hi Loulou,

No, it's correct. No boys in, and a number leave. The school says they don't actively throw anyone out. However, the most commonly cited reason I hear for leaving is not being offered the A levels the boy wants. School theory is that the skills need for A level are different to those for GCSE so teachers assess whether boys have what's needed in each subject. So there is no requirement like 6 As at GCSE for 6th form entrance, but choice of A levels can be limited by teacher assessment.

Other reasons for leaving are having had enough of the QE system and wanting to go to co-ed school. I don't know what proportion fall into each category.
Most who leave seem to end up at good schools and do very well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 8:55 am

I understood from the QE prospectus, that [as per entry in years7-11] if you are outside there formal point of entry ie year 7, a written request has to be made for a place in the sixth form.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 8:58 am

I recently spoke to Barnet, they thought QE's sixth form admission number was larger than that of years 7-11! I then simply looked at the numbers taking exams and found they were totally wrong.

Guest22 · Post by **Guest22** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:21 pm

Being in the Upper Sixth Form, I totally agree and understand your concerns about QEB - the general notion among us all is that the school is tough. However, looking back, I do appreciate that the environment has helped to toughen up my character and try and instill a good work ethic in me - just as a child appreciates discipline when looking back at childhood. Although I would be lying if I said I wasn't glad to see the back of it when I'm off to Uni, I do appreciate how the school has a kept a disclipline that does result in good qualities when going into the real world. There are many types of people at QE, not just posh obnoxious ones - I'm from what I think is a pretty working/middle class background.

With the headmaster Dr Mac, try not to let his "persona" phase you - if you keep assertive, he's ok to talk to as he approaches one of us from time to time - not too different from lower years. In the Sixth Form they do obviously treat you more like an adult, but the "regime" notion as such is something that shouldn't put anyone off, if you're determined enough from the start - this school looks to shape the determination from the pupils it wants. Go for it.

James · Post by **James** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 9:29 am

Thanks Guest22 - that's useful.

Of course it invites counter posts from disgruntled QE boys, but the message that by the end you've all had enough but are still pleased you went there is one I've heard before and seems to me quite widespread.