Query about appeals - what work do they look at?

INONOTHING · Post by **INONOTHING** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:03 am

Hi
Just a general query about appeals. If you are unfortunate enough to have to go to appeal I have heard that the panel looks at examples of the child's work to help make their assessment.

Can anybody tell me what work they look at? Firstly is it the work produced by the child at the time of the 11+ exam (usually in the first term of Year 6), or is it their work produced around the time of the appeal (Easter term of Year 6) - or do the school just put together examples of what they consider to be the pupil's best pieces? If this is the case would it be work just from Year 6 or would there be work from other years as well to show progress?

Any information would be much appreciated as I am hoping to learn much more about this minefield!

Thanks - INONOTHING

Post by **Etienne** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:17 am

Welcome!

Unless you are given specific instructions, it's generally up to you to present whatever evidence you wish.

For a non-qualification appeal I would usually recommend year 6 exercise books for the three main subjects (English, Maths, Science), so that the panel can see the standard of routine work throughout year 6.

I wouldn't go as far back as year 5 unless there are very specific reasons for doing so, e.g. child has been very ill this year, but look what wonderful work was being done in year 5 .......

I would avoid specially selected bits of work, as they beg the question "How much help was given? What's his/her work usually like?"

I must warn you that panels vary in their attitude to school work. Some will pore over it, others just glance at it.

capers123 · Post by **capers123** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 11:50 am

Etienne wrote:I would avoid specially selected bits of work, as they beg the question "How much help was given? What's his/her work usually like?"

As in The Y5 or Y6 project... I know that some children do all the work & research themselves. I also know that some have a lot of help from parents - some are even almost entirely completed at home by 'helpful' parents. So some panels may take all projects with a pinch of salt (especially if the teacher has written "please pass my congratulations onto your parents" on it

).

sp · Post by sp » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:08 pm

At our appeal for over subscription the panel did not want to see DD's work as passing the 11+ was proof enough of her abilities. They concentrated far more on her talents apart from academic achievements.

Post by **Etienne** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 12:49 pm

Sp's panel was right.

School work is not relevant in an oversubscription appeal, unless:

1. score was one of the oversubscription criteria, and you're seeking to prove that an even higher score was expected, or
2. you're seeking to match your child''s ability in a particular subject with something that the school specialises in or is noted for.