Over-subscription appeal-RMGS

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Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Over-subscription appeal-RMGS

Post by Frustratedmum »

Hi guys, firstly, I sincerely apologise if I've missed the answer to my questions elsehwere, I really have looked & can't find!! :oops:

We're going to appeal for over-subscription, but I just cannot seem to find a good enough reason. Our reasons are that RMGS is a mixed school which is better suited to DS, their specialisms seem to be (although not terribly clear on their website), maths & science, which are DS' favourite & strongest subjects. The school is not our county, nor catchment, but it's the closest grammar school in terms of actual travel time, only by minutes & by train not by bus, so more expensive.
Is the fact that DS would prefer a mixed gender school even worth a mention? And also is the fact that the specialisms are well suited, anywhere near a strong enough case for appeal?
DS is first on the waiting list for this school at present, is this worth mentioning, as the school has score as one of the main criteria for admissions?
Also I thought that somewhere on this journey, I read that NVR was related to science ability, is this true & would it be worth mentioning strong scores on Maths & NVR, for our case?
Many thanks guys, I almost feel too embarassed to go to appeal with no good reason :roll:
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Over-subscription appeal-RMGS

Post by Etienne »

Our reasons are that RMGS is a mixed school which is better suited to DS
You would need to establish why this is important.
their specialisms seem to be (although not terribly clear on their website), maths & science, which are DS' favourite & strongest subjects.
This would be all right with supporting evidence (letter from class teacher, school report). Worth ringing the school to check their specialisms?
it's the closest grammar school in terms of actual travel time, only by minutes & by train not by bus, so more expensive.
"Closest grammar school" is worth a brief mention.
Is the fact that DS would prefer a mixed gender school even worth a mention?
I doubt it - unless you can show why it really matters. Your reasons, as a whole, have to be substantial enough to outweigh the prejudice to the school!
And also is the fact that the specialisms are well suited, anywhere near a strong enough case for appeal?
It is worth including in your case if backed up with evidence.
DS is first on the waiting list for this school at present, is this worth mentioning, as the school has score as one of the main criteria for admissions?
Panels are not allowed to take account of where someone is on the waiting list. No reason why you shouldn't mention his good score, though.
Also I thought that somewhere on this journey, I read that NVR was related to science ability, is this true & would it be worth mentioning strong scores on Maths & NVR, for our case?
Yes, if you're right about the school's specialisms.

Hope this helps.
Etienne
Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Post by Frustratedmum »

Hi Etienne,
Many thanks indeed for all your info, does really help a lot. Helps me feel a little more confident about which way to go with the appeal.

I do love this site :lol:
Thanks again
tiredmum
Posts: 1161
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:51 am

Post by tiredmum »

hi frustrated mum
do you have a date yet?
Also do you know if rmgs is a foundation school or not?
:)
Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Post by Frustratedmum »

Hi tiredmum,
No appeal date as yet, but we have confirmed that we're happy to waive the usual time allowed between appeal request & actual appeal date. So therefore we should be heard at around the same time as everyone else.
RMGS is indeed a foundation school, excuse my ignorance, does this make a difference to anything?
Many thanks
FM
Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Post by Frustratedmum »

Our only reason for preferring a mixed school to a single sex is that DS has actually always had girls as best or good friends, he does get on with boys but for the most part it's girls. I assume though that this isn't a valid reason really???
tiredmum
Posts: 1161
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:51 am

Post by tiredmum »

I know foundation schools are responsible for their own appeals and not the LEA. Im not sure how that effects us though :D I know that sometimes they have their appeals early but thats about it, sorry im not more use :?
Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Post by Frustratedmum »

Ah yes, I did find that out today on our visit. :D
Don't apologise for not knowing more :lol: , all info is help!! I believe that they start to hear appeals in a couple of weeks time at the latest.
Frustratedmum
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:42 am

Post by Frustratedmum »

Okay, so update, RMGS has science status, I assume this is more or less the same as a specialism? So our only appeal point is on this basis, it's a fact that our DS is good at science & thoroughly enjoys it, he was astounded by the fact that they have an astronomy class & it almost sold the school to him on that basis alone!
Now we can only provide (as mentioned before) his NVR results & hope that his new school teacher has seen enough ability in him to write us a report/letter of support, if of course she is willing to do so. In anyone's opinion, do you think this could be anywhere near enough to win an appeal?
Marylou
Posts: 2164
Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:21 am

Post by Marylou »

Frustratedmum wrote:Okay, so update, RMGS has science status, I assume this is more or less the same as a specialism? So our only appeal point is on this basis, it's a fact that our DS is good at science & thoroughly enjoys it, he was astounded by the fact that they have an astronomy class & it almost sold the school to him on that basis alone!
Now we can only provide (as mentioned before) his NVR results & hope that his new school teacher has seen enough ability in him to write us a report/letter of support, if of course she is willing to do so. In anyone's opinion, do you think this could be anywhere near enough to win an appeal?
Nobody can say whether it will be enough, but it is certainly a salient point and one worth making if you can back it up - as you suggested by supplying strong NVR and maths results. We did this with our appeal (as just one of a number of points) and indeed mentioned that the astronomy option at the school we were appealing for was very attractive to DD who has an interest in the subject (we even slipped in that she has her own telescope!) We were able to provide practice SATs results for science, but of course this is not an option this year so maybe the teacher might be able to support your claims in this area in the letter, in addition to the NVR and maths results?

We also used the "closest grammar school" argument - though we couched it in terms of "the only school of its kind" within feasible daily travelling distance, again worth a brief mention, as Etienne has suggested.

I don't know what else to suggest, other than to organize your evidence as neatly as possible in appendices with references from your main presentation (puts the panel in a good mood! :wink: ), and to make sure that you can back up everything you say. Best of luck!
Marylou
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