So the countdown begins!

[FluffyD]

I can't believe that we are just weeks away from getting the school places allocated already

I have been pretty calm about the whole thing, DS has now swayed away from the GS and wants to go to our 2nd choice amazing school which is pretty lucky as that's probably where he's going

I am happy with either choice, though they are both very different schools, each will be a great school for him to go to.

Would be nice to just get it out of the way now though!

[Gogi]

Hi Fluffy ,
So good to hear from you! crossing everything, but if your second choice dont wear a blazer then its a fantastic second choice....i have many friends whoes children have gone there last year and they love it ! Not long to go..keep us posted! xx

[janet71]

Yes I too have resided myself to DS not getting a GS place and going to the one with the blazer (Im out of area for the other) but we are putting all energies in making sure DS is SATS level 5a or b when he goes so that he gets into the top sets and with that I know he will do well. I think I spent all of November crying after realising the reality of the figures passed and the % chance he has of getting in and the unfairness of it all (as any other year it passing was a done deal) but Ive been thinking of all the advantages of him going to BGS and it being local etc etc - Of course Ill be over the moon if he gets EGS but gobsmacked if he does - but at least Im prepared and so is DS who I think secretly is hoping he doesnt get a place and can go with his friends to the local comp.....Only about 6 weeks to go and the torture will be over.

[FluffyD]

Yes the 2nd choice don't wear a blazer, the blazer wearing school is out 3rd choice and we can see it from my bedroom window.

Actually, the uniform is the only thing I don't like about that school. It doesn't seem grown up enough for high school as it is the same as primary but a different colour.

I have been spending this week at SGHS for work experience which has been an eye opener into the pressures of a grammar school. (Would still send both DC's given a chance though!)

6 weeks to go and the misery will all be over!

[janet71]

Funnily my DS said all he wants is to wear a tie and blazer..and so did I when I went to high school - its about growing up and It baffles me how a new high school has opted for the sweat shirts. my DS has already brought my OH ties down asking me to show him how to tie one - I didnt want to tell him that I heard the new ones at BGS are clip ons (or is is elastics) which isnt a bad think as the tie wearing crazes are odd from year to year - I think in the 80s when I went it was a double thick knot then it went to tieing it with the thin part and tucking the thick part down the back - odd but nothing changes I suppose....Kids will always find a way of changing the uniform - perhaps that the reason behind the sweatshirts?

[Gogi]

My Ds downloaded an app on this ipod on how to tie ties in about 25 differant styles...i think he's wearing the Oxford style today! Tie or no tie..with the principles that you mention Janet of them working v hard and getting into the top sets is a sound one..tried and tested! THank goodness i will never do 11+ again! but then theres uni and then final exams .... never ending. Wishing you both so much luck! Keep in touch...xx

[andy from embsay]

Our eldest (and next year youngest) is at SGHS and I was most disappointed there was no blazer or straw hat - but as an engineering school they seem to spend so much time in labs or messing about with lathes and lasers I'm sure the sweatshirt and blouse is more practical.

Must say I'm most impressed with the new assistant head who seems to stalk the corridors like Mrs McCluskey in Grange Hill telling girls to remove jewellery, turn their phones off and sort their clothes out!

Is it really only 6 weeks til March 1st? Wow.

[FluffyD]

Must say I'm most impressed with the new assistant head who seems to stalk the corridors like Mrs McCluskey in Grange Hill telling girls to remove jewellery, turn their phones off and sort their clothes out!

This is exactly what happens, there is no where to hide and nothing can be hidden

[janet71]

Ive seen the SGHS uniform and it didnt register that they were wearing sweatshirts but of course - but they still look smart it must be the matching skirt and tights.

[andy from embsay]

Question: are the allocation letters sent on 1 March or do they arrive then? reason i ask is we're away that weekend so if the letter arrives saturday then we won't get it - we know what'll be in it as we're in catchment and youngest has a sister at SGHS, but it's always nice to get the official letter in your hand!