secondary schools

[ds78]

Hi everyone!!

May be we are not alone in this but at the moment we are in the difficult position to choose the secondary schools for our kid next year moving to year seven.

After expending hours reading about it as much as I could about the top schools in southwark, I still not understand quite clear how this schools are rating.

Anyone out there who can give me some tips will be very much appreciated!

[simonethebeaver]

We share your confusion! If anyone knows which schools might really stretch a G&T child, who is in danger of under-performing for lack of stimulus, I'd love to hear.

[brezzo]

Look at their gcse results. All schools are measured on number of kids getting 5 a*- c grades. It's a rough measure, also useful to look at how many of their gcse's are at grade A or A*

[simonethebeaver]

Yes, but that's just stats. What sort of G&T programmes are out there?

[EDmummy]

As far as I know most schools have a G&T programme. If you are concerned make sure you ask at your school tours. All secondary schools in my experience stream so even if you're unsure of G&T programmes your child is likely to be sufficiently stretched if they perform highly. We looked for a school where we felt that our child would be nurtured and recognised as an individual as we knew that in a large school with lots of very high achieving children he may be lost. One year down and we're pretty happy.

[simonethebeaver]

Which school is your child at, EDMummy? The pastoral side is extremely important to us too (see my thread on Deptford Green) but for complicated reasons beyond just stealth boasting, we would like to know which schools are viewed as being best with G&T kids. We've asked on every tour so far, and will continue to do so, but what they tell you about what they do, and what actually happens, might not really match up!

[bornagain]

As EDmummy says most if not all secondary schools have a G&T programme (although it may not be called that). I don't think your child will automatically get into it though. The schools assess the children with CATs test at the start of Year 7 and based on these results the children will be selected for G&T programme. I think also they are picked for particular abilities eg maths, literacy, sport etc rather than a blanket G&T for everything.

You could try him for one of the super selective grammars in the suburbs if you think he is that able?

ETA have not fear about under stiumlus at secondary school - so much bigger and busier and lots of new subjects to learn!

[simonethebeaver]

It's a complicated situation which I don't really want to go into but grammars aren't really an option. I've had some very interesting PMs so thank you. I do feel reassured that he will be more stretched than at primary (thank goodness) but we do need to know whether there are schools that are particularly well known for good G&T programmes and there seems to be no way to find out, so maybe there aren't any differences.

[Curmudgeon]

G&T is no longer a nationally required measure (mainly because it was a completely bunkum salve to be honest) - some maintain it as a register but I have never seen the point as all students should have individual learning plans

However you are right to question whether your child will be stretched and that should certainly happen at any good secondary - being set with children of similar or higher ability can makes a big difference to some who have always been at the top. If you have a bright child then secondary can be a far better environment as they are in a bigger pool and possibly no longer than the brightest in their class nor will they find the work as easy s they will be taught by subject specialists with specialist knowledge,

If your child has a talent in sport or maths, music or performing arts then specific schools do have a reputation for being good or offering scholarships.

If you have a truly gifted child - a child who is years ahead (in NC levels we would be talking considerably higher than a level 5 or 6 child at primary) then I'm not actually sure any secondary school is particularly well equipped for that if I'm honest

[simonethebeaver]

I'm only using G&T as shorthand although at least one school seems to use the term still, from what we've seen so far.

We are looking forward to seeing him be stretched AND find out he is not the cleverest child ever made - both will be equally good for him, I hope. As I said, there are other factors, but I am feeling increasingly assured that we'll be able to find the right place for him. Luckily, he's not a genius!

[ds78]

Thank you all of you for your advice and suggestions, this week we will be visiting few schools and then we will make up our minds.

Thanks again!!