AnnieP Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Hear hear!. And rightly so! I think, as I said much much earlier, she is a very clever girl and you should be proud of her and so should she! Its a real achievement! Goodness me, if we can't share our good news on here, it would be terrible! I have in no way criticised anybody who posts on the forum: All I wanted to do earlier was simply point out the fact that teachers would love to get rid of the KS2 SATs almost as much as the children would, and that there are some parents who put terrible pressure on their children to "achieve". I had such a care free childhood... I never worried whether I was as clever as anybody else in my class, or whether I was average or not. It never came up, and I never knew. All I knew was that I loved my time at Primary School. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel19 Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 Ok, i'm now 21 and went through SATs and CATS and GCSE's and A'Levels. And I'm now about to start university. To be honest, the way I've found it is that SAT's and CATS have no purpose whatsoever and mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. Also if your going to go to college to do a levels and then university then GCSE's don't mean a whole lot either. My friend Ally got 1 GCSE in maths when he went to college as he never bothered going to school and now he's going to Sussex University wih me to do a BSc inolecular genetics or something along those lines. I never listened to my teachers who always told me these were the most important things I was ever going to do because I didn't believe them..........very cynical child. I know that it's not the teachers who create these things but some (and i don't by any means mean all) could be a bit more truthful and not put so much pressure on young children. Just a perspective from someone who's been through all this in the not tooooo distant past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 How refreshing Rachel! Well said! Unfortunately, too many people in education have never known life outside of it, and so do sometimes put too greater emphasis on the importance of test results, and academic subjects. My brothers were all absolute terrors at school, leaving with nothing, yet all are remarkably successful and earn at least twice as much as me! On the other hand though, my OH failed his A levels and was lucky to get a job in IT many years ago. He now has a fabulous job, but when interviewing youngsters who are going for what he started out as, they require an university degree! He would never stand a chance now! My nephew has decided he wants to be a builder, turning down the idea of A levels and university, despite being very intelligent. He simply does not enjoy studying. Life is full of many paths. The trick is to walk down one which is rewarding! However, if I had children, I would still want them to do their best at school and would certainly emphasise the doors that good qualifications can open! Good luck with your university course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 How old is Cleo? I got a 7 in Maths and 6 in Science. But we do not get our English ones until August! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 8, 2006 Share Posted July 8, 2006 I presume you're talking about year 9 SATS Martin - Cleo is in Year 6 (unless I'm very much mistaken...) Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana1 Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 I was very proud last Wednesday as we received school reports for our Amy(just about to turn 7 and in YR2) and Carla (5). Also Archie (6 weeks) had his check up on the same day and is now 13lb 50z and doing well in all respects. The teachers were fantastic with YR2 SATS. They gave the children lots of practice sitting in different table arrangements so that on the day/ week the children had no idea that they were doing an exam. The meeting held to inform parents was very well balanced and we were advised not to even mention the word SATS at home. Amy said that when she was doing her writing (they do this for 45 mins I believe) she was allowed three pencils instead of spending time sharpening. She came home with glitter in her hair - part of the fun created when each child finished their first page of writing. Both daughthers will be getting a pressie at the end of term - probably some clothes for their baby dolls. And Archie will get some more milk Enjoyed reading this thread - agree with anti SATs opinions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 I love the glitter in the hair idea...... not sure some of our "lads" would though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 9, 2006 Author Share Posted July 9, 2006 I presume you're talking about year 9 SATS Martin - Cleo is in Year 6 (unless I'm very much mistaken...) Phil Thats right Phil. Cleois 11 years old & in year 6 Devon has her year 9 SATS next year Martin,you did really well - a 7 in Maths...brilliant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 OMG SATS i was the first year to take them (my school refused to boycot them although all the other schools did). I was a bit of a swat as i loved learning i got 10/10 in all of my coursework.. and in 2 /3rds of my exams (sad isnt it).. lol getting above average is a fantastic achievement in schools nowadays! i cant believe the pressures of drugs / smoking etc. how do they cope? (school was bad enough when all you had to worry about was bullys and detentions) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 ps. have the gradings changes? it used to be 10's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 Key stage One covers years 1+2 and most pupils should achieve at least level 2 at the end. Key Stage Two covers years 3-6 and most pupils should achieve at least level 4 at the end. Key Stage three covers years 7-9 and most pupils should achieve at least level 6 at the end. Key Stage 4 covers years 10+11 and culminates in GCSEs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 That is incredibly useful Ginette! It is so difficult to find that information clearly set out anywhere. Thank you! My son is in Y4 so luckily not under too much pressure this year. But am reading all the comments with interest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 Lucky Cleo, I didn't get rewards for doing well in year 6 SATS, even though I got level 5's in everything and 20/20 in mental maths! When I did Maths Challenge in April and got 74/150 I didn't get a reward for that either, even though I was third in my class/year, and it's worth a gold certificate! GRRR! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 My children are not rewarded in that way either noeglu! A hug and a well done and lots of parental pride are what they get. We went out for a family meal when the GCSE results came out last summer, but I don't think we'll do that for the AS levels this year. Sometimes I think I should give more rewards, but I would hate my children to ask me 'What are you getting me for my results?' I prefer it to be a pleasant surprise rather than an expectation. All parents are different and on the whole I wouldn't criticise any style of parenting as long as it's consistent. We're all learning and we all make mistakes. But that makes well-balanced, sensible children! It's a partnership really. I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say here, so I'll just stop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 10, 2006 Author Share Posted July 10, 2006 I understand what you mean exactly Ginette To be honest the bantams are a family treat - we all have wanted them for ages! It was just lucky that Cleo is a chicken lover & they worked as a great incentive Cleo & The Hubby are out there now,banging the chicken wire onto the posts for the new mini arrivals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 I understand Sarah! Something for you which fortunately Cleo wanted too!!!! I wasn't getting at you! More at the 8 year old, very clever and well-behaved boy who is getting £100 for a good report. And it wasn't an incentive, but an unexpected reward. Over the top or what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted July 10, 2006 Author Share Posted July 10, 2006 Ginette,I know you weren't getting at me,you berk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 Oh good! I hoped you wouldn't think I was! But some people can be quite sensitive! Not sure I've been called a berk before! Do you have to live in Berkshire to be a berk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 Well as someone who has read this forum in earnest, did not revise for my GCSE's and came away with 5 c's 2 d's and 1 E and 1 F I don't think I am doing too badly. I grew up not being allowed to do homework as my parents firmly believed that school was there for that and at home I had jobs to do! (very good silver service butler is I!) I hated school. I want to go back now. I often wonder where I would be (looking at Joe with his university education and a great career) had I only studied. So my point to these children is simple, study hard, don't make your decisions too quickly (my career path changed at 17!) And for all those parents who insist on moving to fit in with catchment areas etc etc........please don't as you push the house prices up and get a grip - surely the same thing is taught in one school to the next and it's the children themselves who do the learning. Most of the kids from when I was young do drugs - I never did and don't now but judge the area and it's where I should be if the league table logic is applied. Or is it that I am simplifying it? And Annie - How are the plans for the party coming along? I could offer my services for a 30min spot of cabaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 I did work Andrew but had such a useless school I still came out with very little but I knuckled down and went to college on day release at 28 I was a manager with 2 degrees so it can be done even when you do mess up like I did Need to clarify the useless school here for example I was moved up from level 3 to level 2 in my final year at maths but the first time I saw a logarithm was in my exam they hadn't checked to see what I was missing from the overlap in the sylabus - now that is useless I still managed to get a grade 2 CSE though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana1 Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 I'm really enjoying this topic. I live in Berkshire I was telling my husband how much I enjoy the omlet forum .....its the new chocolate..... and I drew his attention to this topic. I particularly appreciate the contribution from AnnieP and share her point of view. Well it started a debate and Erik came up with the question of what could be the alternative? My schooling took place at a time when there was no 11+, no S.A.T.s and there was a lot of weak teachers freewheeling. This had to stop. As far as rewards go, our Carla (5) really responds to rewards. This example isn't related to education but a while ago she seemed to be wetting the bed every night sometimes twice. I thought well this can't go on and gave her the incentive that she would get a barbie with great expanding wings, that I'd seen her admire lovingly on the tv, if she stopped wetting the bed. I didn't say when she would get the barbie but plan to give it to her at the end of term. I don't know how the brain and bladder are connected to the subliminal thought of getting a barbie but she no longer wets the bed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Incentives work well and I have done similar things to the special Barbie with my young children. They are a reward for learning a new skill or being more careful. Young children need incentives to help them remember their aims. All children should get a good school report whatever their academic achievements. Working hard should be the norm, not something children only do if there's something in it for them. I would reward a child who has worked exceedingly hard and managed to achieve a good result which had previously been thought impossible. I suppose I'm saying I would reward special behaviour but not normal behaviour. The norm should be the central point where less than normal is punished and more than normal is rewarded. That's life after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 All children should get a good school report whatever their academic achievements. I whole heartedly agree that all students should get a good report, having taught across all key stages and worked with too many students to mention i can hand on heart say i have never written a negative report for a child. Truthful yes, but not negative. Why wait until nearly the end of the school year to raise issues of concern with a childs parents? If i was ever concerned about a student in my care i usually approached their parents as soon as possible to try and sort the problem out. Afterall they know their child much better than i do at the beginning of the year when student/teacher relationships are just forming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 And Annie - How are the plans for the party coming along? I could offer my services for a 30min spot of cabaret Oh yes please! What can you offer? I've got a Karaoke machine sorted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
