secondary school question please

budget_counsellor_shaz

I have taught maths in 3 different counties in 4 different secondary state schools. I have taught where they have the 11+ system still operates in Kent and where they don't have the 11+ system in Somerset and Surrey. I also teach across the ability range from top to the slower learners. My own children have attended Grammar, high schools and compehensive schools.

I think that children benefit from attending a larger school I currently work in a school of over 2000 pupils. They have many more opportunities especialy when it comes to choosing options. Compared to a much smaller school that is unable to offer these choices.

Teaching has improved so much over the years. The interactive white boards now in most classes enable teaching and learning to be much more accessable.

Parents do need to look at class sizes I've taught up to 34 children and some collegues have taught in classes of 40!!!! The smallest classes I have taught in have been about 10 pupils. Children with special needs especially benefit from smaller classes. Although all children benefit from classes smaller than 30.

It is never easy choosing a school for your children but don't be put off by a large school.

All the best whatever school you choose.

Shaz

LillyJ

budget_counsellor_shaz wrote: »

The interactive white boards now in most classes enable teaching and learning to be much more accessable.

Interactive whiteboards??!!!! I only left school 6 years ago and we still had chalkboards in some of our classrooms!

Lunar_Eclipse

LillyJ wrote: »

So do I, I just think that comps provide that. ie my Boyfriend's old school had many sets for everything, my grammar had no sets. Therefore his was tailored to him, mine wasn't, and I was bunched in with people of a much lower ability. If I had been set in a comp, I would have been in the top set with a smaller range of ability in the class.

Well that's really good to know thanks since I know my local comp has (about) 9 different streams for most subjects. They even stream music - very understandable but different to my school days! And what you said has confirmed what I have been told by various sources about that school. So aside from winning the lottery and really looking into my ideal choice, this will be the school for us.

Yep, interactive whiteboards are becoming more common and are excellent. Both my children have been very fortunate in having them from Reception year and since eldest started school in 2004, that wasn't long after you left Lilly! Unfortunately they would both really love one at home!

Strapped

budget_counsellor_shaz wrote: »

I have taught maths in 3 different counties in 4 different secondary state schools. I have taught where they have the 11+ system still operates in Kent and where they don't have the 11+ system in Somerset and Surrey. I also teach across the ability range from top to the slower learners. My own children have attended Grammar, high schools and compehensive schools.

I think that children benefit from attending a larger school I currently work in a school of over 2000 pupils. They have many more opportunities especialy when it comes to choosing options. Compared to a much smaller school that is unable to offer these choices.

Teaching has improved so much over the years. The interactive white boards now in most classes enable teaching and learning to be much more accessable.

Parents do need to look at class sizes I've taught up to 34 children and some collegues have taught in classes of 40!!!! The smallest classes I have taught in have been about 10 pupils. Children with special needs especially benefit from smaller classes. Although all children benefit from classes smaller than 30.

It is never easy choosing a school for your children but don't be put off by a large school.

All the best whatever school you choose.

Shaz

Please tell me you don't teach English though?