Neither DH nor I grew up in grammar school areas – we both went to state comprehensives.
When we relocated to the West Midlands we didn’t consider schools at first, but when we had DD we soon realised that there are some grammar schools locally. DD was academically inclined from an early age and we felt she might suit a grammar school environment.
After learning a lot from this forum, we did home prep in Y5 and a couple of mocks. DD has just finished Y8 at the local grammar of her choice.
I like your questions! Here are my answers/observations.
Better teachers?
We didn’t expect better teaching, though we did feel that a grammar school may be an easier job for teachers (narrower ability range, less pupil disruption) and might therefore be less affected by teacher shortages. I would say this has been our experience so far.
Better future/financial opportunities?
We never considered this. We assumed that DD would do well whichever school she went to.
Better future networks?
We didn’t consider this either. A state grammar is likely to have pretty much the same combinations of lessons, assemblies, career talks etc as a state comprehensive. We don’t expect to have any more contact with staff or parents than we would get in a state comprehensive school. If you’re looking for networks, you need to send your DC to private school.
Better status?
Also not a consideration for us. In fact, I’m sometimes embarrassed that DD goes to grammar school as I know some friends who don’t approve – and I do get where they are coming from. I don’t think there should be any need for grammars schools and everyone deserves a good education. However, I am not principled enough to deny my DD the option that suits her best where we live.
I do recognise that, for some, status is very important. We live in multi-cultural Birmingham where there are plenty of families desperate to get their children into grammar schools at any cost, as this is seen as a success measure in their wider culture. I feel very sorry for the children in this situation (some of whom are struggling at DD’s grammar school) and am grateful that we have no such pressures.
My ‘whys’, some of which you’ve touched on and some you haven’t:
Deeper learning
We hoped that DD would have lessons pitched at an appropriate pace for her, with opportunities for stretch and wider learning as it shouldn’t be necessary to revisit basic concepts repeatedly.
Cohort with similar aspirations
We hoped that most grammar school students would want to do well, and their families would expect them to work hard. No need to pretend you didn’t like reading books! Wider friendship opportunities as DD would be surrounded by people with similar interests and motivations to her.
We also hoped DD would stand out less. She was often embarrassed by her success in primary school, and we were worried she would start to try to do less well to blend in better.
The right ‘fit’
We simply felt that DD would suit grammar school and she would find it easier to be herself there, and she’d have a nice education at the right pace for her. However, we did not feel it was important enough for us to pay for tuition or to move house to increase our chances of achieving a grammar school education. It was simply the best of the options at our disposal at the time. We do feel incredibly fortunate!
When we relocated to the West Midlands we didn’t consider schools at first, but when we had DD we soon realised that there are some grammar schools locally. DD was academically inclined from an early age and we felt she might suit a grammar school environment.
After learning a lot from this forum, we did home prep in Y5 and a couple of mocks. DD has just finished Y8 at the local grammar of her choice.
I like your questions! Here are my answers/observations.
Better teachers?
We didn’t expect better teaching, though we did feel that a grammar school may be an easier job for teachers (narrower ability range, less pupil disruption) and might therefore be less affected by teacher shortages. I would say this has been our experience so far.
Better future/financial opportunities?
We never considered this. We assumed that DD would do well whichever school she went to.
Better future networks?
We didn’t consider this either. A state grammar is likely to have pretty much the same combinations of lessons, assemblies, career talks etc as a state comprehensive. We don’t expect to have any more contact with staff or parents than we would get in a state comprehensive school. If you’re looking for networks, you need to send your DC to private school.
Better status?
Also not a consideration for us. In fact, I’m sometimes embarrassed that DD goes to grammar school as I know some friends who don’t approve – and I do get where they are coming from. I don’t think there should be any need for grammars schools and everyone deserves a good education. However, I am not principled enough to deny my DD the option that suits her best where we live.
I do recognise that, for some, status is very important. We live in multi-cultural Birmingham where there are plenty of families desperate to get their children into grammar schools at any cost, as this is seen as a success measure in their wider culture. I feel very sorry for the children in this situation (some of whom are struggling at DD’s grammar school) and am grateful that we have no such pressures.
My ‘whys’, some of which you’ve touched on and some you haven’t:
Deeper learning
We hoped that DD would have lessons pitched at an appropriate pace for her, with opportunities for stretch and wider learning as it shouldn’t be necessary to revisit basic concepts repeatedly.
Cohort with similar aspirations
We hoped that most grammar school students would want to do well, and their families would expect them to work hard. No need to pretend you didn’t like reading books! Wider friendship opportunities as DD would be surrounded by people with similar interests and motivations to her.
We also hoped DD would stand out less. She was often embarrassed by her success in primary school, and we were worried she would start to try to do less well to blend in better.
The right ‘fit’
We simply felt that DD would suit grammar school and she would find it easier to be herself there, and she’d have a nice education at the right pace for her. However, we did not feel it was important enough for us to pay for tuition or to move house to increase our chances of achieving a grammar school education. It was simply the best of the options at our disposal at the time. We do feel incredibly fortunate!
Statistics: Posted by JustOutside — Mon Jul 22, 2024 2:41 pm