calling MFL teachers! options time!

[shallishanti]

So, there we are at DS's parents evening, prior to choosing options. Had only just been made aware by DS that French was a compulsory option, and quite right too, IMO. DS not keen on Fr but tough. So we went to see the Fr teacher. She is v enthusiastic, explains in some deatil how DS is doing but without being specific about levels or expected grades. Then she says, his class are so good, all v motivated and doing v well that they intend to take GCSE a year early. 'that will leave more time in Y11 for other subjects'. We look suitably pleased, then I ask what his target grade is. 'oh, a D I should think or maybe even a C'
WTF???? Have 3 older DCs and from my observations C should be easily acheived by any moderately intelligent person with not too much effort. Comments please?

[shallishanti]

OK tiresome family require food so will check in later for your words of wisdom

[Honeybarbara]

Can you insist that he doesn't in fact take it a year early. What on earth would be the point if he's predicted a C/D?

[shallishanti]

well that's what I think but I don't know how much flexibility there is

[duckyfuzz]

she should know his target grade - which may be different from her predicted grade - her 'oh, a D I should think or maybe even a C' is not good enough imo! Can you chat to HOD since class teacher seems a bit vague? early entry not a good idea if he's not going to do well

[Honeybarbara]

Maybe you should ask what his target grade is according to the prediction data the school uses. If you think he is capable of a higher grade, they should ensure he is taught enough to achieve it IMO

[Honeybarbara]

X posts!

[shallishanti]

mmm, HoD might be a good idea. I wonder if it reflects low status of MFL, ie we're lucky to get them to do it at all so let's not be too ambitious?

[duckyfuzz]

it may have low status and be perceived as hard, but if the class is 'so good, all v motivated and doing v well' then they shoudl all be goign for As and Bs not borderline d/c. Its not that hard anyway, any student with a bit of intelligence can get a C if they put their mind to it!

[shallishanti]

well that's what I think
what I think is
over my dead body does a child of mine get a bloody D for French

[duckyfuzz]

quite right too! get on to HOD, if no joy there, take it to HOY, good luck, let us know how you get on!