Well it's finally started. My eldest has just done his 11+ and we're off round the schools.
Tonight was Northfleet Technology College. The school was typical of the design I remember and loved so much! BUT this wasn't the school they would be going to, behind the old buildings is a brand new building, which will be ready in September next year, when Alex starts.
Loads more to do, have an idea of where I want him to go, but it's down to whether he passes the 11+ or not.
Anyone else doing the rounds and finding it's doing your head in?
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The state of the toilets.
The amount of chewing gum stuck to things, especially carpets.
Ceilings and ceiling tiles, and window catches.Teachers offices (if they're a mess good, anally tidy bad).
Teachers who sit/stand around 'displays' and tarted up classrooms waiting to answer your questions, compared with teachers who are pro-active in engaging you in stuff, and overtly interacting with the volunteer 'nice' kids who turn up to help out.
Watch for fancy films usually heavily featuring the headteacher, and never go for a school that uses 'proud' as the theme tune.
....and thats all for starters
Ditto that, my boy is at Harris (Westwood) and loves it (probably the fact that he is home within 2 1/2 minutes!)
Ravens Wood seems top pick at the moment. Joe said "I could fit in here". Very sporty and very good academically but pastoral care and support also excellent. Only problem is entry is on proximity. 3 years ago it was 2.7 miles, 2 years ago it was 2.6 miles, last year it was 2.5 miles. We live just under 2.4 miles away so it could be very close.
Went to Bishop Justus which was good and Joe liked but very Christian which is a big turn off for me. Brand new and fantastic facilities. Has it's own recording studio.
Off to Ravensbourne next week which was "outstanding" according to OFSTED and is closest.
Know what you mean about how you feel about the school. Would be happy with any of them but Ravenswood seems a better fit for Joe as I don't think they will let him drift (unlike his mum and dad did at School) and he liked it.
Best of luck BDL!
i was very impressed with it when i went there last year with my daughter.
St Thomas moore
Thomas tallis
St Thomas Academy
St Pauls Academy
John Roan
Elthem Green
St. Ursula's
All seem okay.
I said to my wife, 4 weeks & she has already achieved more than i ever did in 16+ years in that respect.
The only time I ever stood in front of the school assembly was in a line-up of shame, for a bunch of us caught chucking crab-apples at the maths teacher's car
St. George's tomorrow, and we've heard only bad things about that place!
I know what school I want Alex to go to, it all depends on his 11+. We don't find out until the 18th. 2 weeks to go.