angel Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Obviously quite a difference then. Dd doesn't require learning support as such - just understanding & reasonable adjustments. They were very quick to pick up on the fact she may have issues unlike her previous school. Having had DD's at different schools, and non dancing DS's in yet another, very academic school, I have had experience of five different academic schools. albeit that my sons didn't need support. I get what you are saying about understanding and making adjustments. Hammond school, in my experience, has certainly been the only one who has taken time to communicate with me. They have gone out of their way to try to help, as much as they can. My DD who has 6 lessons a week was at a school where results were very much the focus. 45% of their pupils had dyslexia, dyspraxia or other learning or social difficulties. At the time, it was the reason for choosing the school, so that my daughter would not feel different. However, there was non of the focus on the things she enjoys; there was no music, no opportunity to perform. I quickly realised that there are more important things in life than A* if what a child wants to do has very little to do with academics. She now has 1/2 hour one to one rather than 6 x 45 minutes class time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pas de chat Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I'd like to think we are all well meaning parents! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherbert Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I'd like to think we are all well meaning parents! I agree, which I think makes the subjective aspects of these discussions rather valueless. We all have different experiences/expectations/needs, even within families - my three children all went to different schools, decisions taken as a family with as little regard as possible to external chatter and opinion. If I were to offer any advice, and I wouldn't presume anyone should take it, it would be to sit one on one with the headmaster (or as appropriate) at any chosen school and ask your questions and make any decisions based upon how you feel that conversation goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 That's all very well if the headteacher actually tells the truth & in many schools the head isn't the one you communicate with. My sons school had a new head who started when he did so there was no opportunity as such to do so. At new parents evening what was said isn't what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherbert Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Well, your son's situation is specific, although I don't think it changes my view, presumably there was a previous head in place when you were considering his school. My general point is that you should hold the school accountable, I have never had trouble meeting a headmaster (or as I said, whomever is appropriate), but then as I have always paid full fees for my children's education I have a certain level of expectation of treatment - and that would certainly include not being lied to! As I said, this is my philosophy, won't be for all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I'm Not quite sure what your point is. All schools put in a show, they market themselves. Dh is a teacher I know what it's like. Getting opinions from parents who have first hand experience of schools when you are making decisions is very useful. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Sherbet, Does paying full fees make someone more or less able to hold a school accountable? In my view, holding a scholarship or MDS may well be just as important a point. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straceydor Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Well, your son's situation is specific, although I don't think it changes my view, presumably there was a previous head in place when you were considering his school. My general point is that you should hold the school accountable, I have never had trouble meeting a headmaster (or as I said, whomever is appropriate), but then as I have always paid full fees for my children's education I have a certain level of expectation of treatment - and that would certainly include not being lied to! As I said, this is my philosophy, won't be for all. Holding a school accountable is all very well in theory in practice its a different matter. I've never had a problem with meeting teachers, senco's, head's or even governor's but they never talk to one another, so you have to talk to all of them. And how do you hold a school accountable when most of it (education ) is not in their hands. Any school fee paying or not you should have certain levels of expectation of treatment but if your child does not communicate that this is not the case until late or something happens later down the line how can you hold the school accountable. Schools and education change so quickly its hard to keep up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I can email the list Pictues if you would like. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Thanks for getting us back on topic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I need to delete some messages in order to pm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francesizzi Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 My DD is currently Year 8 so Boogalou just to reassure you they are a friendly bunch they all get along and friendship groups seem to change fairly regularly. think next year they will be back to 3 or 4 in a room and at Hampton Lodge ( whereas at the moment it is two in a room) that is what i have heard, not set in stone. can't remember the other questions ask away if anything else you want to know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Could anyone advise me what the New Parent's Tea on the first exert involves? Is it just tea or does it involve watching a lesson etc? Just deciding if both of us should go or just one - saving annual leave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I couldn't get out of work so couldn't go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snape Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Sarahw we just watched them sing and had tea and cakes, then took them home for the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francesizzi Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 then there is whole school open morning beginning of Oct, I went in Year 7 and took her out for the afternoon, but live far away so couldnt really justify the journey this year and luckily one of the other nearer mums took her out. i had concerns about academic side as my daughter was not academic in the slightest at primary school. I am so pleased with how hard she is working at the Hammond. something has clicked, maybe the fact they all do homework together helps also. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I thought the Open Morning was for potential pupils/parents not current parents. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 (edited) On no...I go to them all. Get to see my DD dance Edited May 25, 2016 by angel 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchidblue Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Me too angel. ☺ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 They encourage current parents to go too. It's one of the few chances to get to see them dance/sing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingDays Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 On no...I go to them all. Get to see my DD dance Any chance to watch them perform and I'm there too 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 Having a singer and a dancer there always makes it complicated for me though. I have to decide who to watch or watch half and half! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingDays Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 I imagine that's quite a juggling act sometimes....but also double the gift 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peanut68 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 They encourage current parents to go too. It's one of the few chances to get to see them dance/sing. Just wish they could hold any Open Days on a Friday of an exeat weekend when most parents are collecting boarders which would mean those of us from further afield could visit too. Even if it were a Thursday before an exeat Friday one could justify the expense of staying over one night as have to be there the next day anyhow - would be lovely to be able to go too! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcoom75 Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) My DS has always been very keen on going to the Hammond and boarding (he's only 9 at the moment). Yesterday I broached the subject again, trying to make sure he knew what he was asking to do. "You will have to go all week without seeing us, and we might not be able to see you every weekend". His reply "that's ok, you can come on Fridays and stay in my flat!". He actually thought he would be fending for himself like his 18yr old sister does at upper school! ???? Edited May 27, 2016 by kcoom75 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 That's so funny! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straceydor Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 (edited) What is the difference between the drama and dance tracksuit and polo shirt? I can get a 2nd hand one but not sure if its the right one or not I need the dance one Edited May 27, 2016 by straceydor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Dance students don't wear polo shirts I'm not exactly sure of the difference but they are different designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Make sure you are only looking at the Dancers uniform. The tracksuit is the same but Drama's wear joggers as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Are they the same now? They didn't used to be I think as I remember the size we needed being out of stock at the previous shop School & Leisure & dd trying a drama one on for size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 My two wear the same (or should I say, have the same, as older one doesn't wear hers). They probably streamlined it all when Stardust took over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beautifulballerina Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 Dance students don't wear polo shirts I'm not exactly sure of the difference but they are different designs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beautifulballerina Posted May 28, 2016 Share Posted May 28, 2016 They have done for the last couple of years if they do GCSE Drama ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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