legwarmer lil

EDmummy does have it spot on - and I think that's the way it should be. If people spent as much time and energy supporting their local school as they do researching which schools are 'the best', wheedling their way in through churches or protesting against decisions, then all our schools could be fantastic, inclusive, and well-resourced. Personally I want schools to be amazing places of learning for all our kids, not just my own. The Dulwich Hamlet / Bessemer Grange problem is a crime, and as far as I can see has created a huge social divide in that catchment, which is certainly not healthy. So let's not do the same. I sent my kids to Heber because it's my local school, and as Mrs Jim said - if there are perceived problems within the school then let's tackle them in a constructive and supportive way. That said, at the moment there is no obvious route to do this at Heber, and that's something we should (and can) do something about.

My kids are at Heber, and generally I've been very happy with it and so have my children. However I would say that Mr Mamak seems more impressive than he actually is, at first I thought he seemed very dynamic and together - but as Jim mentioned communication with parents is awful, there is too much emphasis on literacy / numeracy (ie SATS tests) and creativity and expression could do with a boost. We don't even have rubbish newsletters, nothing but bookbag notes about headlice outbreaks. Parents are starting to tackle the Head on these issues, and I think that changes are inevitable. There is a nice feel about the school and I certainly wouldn't put parents off from choosing Heber, but the Head does need to budge on his obsession with results and league tables. One of the funding issues (I believe) is that funding is allocated according to numbers of pupils, and for years Heber was under subscribed. I'm still hopeful that Heber will become a more lively, creative, holistic school, but pressure from parents seems necessary to improve music provision, PE, drama etc etc. There's an open day on 22nd November - mentioned in the what's on guide, so come and see for yourself.