MelbourneMama

Hi there Does anyone have experience or a POV on Charter East Sixth Form. We've just been offered a place following a shambolic and unprofessional situation at Kingsdale and I have been impressed by their efficiency and got a very good feeling from the Deputy Head. Obviously am aware that it's only got two years under its belt but this years results seemed pretty good all things considered. Needing to hear something positive as it very much looks like my son is starting there on Monday despite the fact we've never been, so go gentle on me Thanks

Micky has done our plastering for 16 years. He's brilliant

We go to Total Orthodontics Lewisham which is close to Ladywell Station The are BUPA and also do NHS if your daughter's IOTN number is a 4/5. Been really happy with them - they have loads of early mornings too, so when my son (also 14) needs his brace adjusting we are often in and out by 8.30 and still in school on time

How interesting that you thought this! We attended the Sixth Form open afternoon and were really impressed. The art/sports/drama/music facilities are really excellent. The classrooms and common areas are just state school standard, what else is there to say? Unless you are looking round Charter ED which was built yesterday that's pretty much what you're going to get. Not sure if OP is coming from the private sector... in which case you may need to lower your expectations!! However the teachers I spoke to were eloquent and passionate about their subjects, the courses my son is interested in sounded really interesting and the results they get are on the whole really strong, so we came away with a really favourable impression. My son is already at Kingsdale.. there's a lot I like, there's stuff I don't like but that's been my experience with every school they have been in. Am looking forward to viewing other sixth forms for a comparative view, so if anyone has any reccos I would be happy to hear them

The non streaming is linked to Covid. My son started in Yr 7 in Set 2019 so he did pretty much 2 terms in the normal way of things.. streamed for the more obvious subjects like Maths and Science but not for things like Music and Art. When they went back in Yr 8 last Septmeber they were grouped loosely based on ability.. so able kids together, less able together and a number of groups in between. Obviously not an exact science though since being good at English doesnt mean you're good at Maths etc. The most difficult thing for them is being stuck in 1 classroom again for most of the time, like being back at primary school. It's so far removed from the normal secondary school experience and felt like a huge step backwards for my son. It's been far from ideal, but the school have done the best they can in impossibly trying circumstances. Hopefully September will see things revert back to how secondary school should be. But watching the news I really doubt it...

Micky has done my plastering for 15 years. He's a local legend!