Grammar schools, tutoring etc

[Jessie]

I'm sure he's brilliant, and I'm sure his rate is normal...for those who can afford it. Hoping my son finds happiness and security as much as the next parent, yet there's no way I could ever afford a tutor. Makes a bit of a mockery of grammar system in my opinion (and it is only my opinion - we all do what we can for our children).

[mynamehere]

I'm not going to enter a long debate because it's just my opinion. You can fantasise that raising children is free, but it's not. It's a lot of time and yes, money. A family in northern India was in the news because they're illiterate farmers but by a twist of genes they have genius children. They live in one room, sold their land and first the boy and now the girl (!) who's smarter than her brother is being supported by every penny the parents have. India gives nothing and only the parents have brought this girl (13 and in a Masters of Bio-Chemistry programme because she's too young to be a doctor yet) through an unforgiving system. The idea that the state and a school and a teacher is going to do everything there is to do for your children and you don't have to step forward to fill in the cracks is just not correct. And we live in a great country by world standards no doubt about it. This is equally true if your kids are at state school or private. Schools cannot completely nurture your child without your vigilance. And that doesn't mean just complaining to the school in all cases where your child needs something extra. Sometimes you have to give them the extra yourself and as a parent you'd better have a good reason not to help your child max their potential. In my opinion.

[Jessie]

Agreed. But for my son that is not tutoring.

[bornagain]

I know a boy who was intensely tutored for several years to get into private/Sutton grammar schools (i.e. any school but the local comp). In the end after sitting umpteen entrance exams he was so at the end of his tether that he refused to do any more.

In my view that is not how you nurture a child. It is just the ambition of the parents.

BTW the story has a happy ending. He did get into a highly sought after private school so his parents are very happy. So is the boy - allegedly.

[david_carnell]

BriBri Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> He was totally passionate about maths, very

> patient and understood how to keep a 6 year old

> boy switched on and motivated.

>

> Emmanuel came over to our house at the crack of

> dawn (only time we could fit it in) and was always

> punctual and prepared.

*dumbfounded*

And for a mere ?45ph?

I have an 18mo - do you think it's too early to start prepping him for the entrance exam? His concentration span is appalling, all he wants to do is run about and play. I'm worried I might not be fulfilling his potential. His language is also really poor. The other day he pointed at a sheep and said "moo". I'm so worried about him. Hopefully Emmanual will get him up to speed.

In other news, there is a new ad in the classifieds section for a slightly shop-worn kidney if anyone needs one.

[BriBri]

That's hilarious! Although on a serious note, if his name isn't down for DUCKS already...it's probably too late darling!

[kristindewitt]

Hello, I think you can start grammer tutoring for your child. I am a english teacher and if you need help, contact us at https://plus.google.com/114108254864666389022/about.

[simonethebeaver]

Grammer tutoring?! You advertise yourselves well.

[david_carnell]

Haha - brilliant. Worst bit of advertising ever. Hopefully the FRM will leave it in place as a warning to others.

I suspect it might well be a spam or malware link though.

[simonethebeaver]

The US is a long way to go to tutor a preschooler, yes.

[Salsie]

I went to a grammar school and not one of my friends/fellow class mates had tutoring. I thought the idea was the test was more of an aptitude test and an essay which could not be learned or practised as such. We had a few mock papers in class and I remember buying a practise book to do a few at home and that was it! Surely as other posters have said it should be a case of the naturally brighter children going. As much as I would like my child to go to a grammar school if she isn't bright enough I wouldn't want her to go there and struggle which would be no good for her. I would rather her be in a school where she felt confident and capable amongst her peers.

[BB100]

I have a child at a grammar school and he reports that most of his top maths set still have to have a tutor even at gcse. So it seems that if you start with a tutor you have to keep paying to keep up.