[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Quantum Boy

My controversial opinion is that the single most damaging thing for children with good potential, is the insistence on mixed-ability classes. I also don't think it's good for kids of lower ability in the way people insist it is, either. The idea is that being mixed means they're more likely to "keep up" with higher performing peers... the reality as I see it, is that the best performing kids are consistently held back by the pace of work accommodating "everyone" - and the kids struggling to keep up become demotivated because there are kids in their class finding things a walk in the park when they're finding it extremely difficult.

…oh yes, controversial indeed …but my ‘most damaging’ thought was specifically regarding attendance/related only…that’s another conversation and most definitely a controversial one also…

[Livia]

Considering the amount of holidays teachers have I'm mystified when kids are off school because of an InSeT day. Surely doing this training in term time damages kids' learning as much as the kids taking time off in term time.

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by bots

they hike the price up based on demand, a bit like Oasis tickets

If people were smart they would stagger their trips, rather than jumping on a plane at every holiday

I used to work in the travel industry , and even if people staggered trips say during summer holidays they would still be more expensive as it’s a peak time.

For example I can get flights to Tenerife at most times of the year for £60-80 return (I have the luxury of being able to go away when I want to). Whereas the same flights during summer holidays (end June - start sep) rocket up to £280 - £500 even months in advance.

[Glenn.]

Wouldn’t be so bad if the kids were actually missing decent education.

I’m all for parents doing what they want where this is concerned. A kid can learn more in a week on holiday than 6 months in school

[Beso]

Originally Posted by Glenn.

Wouldn’t be so bad if the kids were actually missing decent education.

I’m all for parents doing what they want where this is concerned. A kid can learn more in a week on holiday than 6 months in school

You do talk sense sometimes..

[AnnieK]

What pissed me off recently was when all the schools were striking, my son lost a total of 5 days schooling. Had I taken him out of school for a holiday for 5 days, I would have been fined but there was no come back from school on parent's who had to lose a days wage to stay at home with younger ones whilst they were on strike.

I know loads of people who will continue to take them out of school for holidays until someone gets to grip with the travel industry and regulates the price hikes. Demand or not, they take the piss.

Having said all that, I have never taken my son out since he was in reception and I did then but you don't get fined if its in reception
He has had 100% attendance since then though