Topic ID 2001
I have to decide my son's fate by 20th October. I have no idea what to do. I will of course be attending all the open days, but this seems to be a bit of an artificial performance. I realise we are lucky that in Hertford we have the choice of 3 decent schools, but I would welcome the opinion of any forum member that has first hand experience of any of the Hertford secondary schools, especially if anybody has any particular issues with a Hertford school.
Reply ID 26117
Nora, I cannot believe that you have to ask that question!
Reply ID 26118
Know what you mean about the artificial performance Nora, but they obviously have to try and make an impression. Can't speak specifically about Richard Hale yet as my boy is only 7 (but we would probably be looking to send him there based on recommendations). Simon Balle is a very good school and although we felt Presdales just had the edge (and consequently sent our daughter there)had she been offered a Simon Balle place instead we would not have been too concerned. If your boy is at all musical the Simon Balle music department is fantastic - never heard school band like it. Sele was not a consideration for us. I understand though that it is especially good for special needs children and can offer very good learning support in that area. For me then, it would be 2 horse race - really depends on your feelings about mixed/single sex education.
Reply ID 26120
Hard to say, isn't it? A lot of it will depend on your child, curriculum strengths. personal preferences, etc. I am not at that stage quite yet but have a couple more years. Sele is too far for us so it would be SB or RH. However, I have noticed a considerable difference in the behaviour and appearance of the two groups I see about the town and on their way to school. SB look scruffy and if I have occasion to remonstrate with them over anything, I get a stream of abuse back. RH boys, on the other hand, are supervised by their teachers on the route to school and have clear boundaries. I actually e-mailed SB about the loud weekend of music a few weeks ago and called their attention to the debate online here. I have heard nothing back. Also, I know that others have reported groups of truants in town and have been told by SB that they cannot do anything about it. I appreciate that you can't label all of the children at a school as one type or another but I would expect some kind of positive response from the management. Just a final pointer , I have been told not to pay too much credence to the indicators that Simon Balle perform best at GCSE unless you are particularly interested in such "non-academic" subjects as drama, woodwork and cookery !!! Simon Balle has some groundwork to cover with me before they catch up in my first impression stakes but I have a couple of years and would also be interested to hear what others have to say. My views are just that - my own general impressions as one who lives fairly near to both of these schools.
Reply ID 26121
For those of you listening at home, Victor is referring to the fact that Mr.Batty (Compo) went to Ricahrd Hale. I think Victor did too? Victor - it was a long, long time ago. And my son is a different person. I am not convinced that RH is the school for him. Pro's to RH - tradition, and Compo's connections there. Nearest to my house. Cons to RH - not sure that single sex is right for Batty jr. He gets on well with girls and works well with girls. BUT I am aware that girls change quite dramatically as teenagers and mature before boys. So they could become a distraction, but they could also be good for him. Batty jr enjoys sport, but does not particularly excel at it. He isn't naturally musical and doesn't excel at music, but is enjoying electric guitar lessons. He's not artistic and dislikes art. He's a good all-rounder academically and has a very outgoing personality - loves being part of committees, discussions, likes public speaking. Pro's to Simon Balle - the mixed sex thing as above, possibly. More of a sense of democracy (from what I hear).
Reply ID 26125
quote:That is unfortunately true newgirl. Likewise Presdales girls always seem better turned out and behaved.
Originally posted by newgirl However, I have noticed a considerable difference in the behaviour and appearance of the two groups I see about the town and on their way to school. SB look scruffy and if I have occasion to remonstrate with them over anything, I get a stream of abuse back. RH boys, on the other hand, are supervised by their teachers on the route to school and have clear boundaries.
Reply ID 26126
For what it's worth No 1 son went to RH. Discipline was good; and I have the impression now that my daughter is at SB that RH had a better track record on setting homework and on the core subjects. Time is not a good judge of these educational things - I am becoming as cynical in this as in most things. Compared to the current state of the school I went to in North London any choice in Hertford is a bonus. My best friend who still lives in London and teaches in Watford (Parmiters) reminds me how lucky i am to be in Hertford with its selection of fine schools, and took the odd course of action (for him!) of paying for his sons education througb private school and now Westminster. But this is living in London!
Reply ID 26127
If your son is a good allrounder and achedemically able, I'd say any will do. An able child is less affected by the choice of school and all Hertford's schools are exceptional. If not, Sele has greatest special needs experience and their results reflect that they attract more special needs intake for that reason. RH is more an issue of single sex or not. Poor behaviour from RH boys of the previous decade has been largely addressed by a tighter regime on conduct in the town center. RH achieve good results, but you may feel that a more rounded character is achieved by earlier contact with the opposite sex and that learning to work alongside girls at 18 is a bit too late! After all, education is not all about exam results, but social development too.
Reply ID 26131
My son and daughter went to Simon Balle and the school did us proud. I have noticed problems with the admin - Newgirl's unanswered email does not surprise me, I'm sorry to say. The school's most positive attribute is that it is very student centered. If ever my kids had a problem, it was often the school who were onto it before me, and the Head of Department or whoever would be on the phone. Simon Balle is sloppy about enforcing uniform etc so if that kind of thing bothers you, look elsewhere. The Head is not very slick on presentations and 'talking the talk' with middle-class aspirational parents but she is a brilliant teacher who loves her students and truly wants the best for all of them. As a non-Christian, I used to get a bit brassed off with the overtly Christian approach of the Head and some of the staff but really that was just a minor niggle and overall I think Simon Balle is a high-achieving, well-run school that tries to ensure students of every ability have a good experience there. My tip to all you Hertford parents with kids approaching or in secondary schools is to get involved, either on the PTA or as a governor. It helps in so many ways when your name and/or face is known around the school and it needn't take up a lot of your time.
Reply ID 26132
I agree that SB is very quick to help students out or stamp on bullying etc if reported. However in general they are poor at noticing sliping grades and/or work standards dropping amongst individuals.
Reply ID 26133
Rachel, I so get the "christian" part. Religious indoctrination of any denomination has no moral justification in schools. It's still largely unavoidable, though, even these days. It is in the nature of most religions that they think they are right and everybody else is wrong and therefor have a right to impose their opinions on even the impressionable minds of children. I'm not sure that one school is better than another on that score though.
Reply ID 26139
I went to Richard Hale. So there is the biggest reason why you should send him to Simon Balle! [:)]
Reply ID 26153
For those of you who might be interested in the traditional side of things that Richard Hale offers, you might be interested in visiting the following website: http://www.richard-hale-association.org.uk The Richard Hale Association is the society of former pupils the school.
Reply ID 26158
quote:Great site.... credit to the web desinger
Originally posted by MDT
For those of you who might be interested in the traditional side of things that Richard Hale offers, you might be interested in visiting the following website: http://www.richard-hale-association.org.uk The Richard Hale Association is the society of former pupils the school.
Reply ID 26164
There does seem to be a great divide when you speak to ex-pupils of Richard Hale. They either loved it and are passionately loyal to it, or hated it. When I've quizzed ex-Simon Balle pupils you don't seem to get a very definite yay or nay, just an OK.
Reply ID 26165
quote:Very true. Most of my old school friends either loved or hated it. I loved it, bit would have prefered to be sent to Presdales.
Originally posted by nora batty
There does seem to be a great divide when you speak to ex-pupils of Richard Hale. They either loved it and are passionately loyal to it, or hated it. When I've quizzed ex-Simon Balle pupils you don't seem to get a very definite yay or nay, just an OK.
Reply ID 26174
I reckon if you send your child to a school which has a speciality (single sex in RH's case) you should be damn sure it fits your childs personality. It can be a handicap for some, a boon for others.
Reply ID 26176
Therein lies the problem Shunt. I know my child's personality but I'm still trying to get under the skin of the schools.
Reply ID 26178
Out of interest, how much choice do you really have when applying to local schools? Is the likelihood of a child being accepted (or rejected) by a particular school influenced heavily by where you live, or are all applications treated (at least officially) equally?
Reply ID 26180
quote:It depends on how many children are applying in any particular year. Where we are, the children seem to pretty much get their choice, even if it's on "continued interest". In our street we have children at Presdales, Richard Hale and Simon Balle. None at Sele. The instruction book that we are given gives all the stats of how many kids applied, what percentage got in on what rule etc. It changes year on year. This year Richard Hale will get more applications because the single sex rule has changed (see http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=1730). Some years may have more or less boys/girls in so, the net widens accordingly. It's all covered on http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=1730).
Originally posted by Joby
Out of interest, how much choice do you really have when applying to local schools? Is the likelihood of a child being accepted (or rejected) by a particular school influenced heavily by where you live, or are all applications treated (at least officially) equally?
Reply ID 26205
The best advice we ever got and which I strongly recommend is to go to the open evenings twice, the first time being a year early when the child is still in Yr 5. That way, the decision can be a bit more considered and feel less of a panic. Thankfully, as Nora says, generally speaking you seem to get your first choice around here - all the children in my daughters Yr 6 class got their first choice of secondary school for the year just started.
Reply ID 26208
My advice is when you attend the open evening`s ask your guide lots of questions about teachers etc. Go with your instinct you will get a feeling which school will suit your child. Also, many parents tend to forget to also ask the child what they liked best, afterall it is them who is going to attend and not you.
Reply ID 26210
quote:I was at Richard Hale 20 or so years ago and hated it.
Originally posted by nora batty
There does seem to be a great divide when you speak to ex-pupils of Richard Hale. They either loved it and are passionately loyal to it, or hated it. When I've quizzed ex-Simon Balle pupils you don't seem to get a very definite yay or nay, just an OK.
Reply ID 26214
I've just finished my time at Simon Balle and I believe it is a good school but that the two others have their benefits. Single sex education as has been said is a personal choice, the only point i would make is that in the real world it is not single sex so perhaps going to Simon Balle or Sele will give a child a more rounded view of society. Having said this i have plenty of friends who attended Richard Hale and they have no problem interacting with both sexes outside of school. Simon Balle appears to be the most liberal in attitude to rules and their flexibility. Some people who transferred from Richard Hale to Simon Balle certainly noticed the difference in attitude as I believe Richard Hale set their boundaries rather more rigidly. The real point is that if a child is capable and wants to learn it does not matter where they attend. They will get out what they put in.
Reply ID 26217
quote:I went to Richard Hale in the 1980s and did not enjoy my time there but my son has just started his 2nd year there and really enjoys it.When we went to the open evening 2 years ago I couldnt believe how much it had changed for the better.
Originally posted by spitfirequote:I was at Richard Hale 20 or so years ago and hated it.
Originally posted by nora batty
There does seem to be a great divide when you speak to ex-pupils of Richard Hale. They either loved it and are passionately loyal to it, or hated it. When I've quizzed ex-Simon Balle pupils you don't seem to get a very definite yay or nay, just an OK.
Reply ID 26219
I am ex Richard Hale. My sister went to Simon Balle. I have friends who attended both. I know teachers at both. In my view there's a fag paper's difference between them when you look at all the pros and cons. I guess it comes down to the single sex/mixed issue. Parents who know their sons will, I hope, have an inkling as to which suits best. I don't know Sele as well as the other two but I often visit the little parade of shops on Sele Farm and am impressed by the general politeness of the Sele pupils. They don't appear to queue jump and they almost always say thanks if you hold the door open for them. On the negative side I don't know why the teachers allow the pupils to smoke right outside the school. Sele is also a much smaller school and that has advantages for some children. I'm just glad that I don't have to make a decision between schools. We are lucky in Hertford to be spoilt for choice!
Reply ID 26238
I notice people are saying you can pretty much get into any of the schools around here, but equally, I haven't seen anyone favour Sele over the other two. You would have thought, based on this thread that there would be a serious inbalance of applications, with everyone trying to get into Balle or Hale.
Reply ID 26255
quote:As a parent of two former pupils, as a former governor of 8 years standing and Chair of the PA, I have no hesitation at all in still recommending RHS. It is an excellent school at all levels - achievement, behaviour, attitude, pastoral care etc etc. Tradition plays a very big part in the whole psyche of RHS, and forms an exscellent foundation, whilst not blinding the school to the demands and needs of today. The Hale Association (to which I still subscribe) is a wonderful way for former pupils to keep in touch and in tune with what's going on. All the more remarkable that some of those pupils are now in their 90s. The school received its much needed and long awaited shake-up with the appointment of Ray James in 1993, and he turned round an undersubscribed, failing school. This work was more than ably continued by Mike James in 2000 and the school is still thriving under the leadership of Mr Neate. My daughter, on the other hand, attended Presdales........if only she could've attended RHS! If your daughter is an academic high flyer, she will do well. If she's an ordinary, hard-working, pleasant girl who works well to her abilities, who is then targetted for bullying, then she will struggle. Lack of pastoral care, bullying problems ignored, violent and aggressive behaviour outside of school (whilst in uniform) ignored. The lack of interest in her was appalling, her grades were falling apart and the advice from the school...'you have 10 weeks to buck your ideas up...' OR, 'we suggest you find another school for the 10 weeks remaining before her mocks.....' The complete litany of failings is perhaps best not aired on this forum, suffice to say that a change of head is probaly 15 years overdue. The worst decision I have ever made in my life was to send her there and ignore the advice of many parents who warned me otherwise, especially about the bullying. Perhaps I childishly believed that their standards of care would be as high as RHS?
Originally posted by GillPquote:Great site.... credit to the web desinger
Originally posted by MDT
For those of you who might be interested in the traditional side of things that Richard Hale offers, you might be interested in visiting the following website: http://www.richard-hale-association.org.uk The Richard Hale Association is the society of former pupils the school.
Reply ID 26260
Fish Wife this is advice for Nora Batty, she is asking for advice on which school for her son, not a debate about Presdales. Sorry to hear about your Daughter`s experience at Presdales.
Reply ID 26306
Fish Wife...........not that it helps but i went to Presdales and suffered exactly the same, I was a stuggler but knew what I wanted to do and because it was not University or A level they were not really interested. Thank heavens for the then art teacher who was a great help. this was all 35 / 40 years ago long before the present head! as you say great school if you are what we used to call brainy ........I never was so got rather left behind, also suffered as I was always the fat one in the corner
Reply ID 26315
quote:Quite agree Dell Boy. Nora should count her blessings that Presdales does not have to form part of her decision-making process.
Originally posted by Dell Boy
Fish Wife this is advice for Nora Batty, she is asking for advice on which school for her son, not a debate about Presdales. Sorry to hear about your Daughter`s experience at Presdales.
Reply ID 26316
quote:[:(!] I find the whole topic of 'that school in Hoe Lane' quite heart-wrenching as a parent who made a terrible, damaging choice which ultimately ruined my daughter's education. Still, as has been quite rightly pointed out, this is about RHS & SB, but would love to swap notes!
Originally posted by Marilyn
Fish Wife...........not that it helps but i went to Presdales and suffered exactly the same, I was a stuggler but knew what I wanted to do and because it was not University or A level they were not really interested. Thank heavens for the then art teacher who was a great help. this was all 35 / 40 years ago long before the present head! as you say great school if you are what we used to call brainy ........I never was so got rather left behind, also suffered as I was always the fat one in the corner
Reply ID 26325
Apologies yes can't comment on the other schools though.......
Reply ID 26420
Simon Balle, all day long! I went there in the 80's and have had involvement with the school since. It's a good school if your child is academic or sporty. The main thing from any good mixed comprehensive school is that your kids will learn social interraction skills with all types of children and adults alike. I went there, my parents met there. Maybe a bit biased, I know.
Reply ID 26447
quote:I went to Simon Balle - sent my kids to Chancellors, Brookmans Park. But you were able to do that a few years ago.
Originally posted by nora batty
There does seem to be a great divide when you speak to ex-pupils of Richard Hale. They either loved it and are passionately loyal to it, or hated it. When I've quizzed ex-Simon Balle pupils you don't seem to get a very definite yay or nay, just an OK.
Reply ID 26592
Does anyone know what the application Vs placement figures are for Simon Balle and Sele? I see RH is averaging 450 applications for 150-160 places for the last 3 years.
Reply ID 26603
quote:I tells you in the "pink" book or so my sister tells me, you get 2 books and it is in one of them, RH and SB are oversubscribed, Sele isn't so should have smaller classes.... sorry it is second hand but she can't register with a hotmail addy!
Originally posted by Dude
Does anyone know what the application Vs placement figures are for Simon Balle and Sele? I see RH is averaging 450 applications for 150-160 places for the last 3 years.
Reply ID 27568
quote:Did you go to the open evening at Simon Balle? and what was your impression of the school.
Originally posted by nora batty
I have to decide my son's fate by 20th October. I have no idea what to do. I will of course be attending all the open days, but this seems to be a bit of an artificial performance. I realise we are lucky that in Hertford we have the choice of 3 decent schools, but I would welcome the opinion of any forum member that has first hand experience of any of the Hertford secondary schools, especially if anybody has any particular issues with a Hertford school.
Reply ID 27574
quote:I did go. It's difficult to make a comparison yet as I have yet to see RH (Monday) and Sele (Thursday) and it's the first time I've been around a secondary school since leaving my own. First impressions: It looks and feels like a holiday camp. Very laid back compared to my old school. There was a lot of emphasis placed on demonstrating the fun stuff such as Art, Ceramics, Textiles, Food Tech and Drama. I was surprised that the Geography and History departments had not made more effort, as it is supposedly a Humanities Specialist school. There wasn't much evidence that they had received extra funding in this area. I was surprised at the reliance on computer based learning in all areas. Our guide (Yr 8) wasn't very knowledgable - more intent on waving and chatting to her friends on the way around. I was surprised that some very basic grammatical and spelling mistakes in the GCSE course work on display had not been corrected. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of the teachers that I met - especially in the science lab and music dept. The big band is also very impressive. The Headteacher's speech was excellent and she comes across as very dedicated to the school and the pupils. She was "proud that so many pupils wanted to take part in the open evening" I later found out that if they took part they got a day off school... The sixth form department was very impressive. I then visited the websites of RH and SB, and the RH website is definitely more informative and better presented. I was also speaking with a parent in the unusual position of having 2 yr. 7 boys - 1 at RH and 1 at SB. She feels that 3 weeks into their first term SB are winning hands down on assessing the children, communicating with parents, and admin. Sorry if this sounds like a ramble - I'm just downloading my thoughts as they happen! Did anyone else go? What was your impression?
Originally posted by Dell Boy Did you go to the open evening at Simon Balle? and what was your impression of the school.
Reply ID 27579
quote:Your impressions are very like those I formed when I did the SB open evening a couple of years ago Nora. As a result we did not choose that school. I look forward to reading your forthright assessment of Richard Hale!
First impressions: It looks and feels like a holiday camp. Very laid back compared to my old school. There was a lot of emphasis placed on demonstrating the fun stuff such as Art, Ceramics, Textiles, Food Tech and Drama. I was surprised that the Geography and History departments had not made more effort, as it is supposedly a Humanities Specialist school. There wasn't much evidence that they had received extra funding in this area. I was surprised at the reliance on computer based learning in all areas. Our guide (Yr 8) wasn't very knowledgable - more intent on waving and chatting to her friends on the way around. I was surprised that some very basic grammatical and spelling mistakes in the GCSE course work on display had not been corrected.
Reply ID 27581
The choice between the three may change in the future, according to today's Mercury, as Herts CC are looking at possibly merging Sele and SB on a new site: [url="http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk/news/mercury/hertfordshire_mercury/2006/10/06/schools%20closure%20threat.lpf"]Schools closure threat[/url]
Reply ID 27582
Simon Balle was closed on Thursday to all pupils, not just the pupils who took part in the open evening`s. The website is going to improve, so I have been told. Sorry that your guide was not knowledgable, I am sure the head will be upset to hear this, the sixth form is very impressive as you mentioned.
Reply ID 27585
quote:But, as I understand it, the Wednesday night "helpers" didn't have to go to school on Wednesday? Maybe it's a porky my SB buddy told his Mum!!!
Originally posted by Dell Boy
Simon Balle was closed on Thursday to all pupils, not just the pupils who took part in the open evening`s. The website is going to improve, so I have been told. Sorry that your guide was not knowledgable, I am sure the head will be upset to hear this, the sixth form is very impressive as you mentioned.
Reply ID 27587
No, I understand the school day ended at 2.45p.m. to allow the school to prepare for the evening.
Reply ID 27614
Hello Nora, It's 11 years since I last attended an Open Evening with my daughter, but it was interesting to note even then that SB STILL hadn't changed it's impression from my first visit in 1989. My feeling was that it was just a tad too laid back and a lot of emphasis on the sparkly bits. My daughter also felt that it was not the place for her. By contrast my first impression of RH in 1989 was that whilst it desperately needed a face lift (which subsequently happened), there was an atmosphere of genuine interest, affection and devotion to the education of the boys. This was reflected in the boy's attitude to the school. They weren't all techers pets, and were vocal in their views of the school - good and bad. Overall I felt that it was the right place for my oldest son and subsequently his younger brother. A school that actually felt like a school with clearly defined boundaries and expectations, that made no attempt at all to be trendy. It was decision I never regretted, it was just a shame that my oldest son never had the full benefit of Ray James' changes to the school, he had already completed 3 years by the time Ray came along. My one BIG regret was that I couldn't send my daughter to RH as my ultimate choice for her was disasterous, but perhaps that's for another thread. Good luck with your choice, you can only follow your instincts.
Reply ID 27618
I think the somewhat more liberal attitude of Simon Balle is the move divisive issue when looking at the school. I think it really depends on how much discipline you feel either the school will give or your child needs.
Reply ID 27635
quote:Quite agree, and that's not about wanting or wishing for an authoritarian and rigid regime. Discipline only works when it is fair and measured, not lax and ineffective. It's about wanting to know that your child will be in an environment that sets boundaries regarding behaviour, attitude and effort, and that in return will nurture and help your child to attain them. It's also about knowing that your child will be safe physically and emotionally whilst in the school and that he will be encouraged to the best of his abilites. Biased? Yep and I can make no apology. Having visted SB, Sele and then RH back in '89, I knew immediately that RH would be my choice and that was DESPITE Casson being the head at the time!
Originally posted by wideload
I think the somewhat more liberal attitude of Simon Balle is the move divisive issue when looking at the school. I think it really depends on how much discipline you feel either the school will give or your child needs.
Reply ID 27691
quote:This won't matter soon - Simon Balle RIP according to the new SUPER SCHOOL. All those SG13 addresses won't make a difference now[:D]
Originally posted by Fish Wifequote:Quite agree, and that's not about wanting or wishing for an authoritarian and rigid regime. Discipline only works when it is fair and measured, not lax and ineffective. It's about wanting to know that your child will be in an environment that sets boundaries regarding behaviour, attitude and effort, and that in return will nurture and help your child to attain them. It's also about knowing that your child will be safe physically and emotionally whilst in the school and that he will be encouraged to the best of his abilites. Biased? Yep and I can make no apology. Having visted SB, Sele and then RH back in '89, I knew immediately that RH would be my choice and that was DESPITE Casson being the head at the time!
Originally posted by wideload
I think the somewhat more liberal attitude of Simon Balle is the move divisive issue when looking at the school. I think it really depends on how much discipline you feel either the school will give or your child needs.
Reply ID 27844
I have been watching this thread since it started. Nora I am in the same boat as you, my daughter will be starting senior school next year and we are also 'doing the rounds'. I say rounds, actually for us it's only a choice between Simon Balle and Sele (Presdales is not an option as we disagree with single sex schools and my daughter is adiment she does not want to go there). I went to SB and Mr Gem went to Sele I was happy at SB and he didnt get on at Sele HOWEVER that was then and this is now, over the many decades both schools have changed significantly and at the mo we are favouring Sele. We went to both schools for a dry run last year and it really impressed us. SB is a good school and has a good sales pitch but Sele, seemed to have a much more open, honest and down to earth atmosphere. They also seem to be a little firmer with their discipline etc. Because they are a smaller school everyone knows everyone, the class sizes are smaller and we personally feel it to be a better option for our Daughter. Given half the chance she will disappear into the background and get overlooked, we think there will be less chance of that at Sele. She also seemed much more relaxed there last year and less overwhelmed. Really, at the end of the day, we are lucky to have all good schools in this area so the main thing we are looking at is which one will suit your child best and which one you think they will be happier at. After all none of us can tell what will happen in the coming years so we can only make decisions on what seems right now and hope for the best. [:)]
Reply ID 27863
quote:I am very sorry about how poor your guide was, i am in year 11 and i also was a guide at the open evening. Anyway on your last comment, of course we got a day off school, we had to clean up and leave everything prepared. Having a day off school wasn't an incentive, it was normal which has been happening for years. Anyway Simon Balle is not just a 'Holiday Camp' as you so bluntly described it, it is a great place for oppurtunities and very in touch with the local comminitie. Heck take me, they found that my school-mates and I could take a maths GCSE a year early, i did and i got a B, a lot of my friends even got A*'s. Simon Balle has significant help, with connexions rooms, and mentoring. Our CIT lessons are fun, kinda, we do wierd stuff like make leaflets about our town but also we get tips on real life, such as healthy eating and how to succeed at job interviews. We actually have people come over from the local community. Anyway Simon Balle is a good place to be, we're scruffy we know, but we are a great folk and you would be nuts not to go! Also our school gets improved every year because of our annual half a million grant from the government. (Did you see my mates in the biology room do the dry ice thing, that was funny!)
Originally posted by nora batty First impressions: It looks and feels like a holiday camp. Very laid back compared to my old school. There was a lot of emphasis placed on demonstrating the fun stuff such as Art, Ceramics, Textiles, Food Tech and Drama. I was surprised that the Geography and History departments had not made more effort, as it is supposedly a Humanities Specialist school. There wasn't much evidence that they had received extra funding in this area. I was surprised at the reliance on computer based learning in all areas. Our guide (Yr 8) wasn't very knowledgable - more intent on waving and chatting to her friends on the way around. I was surprised that some very basic grammatical and spelling mistakes in the GCSE course work on display had not been corrected. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of the teachers that I met - especially in the science lab and music dept. The big band is also very impressive. The Headteacher's speech was excellent and she comes across as very dedicated to the school and the pupils. She was "proud that so many pupils wanted to take part in the open evening" I later found out that if they took part they got a day off school...
Reply ID 27869
Not "just" a holiday camp... you're not denying it is then?! Thanks for that input - it's great to hear from a student. Your reply sums up Simon Balle nicely(!) I visited Richard Hale last night - and tonight, actually, as we didn't get around everything my son wanted to see the first time. The Batty ramblings... RHS doesn't seem to have put as much pretty ribbon around their school for open evening. One thing that struck me as I entered - they are very serious about educating boys. Our guide was excellent, very enthusiastic and passed the door test (he opened doors for us and waited for us to pass). He was a year 8 boy. He asked us what we'd like to see and in what order. The teachers also acknowledged him by name as we walked into each room. One of the first displays I saw was about different learning styles and how the school catered for these. It wasn't well displayed, but the content was good and it was positioned right at the beginning. The technology, ICT, engineering and science demonstrations and departments were oustanding and best of all, much of it was being demonstrated by yr 8 children. Even though the year 7's have only been in school for 6 weeks, there was yr.7 work on display. This was much more of interest to my son as he can relate to this rather than GCSE coursework. The history dept. went to great lengths to demonstrate why history is important and why they teach it chronologically for the first 3 years. The concert band was more formal than SB's big band, but I like the sense of humour - as we walked into the hall they were playing the music from The Great Escape followed by Can you Feel the Love Tonight. Possibly coincidence, but funny anyway. The Head is not a good public speaker and the Powerpoint presentation was a bit naff, but the Head boy gave a good speech and was noticably more confident than the Head pupils at SB. I noticed at SB they kept looking to their Headteacher for reassurance as they spoke - RH head boy was more confident than the Head! What is disappointing is the poor sixth form facilities and lack of sport facilities. Yet despite this, they still excel in these areas. The art and music rooms are sadly much smaller than those at SB, and with not nearly the quantity or variety of stuff on display. I find RH sporting tradition quite scary and I wonder what happens to you if you aren't good at team sport. The school is noticably shabbier than SB, but having seen how my 2 boys can reduce a newly painted wall and skirting board to shabby in days, I can forgive that. It is a much older building and you do get a great sense of tradition. They are a very proud school. I have spent a good deal of time perusing the prospectus. The Simon Balle prospectus looks like a sales brochure - lots of glossy pictures and fluffy words, but very general. The RH prospectus is far more informative - it looks like a school prospectus and details exactly how the school works. It also explains in great detail how they induct the new pupils - very comforting to us first timers. Overall impressions - SB is more democratic, RHS is more meritocratic. Which to choose? I guess it depends on how I see my son earning his living. This morning Batty jr couldn't decide which school he preferred. This evening he prefers RHS. But tomorrow is another day. PS RHS get a day and a half off school too.
Reply ID 27871
quote:How about you put him in the school of your choice and see how he settles down first? Surely how you see him earn his living comes a bit later? Social integration towards mini-adulthood is the first step, surely?
[i] Which to choose? I guess it depends on how I see my son earning his living.
Reply ID 27896
quote:When I say "earn his living" I mean it in a very general way. I think you can tell at this age if they are leaning towards arts or sciences, if they are good leaders and innovators, more interested in how things work than how people work. That sort of thing.("Bring me a child of 7 years old and I will show you the man" - or soemthing like that) I can't help but see RHS as a production line of Alpha males, and SB as producing New Men. Can't boys socially integrate outside school?
Originally posted by Berbatov How about you put him in the school of your choice and see how he settles down first? Surely how you see him earn his living comes a bit later? Social integration towards mini-adulthood is the first step, surely?
Reply ID 27905
Don't choose RH: having attended both a single sex school and a mixed one I would say that if you put your boy into a single sex school you will end up with a socially inept 18 year old with a warped view of women in general. If you think that is the price worth paying for a better grade GCSE OK but he won't thank you for it!
Reply ID 27907
quote:Exactly, even at the age of 10/11 you have a good idea of where your childs interest lie, my daughter for instance is into Science, History and Geography. I can pretty much guarentee she will never be into sports. That is the sort of thing that needs to be considered when chosing schools along with the other factors like location etc and , of course, you and your childs instinct about a school.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:When I say "earn his living" I mean it in a very general way. I think you can tell at this age if they are leaning towards arts or sciences, if they are good leaders and innovators, more interested in how things work than how people work. That sort of thing.("Bring me a child of 7 years old and I will show you the man" - or soemthing like that) I can't help but see RHS as a production line of Alpha males, and SB as producing New Men. Can't boys socially integrate outside school?
Originally posted by Berbatov How about you put him in the school of your choice and see how he settles down first? Surely how you see him earn his living comes a bit later? Social integration towards mini-adulthood is the first step, surely?
Reply ID 27908
quote:Oooops, I married an ex-RHS boy. I'm beginning to feel as though he may have just seen me as an object of curiosity! Seriously, I don't think Mr Batty or any of his RHS friends have a warped view of women in general. In fact, I know many ex-RHS boys who have lovely wives and girlfriends. It may have taken them a bit longer to work out which end is up, so to speak, but I think they get there in the end! Some are definitely still trying to be club-thumping neanderthals, but some women love that. I don't think a single-sex education has as much of an effect on children as some may think. There are plenty of female staff at RHS, and I think parental attitude has a lot to do with male views on women.
Originally posted by spooky
Don't choose RH: having attended both a single sex school and a mixed one I would say that if you put your boy into a single sex school you will end up with a socially inept 18 year old with a warped view of women in general. If you think that is the price worth paying for a better grade GCSE OK but he won't thank you for it!
Reply ID 27911
quote:As an ex RH boy, its simply not true. My wife confirmed this for me as I was undoing her kitchen sink chains the other night.
Originally posted by spooky
Don't choose RH: having attended both a single sex school and a mixed one I would say that if you put your boy into a single sex school you will end up with a socially inept 18 year old with a warped view of women in general. If you think that is the price worth paying for a better grade GCSE OK but he won't thank you for it!
Reply ID 27915
I thought it might be helpful to enter the debate as a Simon Balle parent. I have found it an absolutely superb school, both academically and in terms of pastoral care. I wouldn't describe it as a "holiday camp", instead it reminds me more of a university than a school. The specialism it has chosen - "humanities" - is great but they provide an equally good education in other subjects. The Music department is especially impressive. The children are happy there and if they are happy they will have a good attitude to learning. It would be interesting to hear from some of the sixth formers who have left and gone on to University. I don't think moving it to the other side of town would work at all but that's an argument for another thread.
Reply ID 27938
Thanks, Mangrovian. It is useful - I havn't heard from anyone with a bad word to say about SB which makes our decision very hard. I would love to hear the opinion of a student that has studied at RHS then moved to SB in sixth form. If mini-me wants to continue his education and does not specifically want to study science, then I think this would be the best solution.
Reply ID 27968
So are you not considering Sele then Nora? (I only ask as it's included in the thread title)
Reply ID 27974
My nephew has just started at Simon Balle and loves it.
Reply ID 27976
quote:I was told the other day SB have MTV playing on a screen in the canteen!
Originally posted by mangrovian
I wouldn't describe it as a "holiday camp
Reply ID 27990
quote:We are going to look around Sele tomorrow. Unfortunately, it's reputation has preceded it and I can't ignore the exam results.
Originally posted by gemipicorn
So are you not considering Sele then Nora? (I only ask as it's included in the thread title)
Reply ID 27992
Useful link: [url="http://www.hertford.net/education/league.asp"]School League Tables[/url]
Reply ID 27995
quote:Thats good, if nothing else it may help to clarify things for you and the more you see the more informed your final decision will be. As mentioned in a few posts at the begining of this thread Sele has a fair share of Special needs students. As I see it, because as it has a smaller number of students, the few that struggle to gain the higher grades will have a greater effect the on the scholls over all table if you see what I mean. Therefore, I dont go much by exam results (and as I have said before I feel the end result (pardon the pun) has more to do with how happy your child is at whichever school they attend. I have to admit I have a bit of a thing about the league tables, personally I feel it puts too much pressure on schools.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:We are going to look around Sele tomorrow. Unfortunately, it's reputation has preceded it and I can't ignore the exam results.
Originally posted by gemipicorn
So are you not considering Sele then Nora? (I only ask as it's included in the thread title)
Reply ID 28001
I have to agree that league tables don't tell the full story. I have friends who have very intelligent children in Sele who are being encouraged and pushed. Because there are other children in Sele who come from families where education is perhaps not the highest priority the results don't immediately make it obvious that there are many children doing very well at Sele. I have been in to Sele, (but not RH or SB) as a Youth Worker and I find the children at Sele to be confident, polite and emotionally mature. The small size of the classes means the teachers and the Head know all the pupils well and problems are quickly picked up and dealt with. Nothing seems to be brushed under the carpet (to my knowledge). My impression is that Sele knows it has some pupils with many issues and it deals with these in order that everyone can learn.
Reply ID 28005
quote:Oh dear...... Moving on from there....... Nora - I'm very pleased that you were pleased! It is a very proud school and absolutely dedicated to its pupils. Yes the 6th form lack facilities, it always has done, but the boys still thrive. Yes it lacks some sports facilites, but they still excel. There are benefits from single and mixed sex education,for my sons and for me as a parent it was excellent. The single sex education for my daughter was a disaster for all of us, including my sons who were also deeply disturbed, distressed and affected by its effects on her. Sele School has for a long while had a very good reputation for a small school. It wasn't what I wanted for my children but I was impressed by its sense of care and encouragement. It must also be said that I have NEVER been in such a clean, spotless school before. Trust your judgement. Good luck [:)]
Originally posted by spooky
Don't choose RH: having attended both a single sex school and a mixed one I would say that if you put your boy into a single sex school you will end up with a socially inept 18 year old with a warped view of women in general. If you think that is the price worth paying for a better grade GCSE OK but he won't thank you for it!
Reply ID 28007
My two oldest children went to Sele. I think it is a case of if a child wants to learn then they will, the teachers were always very enthusiastic and constantly encouraging them. The brightest children weren't held back by those that were not as bright as them or the odd disruptive pupil. One of my children required additional teaching which she embraced and I was amazed at how much she improved during her time there. I have to agree that the school league tables are not neccesarily the best way to measure a school's performance. They would probably be more useful if they were to show the expected results of a child that joined in the first year against what they actually achieved when they left. Looking at last year's tables, if Sele had 70% of pupils that were not capable of reaching the required levels, then they actually did quite well. Unfortunately the tables don't show that.
Reply ID 28017
Personally I went to Sele School from 1982-87 and absolutely loved it, left with 6 O Levels and loved every minute of it and have three of my children there at present. Originally lived in a village and sent eldest to RH, he found it very difficult to settle in, is average to above average intelligence but still managed to get picked on, after several bullying situations I took him out and began a long hideous struggle to get him moved to Sele. Since joining Sele has has had three brilliant years and is now in his GCSE years and is expected to get A's and B's, I personally think if your child is willing to learn they will do well at Sele. My middle boy has Special Needs and is catered for extremely well at Sele, I too take no notice of tables and he is loving school and has no problems with bullying or anything. My daughter has now just started and loves it too, even if the eldest does ignore her (for his street cred of course!). I have nothing but good words to say about Sele and would recommend it to anyone. The staff are enthusiastic, if I forget to call the school when my son is off sick, they ring by 9.30am that morning to check he is at home (truancy etc), which is great, extra activities at and after school are well run. Sorry but I think it sometimes gets a bad press and like I said my three are there now, with another two to join them!!
Reply ID 28032
quote:Simon Balle displays DVDs BY the canteen in the hall on wet and cold days sop pupils could go to a place indoors where they can talk and do something. We watched Friends yesterday :P
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:I was told the other day SB have MTV playing on a screen in the canteen!
Originally posted by mangrovian
I wouldn't describe it as a "holiday camp
Reply ID 28033
This is actually a fascinating thread and has been helpful in debunking some of these myths. I can only speak as a Simon Balle parent but would reiterate that it has done two of my children proud - and I would have absolutely no hesitation in choosing it for my next child - provided that it stays exactly where it is.
Reply ID 28047
quote:Why?
Originally posted by spitfire I was at Richard Hale 20 or so years ago and hated it.
Reply ID 28050
quote:Exactly!
Originally posted by JohnSmith
They would probably be more useful if they were to show the expected results of a child that joined in the first year against what they actually achieved when they left.
Reply ID 28051
quote:Where do I start......... From my second year onwards (When Mr Jack Retired as Head) Bullying increased, disruptive pupils knew they could get away with anything, some teachers left and standards dropped. If you were not in the top flight for sport, you were ignored, and use substandard equipment. Hopefully its improved since then, but I spent 5 unhappy years there.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:Why?
Originally posted by spitfire I was at Richard Hale 20 or so years ago and hated it.
Reply ID 28052
I think the bullying issue has a higher profile now at all schools. I left school in 1979 and certainly don't remember there being the various policies or 'mission statements' concerning bullying that schools work to these days. We know several people with boys at Richard Hale - all have positive comments. Its most likely that it will the first choice for our son in a few years time.
Reply ID 28053
I think girls are much worse bullies than boys. From my experience, boys tend to thrash it out physically which is much easier to spot and control than the sniping, bitching and psychological bullying that girls mete out. This is one reason for choosing a single sex school for a boy. I think if I had a daughter I would avoid Presdales for this reason.
Reply ID 28055
I totally agree with you on the different types of bullying Nora. However, my daughter has just started Presdales and whilst I hope to God bullying is not an issue, we will deal with it if it happens. I dont think bullying should be a predominant factor in the choice of school though - it almost sets the child up as a victim before they get there. When we were choosing, we looked particularly at the quality of the work on display on the open nights - Presdales won hands down over Simon Balle. Its hard to ignore the appearance of the kids and how they conduct themselves on the way to/from school as well - again, SB do not always impress.
Reply ID 28063
quote:I have been reading the Governers'(RHS) and Annual Report (SB) which are published on the respective websites. These give quite an insight into the schools - probably because they are designed to be informative and not as publicity material. The displays at SB were noticeably more attractive and had a lot more effort put into them than at RHS. And I have just read on the SB Annual Report that they employed someone to do the displays! "The school has also employed someone to work with staff on displays. Her work has transformed the corridors and classrooms, promoting the ethos of the school and celebrating achievements."
Originally posted by Leo Densian When we were choosing, we looked particularly at the quality of the work on display on the open nights - Presdales won hands down over Simon Balle.
Reply ID 28066
As well as having had a good experience at RH myself, I'm close friends with two boys who currently attend. They love it, and in the case of one of them, I would say it has already made him a lot more respectful than he was when he started. Both of them particularly like sport, so the school helps there. I'm glad to see RH is on the up again. If there is one thing that a lot of schools still seem to fail to get to grips with, its respect. RH seems to try more than most. Probably because of its stuffy heritage. Of course, any school is what you make it, but with RH you get a lot of history, and with that comes a lot of traditional methods. Some people find that old fashioned, some people think thats whats missing these days. Personally, I think the whole college MTV canteen approach should wait until college, when students are expected to be more self disciplined. Same goes for dress code. Theres nothing wrong with school sometimes being uncomfitable. It can often make a person a lot stronger. You decide!
Reply ID 28081
quote:Hmmm...thats a bit worrying. TBH I felt that there was a lot of window dressing at SB on open evening - flat panel PC monitors as far as the eye could see, laptops etc. etc.
Originally posted by nora batty And I have just read on the SB Annual Report that they employed someone to do the displays!
Reply ID 28086
quote:It is last year's Annual Report (I guess there's a new one due out this year AFTER we have to make our choice). However, I do think it is a bit dishonest. I suppose another view is that it is very professional of them to hire someone to do it and that the students benefit from professional displays. Personally, I feel conned. I can't be the only parent who assumed the school had made all the effort. If RHS has used a professional, they should sack them and ask for their money back! The displays definitely looked home-made!
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Hmmm...thats a bit worrying. TBH I felt that there was a lot of window dressing at SB on open evening - flat panel PC monitors as far as the eye could see, laptops etc. etc.
Originally posted by nora batty And I have just read on the SB Annual Report that they employed someone to do the displays!
Reply ID 28118
quote:That's a great shame as from '93 with the arrival of Ray James EVERYTHING improved. Those staff that had struggled to continue under the leadership of a totally useless former headmaster were at last able thrive and perform well. Those that weren't so good and were perhaps having an easy ride, left. Parents felt they had a greater role to play in their sons education and were welcomed into the school. Standards improved all round - behaviour, attitude, uniform, performance, achievement etc. Every boy was and is still encouraged to the very best of his abilities, streaming is flexible and they teach all 3 sciences from day 1. Most importantly the worrying problem of bullying and disruptive pupils was addressed, tackled and given the attention and help it needed to bring it under control and deal with it. ALL schools, no matter WHAT their Head Teachers may say, have a bullying problem to a lesser or greater degree. Any school that says it does not have a problem is lying. It's how the school addresses the problem and seeks solutions that matters. RHS has for a long time believed that its responsiblities do not end at the school gate with regards to behaviour/bullying, and has teachers patrolling the town first thing in the morning and at the end of the school day. Likewise, anyone who contacted the school to complain about bad behaviour would be assured that the problem would be addressed, and where possible, the boys in question would be dealt with. I do sympathise with you and realise that nothing will change your opinion, but I hope you can take some comfort from knowing it will never be like that again. The school has continued to thrive under the leasership of Mike James when Ray retired, and now with Mr. Neate.
Originally posted by spitfirequote:Where do I start......... From my second year onwards (When Mr Jack Retired as Head) Bullying increased, disruptive pupils knew they could get away with anything, some teachers left and standards dropped. If you were not in the top flight for sport, you were ignored, and use substandard equipment. Hopefully its improved since then, but I spent 5 unhappy years there.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:Why?
Originally posted by spitfire I was at Richard Hale 20 or so years ago and hated it.
Reply ID 28122
More ramblings... I visited Sele tonight. I am very impressed. The school was spotless and the greeting at the door was lovely. The 2 year 11 girls that showed us around were polite and knowledgeable. The uniform is smart and quite strictly enforced - exactly 6 stripes of their tie to be showing (shame about the pointed 3" stillettos, though). There was year 7 work on display. The music facilities are truly outstanding, and although the labs were disappointing I understand that they are having them completely refirbished next spring. It's the only school lab I've toured that has the Periodic Table quite prominently displayed on the wall. The ICT suites were good, library was mediocre but with very enthusiastic librarians. The Headteacher spoke twice an hour apart, which was very considerate of him - makes it much more of a relaxed evening as there is no pressure for everyone to be in the same place at the same time. The piped music was disappointing - I thought in a school with specialist performing arts status there would be some live music or entertainment. Sadly the Head's delivery was a bit drippy, and the dreaded Powerpoint was in action too, complete with sound effects. (Don'tcha just hate that swoosh effect as words whizz in from the side?) and he must have pushed the fact that they are a small school in every sentence. However, he was brave enough to tackle head on the underlying concerns that it might be a rough school - he boasted about the zero tolerance and the number of exclusions he'd made last year! (4). The Head also made it very clear that the results of some schools in the area (mentioned no names) only looked impressive because of the soft option GCSE's that were being taken and that some schools are very clever at manipulating the league. He told us to watch out for the new performance tables (which now have to include English and Maths in the 5 measured) as Sele performs much better on this basis. The Headboy and Headgirl spoke confidently - as did the two yr 7's. I was disappointed in the male PE teacher's diamond studded ears (in my day we had to remove all jewellery for PE...) I was impressed that the Deputy Head made a point of saying goodnight to everybody at the door, and it is the only school of the 3 I've seen that asked us to complete a feedback form. It certainly impressed me and if my son was interested in the performing arts and was not at all academic, I wouldn't hesitate to send him there.
Reply ID 28126
It's a difficult choice, but reassuring to see that all the schools have very definite strengths - there's something there for everyone. I'm not sure about the point that some of the schools score highly because of soft option GCSEs. My children are doing/have done 11 or 12 extremely academic subjects at Simon Balle. Neither am I sure about the point which is being made about the wall displays - wonder whether there are any SB teachers on the forum who could help us with this one? The other thing which has really impressed me about SB has been the drama, and especially the house plays, teaches them a lot about working in a team.
Reply ID 28128
If I would say one thing about Sele it is a shame that Mr O'Mahoney had to give up as head teacher a couple of years ago (he struggled to fully recover from a car crash). The current head is good but, as nora says, does come across as wishy washy.
Reply ID 28160
I suppose not everyone is good at public speaking. Does the current Sele head have a good senior management team to support him? That's always helpful for a school. Don't forget - you can always make an appointment and go back to see the school in operation during the day before you make your final decision.
Reply ID 28163
I know league tables aren't everything, but looking at the gulf between Sele and the other schools, they have one hell of a mountain to climb before I could even consider sending the little Dudes there.
Reply ID 28166
Although looking at the results they are starting to get now, and talking to people with children there, they do seem to be tackling that mountain, which is very good to see.
Reply ID 28167
I have been impressed by the teachers that I met at parents' evenings (except for one who seems somewhat eccentric!). You certainly can't fault them for support, encouragement and advice. I acn't comment on SB or RH as I have not met any teachers there. I am related to an ex-SB teacher. If the other teachers were of similar standards then SB is in pretty good hands.
Reply ID 28168
quote:That's the only reason I won't send my son there.
Originally posted by Dude
I know league tables aren't everything, but looking at the gulf between Sele and the other schools, they have one hell of a mountain to climb before I could even consider sending the little Dudes there.
Reply ID 28173
The tables don't prove anything. Take this as an example. Sele take in 100 pupils. 70 are deemed to have special needs and are probably incapable of achieving 5 or more GCSEs. If 33 actually achieve 5 or more GCSEs then the school has done well as only 30 should have done so. Richard Hale take in 100 pupils. 20 are deemed to have special needs and are probably incapable of achieving 5 or more GCSEs. If 72 actually achieve 5 ore more GCSEs then the school is not performing as 80 should have done so. There are lies, damned lies and statistics.
Reply ID 28174
quote:So 70% of the Sele intake are special needs?
Originally posted by JohnSmith
The tables don't prove anything. Take this as an example. Sele take in 100 pupils. 70 are deemed to have special needs and are probably incapable of achieving 5 or more GCSEs. If 33 actually achieve 5 or more GCSEs then the school has done well as only 30 should have done so. Richard Hale take in 100 pupils. 20 are deemed to have special needs and are probably incapable of achieving 5 or more GCSEs. If 72 actually achieve 5 ore more GCSEs then the school is not performing as 80 should have done so. There are lies, damned lies and statistics.
Reply ID 28175
I have had a good look at the tables. What I find worrying is not the quantity but the quality of grades they get at GCSE and especially at A level. In my son's case, I think it's good for him to be surrounded by higher achievers with a competitive attitude. I don't think he would reach his full potential at Sele - I think he would become distracted and lazy. In addition, he is very interested in The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and they don't offer that at Sele.
Reply ID 28176
Did I say that? It is a fact that Sele take in a far higher number of special needs children than the other schools. I don't know if the figures are available anywhere. Look at Sele's figures for 2004 & 2005. In 2004 42% passed 5 or more GCSEs, in 2005 only 33% passed. Did the teachers suddenly get really bad from one year to the next? Or was it a case that the pupils weren't capable of achieving the grades in the first place?
Reply ID 28177
We went to Sele also last night and I have to say I was as impressed by them this year as last. Mr G waas dreading it as he went there in the 70's and didn't have the best of times, however he was totally bowled over. As you say Nora the students did seem much smarter, polite and genuinly happy to show off their school. It's funny how people listening to the same talk can get completely different things from it though. I was impressed the way he tackled the Mercury artical and bullying, the 4 exclusions he mentioned didn't give me the impression that the school was rough, just that he was open and honest on the subject and that they are tough on bad behaviour. I found that quite reassuring. I agree with Nora that he not as polished at speaking as the SB head but again I found that more honest too. I haven't gone to RH so dont know how it compares to that. As far a league table go, as I have said before I take know notice of them. I feel they are a bad idea, put too much pressure on schools to come up with impressive figures and can be missleading. My daughter is very academic (really into Science, History and Geography) the only worry I had was the state of their Science area (not bad, but not as up to date as SB) but with the planned revamp I now would have no hestation in sending her there, I think she would flourish. They have year 11s taking A levels so I really don't think it's an issue. All in all I think it's down to what you get out of the open evenings and which school you think will suit your child. PS. I also have a theory. I know that many people worry that the higher achieving schools sometimes overlook their less outstanding students. If you follow this logically it should make sence to send a child to a school lower down the league tables as it would mean that they would be relatively higher within the school gradings and therefore more likely to get the greater support. I am not suggesting that this is the case but it is a thought! [:)]
Reply ID 28179
quote:Yes. You gave an example. I think I know what you mean and I agree to an extent, but we must be careful not to defend potential under performance on assumption. No doubt Sele caters for special needs, but by using your example, you could equally say RH could have reached 100%, rather than 72% because 28% of the pupils weren't capable of achieving the grades in the first place. Sele could be suffering in the tables due to the volume of special needs, but equally, the remaining students would need to be exceptional self motivators to stand a good chance of carrying themselves through without peers to bounce off.
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Did I say that?
Reply ID 28181
I'm not denying that, just saying that you need to look a bit deeper than the league tables.
Reply ID 28183
quote:What I was trying to explain was that I had the pre-conceived idea that the school was rough and the school had successfully changed my view on that, but the head took a gamble in actually stating the number of exclusions - he could have just said that they don't tolerate poor behaviour and that they have made exclusions. I know he was trying to stress the zero tolerance, but to me it flagged up poor behaviour! By the way - I like the Sele mobile phone policy. (If anyone is caught using one in school it is confiscated and must be collected by a parent). Anyone know what the RHS and SB policy is on this?
Originally posted by gemipicorn It's funny how people listening to the same talk can get completely different things from it though. I was impressed the way he tackled the Mercury artical and bullying, the 4 exclusions he mentioned didn't give me the impression that the school was rough, just that he was open and honest on the subject and that they are tough on bad behaviour. I found that quite reassuring.
Reply ID 28186
quote:Indeed. Its very easy to knock a school without all the facts. I hope anyone reading this forum checks out all three schools to get there own opinion, much like Nora. I think the word "Sele" unfortunately suffers from an image problem.
Originally posted by JohnSmith
I'm not denying that, just saying that you need to look a bit deeper than the league tables.
Reply ID 28192
quote:At RHS the phone is to be collected at the end of term but I am not sure if a parent has to
Originally posted by nora battyquote:What I was trying to explain was that I had the pre-conceived idea that the school was rough and the school had successfully changed my view on that, but the head took a gamble in actually stating the number of exclusions - he could have just said that they don't tolerate poor behaviour and that they have made exclusions. I know he was trying to stress the zero tolerance, but to me it flagged up poor behaviour! By the way - I like the Sele mobile phone policy. (If anyone is caught using one in school it is confiscated and must be collected by a parent). Anyone know what the RHS and SB policy is on this?
Originally posted by gemipicorn It's funny how people listening to the same talk can get completely different things from it though. I was impressed the way he tackled the Mercury artical and bullying, the 4 exclusions he mentioned didn't give me the impression that the school was rough, just that he was open and honest on the subject and that they are tough on bad behaviour. I found that quite reassuring.
Reply ID 28195
quote:Surely this theft.
Originally posted by dutch knightquote:At RHS the phone is to be collected at the end of term but I am not sure if a parent has to
Originally posted by nora battyquote:What I was trying to explain was that I had the pre-conceived idea that the school was rough and the school had successfully changed my view on that, but the head took a gamble in actually stating the number of exclusions - he could have just said that they don't tolerate poor behaviour and that they have made exclusions. I know he was trying to stress the zero tolerance, but to me it flagged up poor behaviour! By the way - I like the Sele mobile phone policy. (If anyone is caught using one in school it is confiscated and must be collected by a parent). Anyone know what the RHS and SB policy is on this?
Originally posted by gemipicorn It's funny how people listening to the same talk can get completely different things from it though. I was impressed the way he tackled the Mercury artical and bullying, the 4 exclusions he mentioned didn't give me the impression that the school was rough, just that he was open and honest on the subject and that they are tough on bad behaviour. I found that quite reassuring.
Reply ID 28198
quote:Thats what I mean, we get different things from the same speech. Probably because we are basing our view on our own childrens needs which are as individual as the children themselves. What will suit one wont suit another, which leads me back to the same conclusion that we are lucky to have the schools we have here. You're are right about the phone policy, it's good that they are allowed to have them for the journeys to and from school but not allowed to use them in school and if the parent has to collect them it keeps them in touch with their use. I thought this was a standard policy but it looks like I may be wrong.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:What I was trying to explain was that I had the pre-conceived idea that the school was rough and the school had successfully changed my view on that, but the head took a gamble in actually stating the number of exclusions - he could have just said that they don't tolerate poor behaviour and that they have made exclusions. I know he was trying to stress the zero tolerance, but to me it flagged up poor behaviour! By the way - I like the Sele mobile phone policy. (If anyone is caught using one in school it is confiscated and must be collected by a parent). Anyone know what the RHS and SB policy is on this?
Originally posted by gemipicorn It's funny how people listening to the same talk can get completely different things from it though. I was impressed the way he tackled the Mercury artical and bullying, the 4 exclusions he mentioned didn't give me the impression that the school was rough, just that he was open and honest on the subject and that they are tough on bad behaviour. I found that quite reassuring.
Reply ID 28202
quote:Seems a bit draconian! Sure its end of term and not the end of the day? I would be concerned as a parent if my child could not contact me to say they had missed the bus etc.
Originally posted by dutch knight At RHS the phone is to be collected at the end of term but I am not sure if a parent has to
Reply ID 28205
quote:just checked this out.Pupils can bring phones in to school,but are not allowed to use them or allow them to go off in a classroom.If they are confiscated then they can be collected by the parents anytime or by the pupil at the end of the current half-term.Seems fair to me
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Seems a bit draconian! Sure its end of term and not the end of the day? I would be concerned as a parent if my child could not contact me to say they had missed the bus etc.
Originally posted by dutch knight At RHS the phone is to be collected at the end of term but I am not sure if a parent has to
Reply ID 28210
So nora,you have been to the Open Evenings,have you made your mind up?If you and your son agree that one school stands out from the rest,then that is the right school,if not ,look back through this thread again to see if that helps. Good luck
Reply ID 28211
quote:Ditto Nora! We have to have our decisions in by next Friday. I hope all this debating has helped and not hindered in making the decision. So long as we are all happy with the choices we make, thats all that matters. [:)]
Originally posted by dutch knight
Good luck
Reply ID 28213
You really need to visit all the schools you are applying to, and, if possible, not just at the Open Evening. One small note of caution I would sound is that we no longer have Grammar Schools in Hertford so you can't necessarily assume that one school will be filled with competitive high achievers and another won't. Which makes it all the more difficult to choose. Usually, the kids are placed in sets,quite early on, so that they can learn with people on a similar level. Might be worth asking Sele if they intend setting up Duke of Edinburgh's Scheme. I'm sure there would be a demand for it. Otherwise I have a feeling you can do it through the Scouts or Guides.
Reply ID 28221
I must say I've found it refreshing to read all the positive reports on Sele school from forum members with first-hand experience of it. I don't have school-age children, and as such all I know of Sele is its reputation, which clearly precedes it. I admit that my own opinion of the school was based largely on that reputation; the comments on here have injected a sense of balance into that opinion.
Reply ID 28228
For what it's worth - I did a First Aid course at The St John's place up on Sele last year. This neccesiated catching the bus back to Hertford town centre. The Sele pupils who were also waiting for the bus after school were well behaved, they were polite and they actually stood back to allow the old g*ts like me on to the bus first! Top marks.
Reply ID 28243
Dear Nora, my son is in year 7 at RHS and loves it. He insisted on attending both open evenings this week and was proud to be a guide on both occasions. He gets homework most evenings and although this came as a bit of a shock initially he now "takes it in his stride". We attended all of the open evenings with an open mind last year but RHS just felt right and was my son's first choice as well as ours. I think they have hit the right mix of tradition/discipline etc. I wish you well with your decision making and I feel for you and Mr B. Not only do you have the decision to make but you then have to wait what will feel like forever for the result. I found that as the time approached for the result to be revealed I became a nervous wreck as by this stage I was desperate for a place at RHS for my son. One piece of advice I would give is to apply online, the system was superb this year with the promised e-mail sent exactly on time. All the best Nora.
Reply ID 28245
quote:I'll second that -it worked a treat
Originally posted by Sarah Hughes One piece of advice I would give is to apply online, the system was superb this year with the promised e-mail sent exactly on time.
Reply ID 28251
RHS do allow mobile phones because they like the pupils to be able to contact their parents, as there are many sports fixtures, but as with every school I know, pupils are not allowed to use them otherwise, except in the case of an emergency. The confiscation of mobile phones to be collected by parents, is also common practice in many schools.
Reply ID 28305
quote:Yes. Richard Hale. Now all we have to do is wait until March to see if sonny gets a place.
Originally posted by dutch knight
So nora,you have been to the Open Evenings,have you made your mind up?If you and your son agree that one school stands out from the rest,then that is the right school,if not ,look back through this thread again to see if that helps. Good luck
Reply ID 28315
Get Mr Batty to speak to the Headmaster next time he is at one of the HRFC Lunches. I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table as him last season and I all can say is that it was a shame he wasnt head when I was there. My Wifes Nephew has just started and he loves it there. Good choice in my mind.
Reply ID 28317
I think there are 3 boys out of 14 in my son's class that hope to go to RHS. 1 is hoping for Sele, the others SB. These 3 are already being teased that they are "gay" for choosing a single sex school! P.S The current Head was Mr.Batty's first form tutor...
Reply ID 28320
quote:Lets not start another gay thread please!!!
Originally posted by nora batty
I think there are 3 boys out of 14 in my son's class that hope to go to RHS. 1 is hoping for Sele, the others SB. These 3 are already being teased that they are "gay" for choosing a single sex school! P.S The current Head was Mr.Batty's first form tutor...
Reply ID 28513
I've just heard that on Tuesday night, following last week's parents' evening, RHS was broken into and 21 brand new laptops were pinched from the science lab. Someone casing the joint during the open evening?
Reply ID 28604
I have just read through all the discussion on this thread. Obviously many spaek from previous experience of their schooldays in the three schools. I can only speak as a teacher, parent of an ex pupil, governor and partner of a teacher at one of the other named schools. We are lucky in Hertford that we have three good schools to choose from and a variety of teaching schools. Each school has its strengths and weaknesses, which change as the pupils and staff change. My only recommendation for anyone who needs to choose one of the five in the area is to choose the one their son/daughter will be most hapy with, as it is they who have to experience the school as it is.
Reply ID 28605
quote:But the problem is how do you know which school they will be most happy with? And why should this be your main criteria? Of course I want my child to be happy, but I also want a school that will get the absolute best out of him academically and spiritually. At the moment, Sonny would be most happy going where the majority of his friends are going and where he could take the least line of resistance, academically, without being found out. But I would not be happy with this.
Originally posted by locutus My only recommendation for anyone who needs to choose one of the five in the area is to choose the one their son/daughter will be most happy with, as it is they who have to experience the school as it is.
Reply ID 28607
Nora, you are right in disregarding where all your son's friends are going. When they reach secondary school, they tend to make completely new friends. It can be hard to decide where they would be happy. Think about how your child reacts to authority. Do they need someone constantly on their case or might that undermine and demoralise them? We do have three good schools here in Hertford, which has become clearer to me through the forum. Good luck with your decision process!
Reply ID 28612
quote:Spot on - my daughter started Presdales only in September and now has virtually no contact with the other girls from her primary school, having developed a whole new circle of friends.
Originally posted by mangrovian
Nora, you are right in disregarding where all your son's friends are going. When they reach secondary school, they tend to make completely new friends.
Reply ID 29790
As someone who looked round the schools a couple of years back, I was surprised with both Sele and Richard Hale. Sele impressed me a great deal, as there had been a major improvement in the teaching and the attitude. I remember the school from the late 70's and the reputation it had then - bad. But I went to Ricahrd Hale, and when I toured the school I was saddened by what I saw. I started there in 1979, and there are still teachers from that time working there. It seems stuck in a time warp - even down to the paint on the walls. Even a radiator I headbutted and dented in 79 still hasn't been repaired. I was waiting to see if a 12 year old me came running down the corridor. I loved the school when I was there and would have defended it to the death, but now I would hesitate to send one of my kids there - unless they were just going to a sporting event hosted by them
Reply ID 29800
So which teachers are still there Tazz? .. (I was also there in '79)
Reply ID 29805
As far as I am aware Mr Campbell is the longest serving teacher at RHS.I think he has been there about 26 years now
Reply ID 29818
Mr Hudson - still teaching Geography Cam Beacom - Deputy Head Mr Campbell - still skiving I remember trying to keep a straight face in German lessons, just saying good morning to Mr Brush ( Guten morgen, Herr Brush - you try saying it without laughing)
Reply ID 29822
quote:That's incredible!! ... Cam Beacom must have been there nearly 40 years !
Originally posted by Tazz
Mr Hudson - still teaching Geography Cam Beacom - Deputy Head Mr Campbell - still skiving I remember trying to keep a straight face in German lessons, just saying good morning to Mr Brush ( Guten morgen, Herr Brush - you try saying it without laughing)
Reply ID 29826
Mr.Batty was also there in 79, and remarked on how some things had remained unchanged. I think longevity of staff is a good thing. A failing local school that is now under OFSTED scrutiny has blamed high turnover of staff. At my son's school a few years ago there were problems with two year-groups due to high staff turnover. Surely it demonstrates that the staff are happy there? The staff you mention have been promoted and the current Head has also taught at the school for a number of years. I can't see what's wrong with that. The staff obviously feel very comfortable under Mr.Neate's leadership, which is also a very clear indicator that they feel he is doing a good job.
Reply ID 29975
quote:Does he still have his hippy hair?!?!?!
Originally posted by dutch knight
As far as I am aware Mr Campbell is the longest serving teacher at RHS.I think he has been there about 26 years now
Reply ID 29977
quote:Yes he does,still so laid back he is horizontal[:D][8D][:D]
Originally posted by Dudequote:Does he still have his hippy hair?!?!?!
Originally posted by dutch knight
As far as I am aware Mr Campbell is the longest serving teacher at RHS.I think he has been there about 26 years now
Reply ID 29981
quote:Fantastic!! I though he would has died of an overdose years ago!! [:D][;)]
Originally posted by dutch knightquote:Yes he does,still so laid back he is horizontal[:D][8D][:D]
Originally posted by Dudequote:Does he still have his hippy hair?!?!?!
Originally posted by dutch knight
As far as I am aware Mr Campbell is the longest serving teacher at RHS.I think he has been there about 26 years now
Reply ID 29988
Laurie Campbell - rebel without a clue! Laurie may be the longest serving teacher now, although Cam Beacome must be somewhere at the top of the list. Up until his retirement 2 years ago, Mike James had been at the school since first going into teaching in 1971, making 33 years in total. Norah - I'm very pleased you have finally been able to make a choice and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. [:)]
Reply ID 29990
quote:I had the dubious pleasure of 4th & 5th Form 'O' Level Maths with said teacher.
Originally posted by Dudequote:Fantastic!! I though he would has died of an overdose years ago!! [:D][;)]
Originally posted by dutch knightquote:Yes he does,still so laid back he is horizontal[:D][8D][:D]
Originally posted by Dudequote:Does he still have his hippy hair?!?!?!
Originally posted by dutch knight
As far as I am aware Mr Campbell is the longest serving teacher at RHS.I think he has been there about 26 years now
Reply ID 30091
I remember Mrs Briggs teaching us Spanish. What a voice! It sounded like she ate grated glass and small boys before inhaling 40 fags. Scott Corbett - greatest ever PE teacher in the history of PE teachers.
Reply ID 30093
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30095
quote:History could have been Mr Harper
Originally posted by Dude
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30100
It sounds as if all of those names were before my time, BUT, and sorry to keep banging on about it, if you wanted to register on the Richard Hale Association website (http://www.richard-hale-association.org.uk) and post that question in the guestbook, I am sure it would be answered. There is a new gallery on there with photos from yesterday too. More of which will be added soon.
Reply ID 30106
quote:Blimey, I had all these teachers too! HISTORY .. Mr. White .. Cam Beacom ... Mr. Swift ART .. Mr Norbury or Miss Howell or... Mrs. Walker (fagash Lil) NEWS ALERT .. BOB YOUNG IS DEAD ... From The Hale Association........... Finally, and very sadly, Bob Young former Deputy Headmaster and English teacher has just died. Bob was a teacher at the school for 35 years and on retirement was very active with the Richard Hale Association. He leaves a wife and three sons. His funeral will be in Newcastle.
Originally posted by Dude
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30107
quote:I remember most of those too and Mr Harper (Hair Bear) History Dr Echlin RE Mr Kidd Computer Studies Mrs Young in the Library Mrs Budd English Cant remember his name but the metalwork teacher who spent all his time working on his MG parked outside the woodwork & metalwork building.
Originally posted by azzzaquote:
Originally posted by Dude
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30108
quote:Was he Mr Branford or something like that?
Originally posted by spitfirequote:I remember most of those too and Mr Harper (Hair Bear) History Dr Echlin RE Mr Kidd Computer Studies Mrs Young in the Library Mrs Budd English Cant remember his name but the metalwork teacher who spent all his time working on his MG parked outside the woodwork & metalwork building.
Originally posted by azzzaquote:
Originally posted by Dude
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30109
quote:Yes .. and Mr. Baby Face Codling... Who remembers Bumchin Lea?
Originally posted by dutch knightquote:Was he Mr Branford or something like that?
Originally posted by spitfirequote:I remember most of those too and Mr Harper (Hair Bear) History Dr Echlin RE Mr Kidd Computer Studies Mrs Young in the Library Mrs Budd English Cant remember his name but the metalwork teacher who spent all his time working on his MG parked outside the woodwork & metalwork building.
Originally posted by azzzaquote:
Originally posted by Dude
I'm a bit younger than some of you! [;)] My teachers included.... Mr Belbin (Biology) Mr Cutts (Maths) Miss Dove (Maths) Mr Young (English) Mr Hopkins (PE) Mr Rayfield (Physics) Mr Grant (Chemistry) Mr Hopkins (Geograpghy) Mrs Deacon (English) Mr Brinkley (French) Mr Pele (Maths) Can anyone help me remember my possible history or art teacher!?!?
Reply ID 30111
Mr Lea,the Welsh games teacher? What was the name of the maths teacher nicknamed "weeble"?
Reply ID 30112
Mr Lea,the Welsh games teacher? What was the name of the maths teacher nicknamed "weeble"? >>>> MR. COXON
Reply ID 30113
quote:Ah,yes ,quality teacher[:o)][:p]
Originally posted by azzza
Mr Lea,the Welsh games teacher? What was the name of the maths teacher nicknamed "weeble"? >>>> MR. COXON
Reply ID 30116
Veronica Deacon - English - and her strange pronunciation of the word 'down' when saying 'sit down'. Sounded more like 'dine'. And putting her initials at the bottom of the work she was marking Other teachers - Mr Brinkley, Mr Norbury, Dinosaur Baguley, Mr Piggott, Mr Bennett, Mr Thurley, 2 Mr White's and Mr Harris
Reply ID 30123
I think Mrs Deacon went on to marry Laurie Campbell, but could be wrong. Mr Harries (played for Saracens) - PE Mr John - PE Mr Dutton - Music/history Mr Clayden - RE/Maths Mr Bodanowicz - physics Mr Rodbart Mr Crowe - Deputy Head Mrs McKenzie - Business Studies Mr Post - English Davina MacDonald - Art Mr Wright - music Mr Beacom - History Mr Hefferman - History
Reply ID 30126
Yes,Mrs"Campbell",still does supply teaching at RHS(or was last year)
Reply ID 30144
quote:Now working in Wiltshire and still a baby face!
Yes .. and Mr. Baby Face Codling...
Reply ID 30145
Thought of a a few more!! Mr Penrose (percy) Music Mr Bennett (Porky) deputy head & magistrate Mrs Wilson Biology Mrs Pallister - Languages Mr Bloodworth - Physics
Reply ID 30257
If I remember correctly, didin't Mr Bodanowicz get into trouble for holding a party celebrating the fact that Princess Di was dead on the day of her funeral?
Reply ID 30401
quote:Yes he did! It made news in the Mercury because he decided to hold a party on the day of her funeral,and his house was bedecked with bunting etc. I think it was on the front page. I was at the govenors meeting that asked him to account for this which he explained as a mere coincidence! Yeah, right.
Originally posted by Tazz
If I remember correctly, didin't Mr Bodanowicz get into trouble for holding a party celebrating the fact that Princess Di was dead on the day of her funeral?
Reply ID 30414
quote:Was he a small rotund bearded chap with a penchant for Morris Minors - or am I thinking of someone else?
Originally posted by Fish Wifequote:Yes he did! It made news in the Mercury because he decided to hold a party on the day of her funeral,and his house was bedecked with bunting etc. I think it was on the front page. I was at the govenors meeting that asked him to account for this which he explained as a mere coincidence! Yeah, right.
Originally posted by Tazz
If I remember correctly, didin't Mr Bodanowicz get into trouble for holding a party celebrating the fact that Princess Di was dead on the day of her funeral?
Reply ID 30476
Yes he did! It made news in the Mercury because he decided to hold a party on the day of her funeral,and his house was bedecked with bunting etc. I think it was on the front page. I was at the govenors meeting that asked him to account for this which he explained as a mere coincidence! Yeah, right. [/quote] Was he a small rotund bearded chap with a penchant for Morris Minors - or am I thinking of someone else? [/quote] No - you are quite right - small, rotund, real ale drinking morris dancer with a definite penchant for a Morris Minor van and hand-knitted chunky jumpers. Despite the strange look and ideas, he was a good teacher. [:0]
Reply ID 30477
Thought it was him - the 'Diana's Dead' party was no coincidence thats for sure!
Reply ID 30494
quote:Ahem, no it certainly wasn't a good idea and was considered by everyone at the time to be a pathetically juvenile thing to do just for shock value. It was in immensely bad taste. [:(]
Originally posted by Leo Densian
Thought it was him - the 'Diana's Dead' party was no coincidence thats for sure!
Reply ID 44924
Any forum members doing the rounds of secondary schools this year? If so, any feedback yet?
Reply ID 44925
Did Sele last week and Simon Balle tonight. Was impressed with the speech by Sele's head, Simon Balle's head seemed to be pleading to parents to send their children to her school! The difference in size of the schools was obvious (Simon Balle 3 times as big) although both seemed very friendly. Before tonight my son was adamant he wanted to go to Simon Balle but isn't certain now. I think it was the size of the school that he found daunting. My two daughters went to Sele and it has improved massively in the 7 years since we walked around with them. Both schools have plenty to offer and we now have a very difficult decision to make. Well done to both schools for giving us such a hard choice!
Reply ID 44956
We decided to visit the schools a year early, as last time i had to do the rounds we left it until year six and found that we didn't have alot of time to make the decision. My second son has been adamant that he would be going to Simon Balle for the last 3 years. Now that he has had a good look round, he has said he gives it 3 out of ten and can he go to Sele. Still got Richard Hale and Chauncy to go. I hope he chooses Chauncy, as our other son goes there. But we do feel that the decision is his. So come september 2009 I could have three children in three different schools again. More fool me.
Reply ID 44957
My niece started at Sele this September and loves it...........
Reply ID 44960
It doesn't seem possible that it was a year ago we were choosing schools. The time seems to have gone so quickly. I have to say that for us the whole process was much less traumatic than we expected. We were so impressed with Sele over Simon Balle that there was no contest for us and because it is not oversubscribed we were very confident of getting a place. Our daughter started in September and I can honestly say that it so far it has exceeded all our expectations, she settle in very quickly and loves it. We are so glad we made the choice we did. Our daughter helped out in the science Dept at the open evening you attended JS.