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Just to put parents’ minds at ease - Your child is not ‘behind’; they will be absolutely fine. Those going into Y11 will have a fair bit to cover, but it isn’t a worry. Relax, we’ve got this.
I hate targets and levels; it’s all nonsense that helps nobody. At parents’ evenings, I don’t even mention them unless someone asks. I’m interested in the child being happy, kind, engaged and trying their best. Levels don’t matter; only effort is important.
If a student does their best, they will get the level they are capable of achieving and we celebrate that. Giving them targets is just a stick to beat them with. Their best is all I ever ask. Nobody ever gave more than that.
If you’re wondering what to tell your child about going back to school, it’s this: Have a go at what your teachers ask you to do to the best of your ability and then, at 3 o’clock, come home and do other stuff. You will get everything you’re capable of getting. Promise.
Honestly, the biggest barrier to success is fear of failure. I think levels just exacerbate that fear; so ignore them. If your child does their best and they get a Level 2, celebrate it. Their best is all they or any of us have to give.
This notion that they ‘must’ get a Level 4 is utterly unfair on those who can’t achieve it. Imagine spending 11 years working for someone who set you a target you knew you could never achieve. That’s wha we do to children; so please don’t.
You wouldn’t take your child to football and say ‘You’re not being scouted by Liverpool? That’s not good enough.’ You’d encourage them to do their best and enjoy whatever success that brings; not to set an impossible goal. School is no different.
