List of primary school perormance?

[Beach Mama]

I agree MrsMac! Many of the results are one test on one day so even if a school says that they have high Naplan results - keep in mind that many schools train kids to perform well on that particular day. I would be more inclined to visit the school, talk to the kids and teachers, visit the classrooms and see what type of programs they run in the school. Ask about their welfare programs, bullying policy, extension/gifted programs, and remedial programs. Often you get a feeling just walking through the school about what kind of culture they are fostering. Good luck with it all. (Public Primary School Teacher talking here too )

[Rouge]

I'm in two minds about this.

I think it can be good and bad. I do believe that children should go to schools that suit there needs rather than just the closest school or the most "popular" private school. That said I think some schools (private included) do have a higher focus on certain areas (sports, arts, maths, debating etc) and if you have a child that excels in that area then of course picking a school that also excels in that area is going to be beneficial. I can see how it can be bad for a school's reputation if a school doesn't primarily excel in an area or has a low level of university entrants iykwim?

As a parent I am going to be looking at these areas, and yes whilst they aren't a business I do think if they can't cater to my child I'm not going to send them there.

Here in Melb we have the Age "Good Schools Guide" which gives a breakdown of what each school offers the number of students etc.

[Beach Mama]

Cai - I agree totally at a High School level for uni entrance etc... and also that some schools tend to be more academic/sporting/musical by nature. Many public primary schools now have Montessori/Steiner streams, so I definately think it is important to find a school that caters to your child and will nuture them as a person. I guess what I am against is the notion of a "list" based on performance for a primary school. That is a different story considering the tests that primary schools do, which you can't really compare to VCE/HSC in High schools.

[Rouge]

*blush*

I realise after I posted that we were talking "primary schools" but I guess its still valid on some level, but I agree a list based on performance would be very difficult to regulate and it would hard to be fair especially given how differing each curriculum is.

[Beach Mama]

You are right hun, it is really difficult to be fair and that is why as teachers I know lots of us get our backs up a bit at the word "performance" because there was talk for a while of pay being "performance" based. As a teacher I am there to nuture each and every child, and to give them the opportunity to learn and to come to love learning in a challenging and safe environment. For some kids that means doing their best yes, but compared to others performing in the state, they may fall very short and there lies the problem. I have a head cold so my thoughts aren't coming out that coherently, but the different curriculum across the country is another kettle of fish!!! Sorry mumoflewis - a bit OT but hopefully bits and peices will help you make your decision!

[mrsmac]

I so agree Tan!! When I taught in a disadvantaged area our basic skills results were very poor but the teachers were still great teachers who gave their all for those kids, I think the whole performance based pay is a terribl idea too. We al know people who are great at sounding like they do a lot but in reality do sweet FA LOL
Don't get me started on different curriculums in each state- having taught in NT and NSW I find it so stupid we are so different in each state when people can and do move interstate a lot particularly defence families like we were.

[MumofLewis]

I should have used the word reputation rather than performance, I'm interested in the overall aspects of the school i.e teaching style, cultural awareness, bullying policy, other activities etc etc. (public primary BTW)
While I understand from a teachers point of view the hazard of a 'performance' list, from a parents point of view who has no history in the area, I would like to gather as much info as possible on the schools. I have seen first hand the result of a 5 year old who went to the wrong school for her and she was then up rooted and changed school, friends etc which has had a lasting effect on her.
I will nearer the time speak with other mothers that I can find with kids in the local schools, but I really want to do extensive research and why shouldn't I? DS happiness at school in these early years is crucial for me, I want him to be settled and enjoy those years.