List of primary school perormance?

[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.

[mrsmac]

I understand that your DS's happiness is your top priority.I think you will find that since he won't be going to school until 2013 that it would be not much use talking to people now as school change with new principals etc. A good way of seeing a school is to go to fetes or market days they have- this wil show you the parents in action (trust me this can often be more important than the teachers LOL)When he goes to playgroup/preschool too you will meet people that are involved in local schools.

[Beach Mama]

I wasn't saying that you shouldn't do research - it was the word performance I guess that for primary teachers is an interesting one and definately isn't an accuarate way to judge a school, for the reasons I have mentioned above. Reputation is another thing, and alot of that relates to things like the bullying policy, culture in the school etc.... I agree with MrsMac, attending fetes, and other community days is a great way to see what the culture of the school is like, and also remember that between now and when Lewis starts school, there will be huge changes in technology, innovation and curriculum as well. Hard choice isn't it - my DH are moving sometime in the next year and it is one of the things that we are thinking about, one area that we are thinking of has a great school with a great rep, and in our own area if we don't move there are about 3 to choose from. Ask any other questions if you like - happy to help!

[anney]

My DD is in prep this year so we have just been through the choosing. Or rather many of the people I know have agonised over the decision while we have a great school 5 minutes around the corner so I went with that. As your DS gets older you will be able to see if there is a particularly environment that would help him thrive. We have about 6 public schools and 3 catholic schools near us and some of my friends went to the open days at about 5 schools and then interviewed the principal of each to make a choice. it can be really confusing. things people might look for are -

1. large school vs small school eg. pros for large are more funding for specialist programs and more ability for kids to be put in an alternate class if problems occur vs pros for small schools - not so many kids in the playground
2. skills/interests of child - one of the mums and her dh sing and play guitar so they were interested in the music program of all schools.
3. school community - looking at the fetes activities is a great way to see how people work together.
4. bullying policy is interesting one - a friend had her child in a scholl with a great bullying policy but it was not put into practice, so best to ask around about that type of thing.
as the others have said - there is a long time to go yet. In your child's kinder year you will have heaps of opportunities to talk about this and research as much as you want. as with lots of things, gut instinct can come into it alot too.

[MumofLewis]

Thanks for these pointers. We will be moving suburbs before then so i will have to look into it all when we decide where to move. I'd like to think he will go to daycare/preschool near the school that he goes to so he will move up with friends etc.

[mrsmac]

That is always a great idea cause kids who start school with other children they know from pre school are usually happier and calmer in the beginning. DD is still friends with her preschool/kindy friends and she is 16!