They had gone through a rigorous testing period last year when he was in grade 3 during class time. I spoke to the teacher back then and said that she was preparing them for the Naplan tests and going over some of the bits the kids didn't understand.
I still think that it is for the benefit of the school otherwise they would have done these "extra" classes back then too.
When it comes to the fee, the only resource that i could think of that would cost us $15 each would be if they got in a casual teacher just for those classes, otherwise what would it be? It sounds like a money making scheme to me.
Unless they pay extra tutors to come in and work with the students or pay teacher aide's extra hours, or they are increasing teachers' wages to cover the extra half an hour.
Don't know - certainly worth finding out especially if you don't believe that it is beneficial to your child.
In all honesty it smells of dodgy. those are already long enough hours for kids and expecting them to do extra on top of an already hefty homework load is, to me, not beneficial academically...which i can only suppose is the whole point?
I know that it sounds obvious, but are you able to weigh your options up and see if there is a school that is performing better and has slightly better ethos that your kids could go to? it's never too late to change! my mum had to do this with me when it became obvious that we split paths regarding the philosophy of educational styles...
and i think nothing less than a meeting with the principal is in order regardless.
there is a new school which is opening up in our estate in 2011, so he is definitely going there. It is a public school as the two schools which he has already been at were both islamic colleges and very far from where we live. Enough is enough.
I'm glad to see that i'm not the only one that can smell a rat in amongst this!
ah phew! well at least you guys can just hold your heads low for this year biding time for next year when he can go to the new public school. is he on the list?
TD, I think if the teachers are asked to stay back they have to be paid overtime, which is reasonable I guess, so that would be the reason for the cost. But I would still be upset at that approach and wanting to know why other schools can teach the curriculm in school hours and they can't.
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