For parents reading school reports

Cornersteady replied on 20/07/2018 14:08

Posted on 20/07/2018 14:08

Saw this on the BBC, and it is so so true, I've certainly used a few of these

It's that time of year again. Teachers up and down the land have been slaving over their end-of-year reports and parents are eagerly awaiting to hear whether or not their little angels are top of the class.

But what does "full of self-confidence" or "lively and enthusiastic" really mean?

We asked one teacher - who goes under the name of Mrs Smith - to let us know what those positive-spin comments actually mean.

Here are her thoughts:

Is a sociable member of the class: Doesn't really come to school to work, much prefers having a gossip in the toilets


Knows their own mind: Not particularly good at doing what they are asked to do


Always enthusiastic when working in a group: Likes to be in charge, a proper bossy boots

Full of self-confidence: A little too arrogant and won't take being told they are wrong

Needs to channel their enthusiasm into their own work: Please get on with your own work and leave the rest of the class to get on with their own

Is always curious: Shows too much interest in anything and everything except their work

Enthusiastic contributor to class discussions: Always has an opinion on everything and shares it loudly at every opportunity

Displays excellent listening skills: Never has an opinion on anything, would rather self-combust than put their hand up

Open to new ideas: Easily led into poor behaviour

Wonderful unique character: Thank goodness there is only one like you in my class

Has shown an interest in self-guided learning: Decides on a daily basis which work to complete

Has an interesting and inquiring mind: Does your child ever stop asking questions?

Occasionally lacks focus: Sits as far from the window as possible to prevent daydreaming

Has a strong sense of right and wrong: Bit of a telltale if we are honest

Lively and enthusiastic: Goodness me your child is hard work

Has a wide circle of friends: I have run out of seats to put your child in where they won't chat

Knows the school rules well: Is reminded by me of them daily

Makes everyone smile: Bit of a clown

A bubbly, fun-loving personality: Honestly child, calm it down a little

Is ready for a new challenge: I'm counting down the days until the end of term

Enjoys working independently: Finds sharing hard

Is a pleasure to teach: Honestly, your child has helped preserve my sanity this year

Wherenext replied on 20/07/2018 14:16

Posted on 20/07/2018 14:16

When I was in school in Liverpool during the 60's one of my classmates had a report which stated

"Kevin loves travelling. Can I suggest Newcastle?"

replied on 20/07/2018 14:25

Posted on 20/07/2018 14:25

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Oneputt replied on 21/07/2018 09:29

Posted on 21/07/2018 09:29

Absolutely right Corners.  One of my reports in the 1950's said 'would be a better pupil if he concentrated on maths and not the girls'  My mum hid that report from my dad!laughing

Cornersteady replied on 21/07/2018 09:57

Posted on 21/07/2018 09:29 by Oneputt

Absolutely right Corners.  One of my reports in the 1950's said 'would be a better pupil if he concentrated on maths and not the girls'  My mum hid that report from my dad!laughing

Posted on 21/07/2018 09:57

smile well even to me, the contradictory gender as Basil would say are definitely more fun than maths! 

Kennine replied on 22/07/2018 10:29

Posted on 20/07/2018 14:25 by

LoL.  With very few changes most of those comments could be made equally applicable to the majority of teaching staff I encountered, especially those that never really left school laughing.

Posted on 22/07/2018 10:29

I  agree entirely with your post DD. So accurate and relevant. 

wink

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 22/07/2018 12:47

Posted on 22/07/2018 10:29 by Kennine

I  agree entirely with your post DD. So accurate and relevant. 

wink

Posted on 22/07/2018 12:47

I fundamentally disagree with both of you. . . .For the very reasons you have👏🏻👏🏻😊

Takethedogalong replied on 24/07/2018 12:16

Posted on 24/07/2018 12:16

Ha ha ha........laughing I found this funny as well Corners, as an ex PE student, (changed tack after leaving college) the art of writing a diplomatic report is an art. Strikes me you could apply something similar at times for on here as well.........cool

 

My favourite? "Open to new ideas: Easily led into poor behaviour!"

 

Cornersteady replied on 24/07/2018 13:17

Posted on 24/07/2018 13:17

One I often used was 

A somewhat uncooperative attitude may have hindered Chantelle's progress over the year

There always seemed to be a direct correlation between names like Chantelle, Bailey, Precious (really), Charlene (very popular after Neighbours ) Clinton, or anything nicknamed like Shaz or Bazzer, and an uncooperative attitude.

My favourite all time name was pronounced Fe-Mar-lay. Before I saw how it was written  I asked where she got the name, thinking it was French perhaps, and she said her mother had read it on her wrist band written by the nurses when she was born - female

That is a true story!

 

Tinwheeler replied on 24/07/2018 13:58

Posted on 24/07/2018 13:58

Another true story related to names was told to me by a teacher friend.

A new boy joined her class and his mother introduced him as Huggy. When asked how Huggy's name was spelt, his mother replied H-U-G-H-I-E. 

Takethedogalong replied on 24/07/2018 14:40

Posted on 24/07/2018 14:40

I was banned from the reception of the pool I had my office in during swimming lessons, I couldn't keep a straight face at some of the names! I did compliment one parent on her choice of Isabella, thinking she knew about Spanish royalty. Transpired not so, the little darling had been conceived during a visit (surprised) to a notorious local night club! laughing

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