You couldn't make it up!

[ojays]

Had our 5 year old grandson stay over night, and was asking what he had been doing at school this week.

Apparently it was the school's sports day on Friday and he told us he had won 4 out of 5 races.

Being proud grandparents we asked to see his winners badges.

Guess what!

There is no prize for first place, only the runners up.

What the hell are schools teaching children nowadays.

No wonder kids grow up not wanting to work or achieve their potential., if they're being taught that if you try to do your best, it isn't worth the effort.

Although we agree somewhat that it isn't the winning that counts, but competing.

To reward the ones that (failed) and ignore those that achieved beggars belief.

We bought him a new Gym shirt and gave him a badge to show he had done well.

Just glad were the age we are, as we don't think we would cope with this modern philosophy.

Gregg

[Guest]

Stupid or what my son is a teacher (not of sport but history) he tells me he always gives credit where due as there are so many who just don't want to be there, and make it obvious. He teaches teenagers I hasten to add. But I am sure he would agree that is ridiculous.

[Alan 45]

It's the same with other things in school like the kid in my sons class has very bad learning difficulties and gets awards galore for spelling his name right and they are happy to just leave my son to learn on his own when he can achieve so much more with the same help , now I'm not knocking this other kid I do feel sorry for him but in reality all this effort they are putting into him won't make any differences in the long run and I think it's unfair on the other kids that do need the help and they can go on to achieve something , this other lad should really be in a school set up to deal with his needs

[john i am]

One of the 1st steps in future sporting talent (schools) and your grandsons schools epic failure to encourage him is worrying I hope all schools don't adopt this approach and I'm happy that you did reward him his success

[Guest]

You're lucky you have a sports day, we have 'multisports' where teams take part but there's no prizes, no points and no point.

[Guest]

At my 4 grandsons' schools they have the "old fashioned" school Houses system.

So there is competition for points in not just sport but for all school activities what ever they may be.

Every Friday at school assembly they have a roll call. Those in each class who have done well are called out and they get points. That is not for the best in class for example at maths or english. It may be one pupil who has worked hard at something or other, an under achiever who has excelled that week another who has been kind to somebody.

This it seemed to me is a great way of stimulating young people. They do not have to be the bright ones but an achiever.

Laurie

[ojays]

It's the same with other things in school like the kid in my sons class has very bad learning difficulties and gets awards galore for spelling his name right and they are happy to just leave my son to learn on his own when he can achieve so much more with the same help , now I'm not knocking this other kid I do feel sorry for him but in reality all this effort they are putting into him won't make any differences in the long run and I think it's unfair on the other kids that do need the help and they can go on to achieve something , this other lad should really be in a school set up to deal with his needs

Not sure I agree with all of your sentiment, as my grandson comes under the Autistic Spectrum.

However he does try to do everything to his utmost, but he does suffer meltdowns that do affect the rest of the class occasionally.

Putting him in a 'special school' would not be beneficial to him, as seeing what the others can do (that he struggles with) makes him try that much harder.

He doesn't get preferential treatment, but the teachers are aware of his disabilities, as are his classmates.

Gregg

[Alan 45]

Not sure I agree with all of your sentiment, as my grandson comes under the Autistic Spectrum.However he does try to do everything to his utmost, but he does suffer meltdowns that do affect the rest of the class occasionally.

Putting him in a 'special school' would not be beneficial to him, as seeing what the others can do (that he struggles with) makes him try that much harder.

He doesn't get preferencial treatment, but the teachers are aware of his disabilities, as are his classmates.

Gregg

That's the difference here is that he doesn't get preferential , my son has cerebral palsy , the other child is severe Down's syndrome and gets preferential treatment , my argument is that other children can achieve more and others won't so giving all to one that can't make a difference and others who need that help and can do something is why I think he should be in a school more suited to his type of disability

[Guest]

Seems to me if any one is not happy about a situation they should say so to the people involved.

I always think it is best to be direct. With my 4 children we always went to the 6 months "chat with teacher" to find out what was going on. Also shows that however well your child is doing at school that you are looking after their interests in the best way you know how. Our children now with their own children attend all these meetings.

One grandson, who has a few problems, is being looked after as he passes on to the senior school (we called it going up now called transitioning). Each school has a person who is trained in physiology work and looks after those who have problems and sorts them out. Doing a fabulous job with our fellow.

So it is not all doom and gloom. If it is then best to do something about it.

Laurie

[Guest]

My Daughter had her "sports day" Friday, no competitive events allowed, just activities they all take part in. Then we wonder why so many of our national sports teams struggle nowadays!!!

Cheers, Andrew

[Guest]

I am reliably informed that this has been the system in operation for years now, but because we as a country are crap at competitive sports the system is now changing to bring back competition sports into our schools. This should never have been scrapped in the first place.

scott