But I Smile Anyway…

It’s got to that time in his life already… We need to help Lil Man make some decisions now, so we can fill in the relevant application forms in a few months time.
He has one year left after this one in Junior school and will then embark on his journey at ‘BIG’ school! Aaarrrgghh! When did he get old enough to do that? I’d love to keep him here, under my watchful eye, wrapped up in cotton wool but that is just silly, I know. The thought of big school and my petite Lil Man is scary enough, without the added stress of where to apply!
There are still Grammar Schools here in our area which children sit the 11+ for. Usually the more academic children go there, are pushed more. These are the kids who everyone expects to do well, go to university etc.
In our Indian culture, academia, studying, passing with flying colours is a great thing. Everyone wants their children to do well, regardless of their capabilities. I have seen, during my work at school, children tutored to to the end of their minds, to pass the 11+, only to gain entry into the hallowed Grammar School, and spend the next 7 years struggling.
But it’s ok, at least the parents can say with pride that their child has gone to Grammar!
This is where I am wondering, am I thinking right or wrong for my son? He is a bright little thing, loves reading and writing, tries so hard in Maths, enjoys the topic work he does, and excels at sports.
The thing is, though his enthusiasm is great, in Maths his actual achievement is not above average, or even average, for that matter. Though he loves what he does, is a little sponge, collecting facts and remembering them, he is not Mr Academic.
I know what Grammar School entails, and unless a switch flicks somewhere in his brain sometime soon, I fear if I push him to sit this test, after tutoring, and he somehow gets in, he will be the one who is at rock bottom in school, for the next 7 years.
Actually I don’t believe in tutoring to pass tests like these. If they need that much extra help, surely that indicates that it is possibly beyond a child’s reach?
I have bought him the home help books for the 11+ test, and I am fully behind him if he WANTS to take it. I’ll help him at home if that’s what it takes, but I can’t and will not force him.
If he doesn’t get to Grammar School who cares? Isn’t it better to go to one of the local schools, and be one of the above average, or average pupils, rather than spend a large chunk of his academic life feeling like he’s the thicko of the class?
I’d love some feedback on what you think…