Q & A
My son is the youngest in his Primary Three class and is really struggling with his school work. He has lots of friends in class but is getting less keen on going to school. I strongly feel he should be moved down a year. I have discussed my worries with his teacher and she agrees he's finding the work difficult. But she told me that children have to remain in their own year. Should I try to insist that he is moved?
Teacher Julie McGuire replies:
Moving down a year would certainly help your son to consolidate concepts and skills. However, there are other factors you need to consider. School is not just about academic ability, but also about the social and emotional growth of a child. Being put into a Primary Two class could have a detrimental effect on your son's self-esteem. He may worry about how his current peers view him, especially as he is settled socially in his class. He may feel that the year-two children are 'babyish' and below his maturity level.
Of course, it is entirely down to the individual. Some children may not be affected adversely by these things and adapt very quickly. I have seen cases where students benefit from feeling that they are the oldest in the class, helping them cope better with work tasks.
Usually it is the case that the younger the child, the easier the transition, if it must be made. All these factors would need to be considered and discussed with both your son and his teacher.
At your son's stage in education, it is not uncommon for boys to achieve less than girls, especially in language and fine motor skills. Also, concentration levels are often lower, as boys tend to be more immature. Some children are simply late bloomers or their readiness to learn develops at a slower pace.
Remember that the general academic level is higher in Hong Kong than, for example, state schools in Britain or Australia, so your son may appear to be struggling more than he actually is.
It is rare that children are allowed to enter a class outside their chronological age in international schools. However, under exceptional circumstances children are occasionally moved and this is often at the discretion of the principal, in close consultation with parents and teachers. Schools try not to make it the easy solution.
Organising year groups by age helps schools ensure students learn in an organised and manageable way, but of course it does not suit every child. It is difficult to set the precedent of moving children, as it opens the floodgates to requests from other parents.
I suggest you talk to your son before taking this any further, to see how he would feel. Also, have a more detailed discussion with his teacher about his demeanour and personal qualities, as well as his studies. If you still feel strongly about moving him, approach the principal directly.
Be clear about why you want this to happen and if possible get the backup from the class teacher. For example, recent test results, work samples and anecdotal evidence.
It is unfortunate that your son is the youngest, as some educational research shows that children have a better chance of succeeding at school if their birthday is near the beginning of the school year.
Your son's self-esteem is the most important thing at this stage. If he feels that he is failing all round it can be a downward spiral, culminating in him being reluctant to go to school.
Do everything you can to support him with school work and make sure he has lots of opportunities to enjoy activities and build on his strengths outside school. Often an increase in confidence brings other rewards.
