Dore Talk

Hi All, Thought I'd update you on my Lucy's progress so far. We've been on Dore over a year now and heading to the end I'm sure. It's been a battle and I won't miss it but the benefits are soooo worth it. Some of you may remember we had to move Lucy to an Independent school in September and when she was assessed in October last year it was said that "immediate intervention is required else Lucy would no longer be able to access the curriculum", heart stopping or what!! Any how, she has just done her end of year exams and so far has had results for 3 of them and had ALL A'S, WITH A 93% IN HISTORY!!!!What a confidence booster and a real indication that she can retain information, a real struggle in the past. We've still got a long way to go as her written word is still very hard to understand (i'm hoping we may still see some progress on this front after Dore as they said this is the last thing to come) but she knows she can do it and she's not stupid. So important! A year ago she was saying that she's not as clever as her friends but she realises now that she is on a par with them which is fantastic. Even her dyspraxia is improving, I think mainly due to all the sports they have to do as well as all the exercises. Oh and she's just managed to tie her laces, big tears on that day I tell you. Anyway to sum it up, through Dore, alot of hard work and changing school I feel confident we've changed the shape of Lucy's future - and what more could any parent wish for!! So for any of you who are struggling and wonder how to keep going, don't give up, there is a big reward at the end and it WILL be worth it. Kate x

Ahh, thats excellent news, congrats to you both (all).  Your words are an inspiration for all that have 'had enough, fed up, struggling, wondering' etc etc to just keep going.

Thanks for this post, I'm sure others will thank you too.

 

What fantastic news - absolutely unbelievable that they said she may no longer be able to access the curriculum- what immediate intervention did the school actually provide?  You really give me hope Jordan has been doing the programme for 3 months now , we have noticed big improvements in his social skills, but unfortunately still not performing and misbehaving at school!  You all must be so proud of Lucy and all her hard work and your's of course.   Tracey

What wonderful news ... Lucy has come so far and only better things can follow. She is the right age too to be able to catch up before she makes the transition to "big school". Well done both of you!

Thanks guys, I hope it does make a help others to keep going . I know that for me reading posts from others who have struggled, but made great improvements reminded why we were doing it, and that it's worth it. Luckily for Lucy the immediate intervention was one on one lessons twice a week with a fantastic Learning Support teacher. Her lessons are completely specific to her and her individual needs. Unfortunately in her previous school the most she got was to go out of the classroom twice a week with 6 other kids and have a bit of help with the work they were doing. Her current LS teacher targets her areas that need improving, be it blending sounds or handwriting skills. I went to one of her lessons the other week and it's very clever, and I can really see the difference it makes. Do keep going guys. We had many days when we wanted to give up but MYDore has been great as you can see the progress you are making by the way you answer the questions and when we look back at how we must have answered them initially over a year ago, so much has changed it's staggering. A good motivator on a bad day!:) Kate

Hi All and Lucy's mum,

Couldn't agree more. B has just been told that he achieved 3A in writing and 4B in reading comprehension for this years tests. A whopping jump of 5 levels since last year. He is year 5.  The average expected for end year 6 is 4 .  We get other results over next few days I think.We too moved him to a small independant before Easter.

 As Lucy's mum said, little support in English as there was no TA in his group of 30. He asked me to make sure to tell his old English teacher how well he'd done  'because he thought I was a struggler'.  He is on cloud 9, as we are too. Lots still to come I think!

We are on the last few days of wind down and boy are we ready for it!! Good Luck to everyone, stay on track and remember that.. no pain - no gain xxxxx

I can relate to the additional help outside the classroom in small groups - that's what we get and had at Junior School. Harry's private tutor is making the difference, and everything helps, all put together. Harry picked up an old Year 6 schoolbook over the weekend, and we both laughed and said "wow, what a difference a year makes". Harry agrees he's a changed boy! Its very easy to forget how far they've come. Keep at it everyone, it sure is worth it!

Motherofb,I remember we chatted about the Independent School but didn't realise you'd gone down that route. I hope B is happy and you're glad you made the move. That's a staggering jump you must be so pleased/relieved. Nice to hear from you Bugalug, it was Mums like you that inspired me to keep going and I'm so glad Harry is continuing to improve, you must be chuffed to pieces.

Yes, we continue to be pleased with Harry's progress. I hadn't heard him read for a while and he read a whole chapter of his book last night, which was unheard of previously, and then - to top it off - he wanted to read a second chapter to his dad!!!

Hi again,

Yes. B is very happy and his confidence is growing all the time. He is enjoying being part of a small school. They seem to be prepared to differentiate to whatever level suits the child's needs and make  learning more  personalised, whereas larger schools do not have the time, resources (or willingness in some cases) so there are no regrets at all except I wish we had done it sooner.