tillysmum

Just back from first parents evening for yr 10 daughter and up to now was feeling ok about our choice for daughters school here in OZ(private school with good reputation). But OMG now am worried, one teacher refered to some of the children in daughters class as 'Nerds' Then when discussing different types of maths courses in yr 11/12 teacher said daughter was good enough to have a go at Maths B but to watch out for Maths A as it was for 'Dumbos' OMG.

comet555

Wow, I would be a bit concerned about how the teacher was talking as well. I'm a math teacher and would NEVER say a class was for dumbos, or anything like that. I can't ever remember using the term nerds either, at least not since I left high school!

Not sure what I'd suggest, but if it bothers you then maybe a talk with the teacher about using appropriate terms.

asprilla

OMG !

I_Will_Freckle

Think I would have asked if she/he had been in Maths A when they were a student.

tillysmum

The scary thing is it was two different teachers that came out with the comments!! The maths teacher was head of maths dept

sunbather

Think I'd be inclined to voice these concerns to the principal if it were me.

LindyLoo

The place I work at would have strung me up if I had spoken like that to parents. And then they would probably have given me some grammar lessons. The upshot is, they were probably being accurate.

In some cultures there is a huge status students to be good at Mathematics. This may mean that the students do very little other than studying mathematics, which can make rather "nerdy" young adults.

Mathematics A would be a general mathematics course that is the minimum requirement by employers and non-science degree courses. Mathematics B is 'real' mathematics that would be required if you are doing engineering/science/mathematic at university. Mathematics C is pure maths and is normally studied by those also doing maths B and intending to further their mathematical studies after school.

So to put it bluntly, Maths A is for the less mathematically gifted.

Ps. Maffs teacher in a private Queensland school.


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Nu-Shooz

Dumbos and nerds

At the school my eldest goes to, a teacher told a pupil to 'shut the f**k up' and got away with it.

comet555

Lindyloo's explantion probably sums it up what the teacher meant, although I still don't like how it was phrased by the teacher in question. My problem (other than the terms) is that I don't think anyone should automatically assume that students in the lower level math courses aren't mathematically gifted. I do think the majority of students (if not all) probably aren't the strongest in math, but there could be a few in there that just don't need to take the higher level math.

You could be really good at math and choose a career that doesn't require taking any higher level mathematics courses. I was great at math in high school, but I could have easily chosen to be a photographer or mechanic or some other trade that didn't require math. That wouldn't have made me stupid, it just would have meant that course wasn't required for me.

However, I do think that if a student is good at math then they should do those courses just so they have options later down the line.

John_R

I think that is needed here in the UK. Some unruley kids just need a firm harsh word or two since corpral punishment isn't allowed.

John

Nu-Shooz

I can understand how a slip of the tongue is easily done. Especially with teenagers.

knockoff nige

I'm so glad I'm doing this on my own. This thread got me thinking of all the different things I've have to consider if I was emmigrating with a family. Dont think I'd manage.

bev1

Thats appalling

Teachers are ans should set an example. No wonder half the Kids are unruly !!!

I know the ozzies are supposed to be more laid back but thats just rude, inappropriate and unprofessional

scotty 71

Teachers would NEVER get away with saying that in England, not a chance!

The more I read and hear about the Australian Education system the more I feel worried. Should I be? Is it really as bad as people make out?

flodsfive

Here in England in my Daughter class the teacher got a way with telling a pupil he was stupid in front of the whole class.

Apparently when the mother went to talk to the teacher, she explained that he was a unpopular, strange boy that brags. I know the young boy in question he is a very good natured boy age 10.

It' still not been sorted out.