Thomas's Clapham or Alleyn's Junior ? Post Reply

[dinosaur]

not suggesting there is any brainwashing.  

[dimelda]

To Dinosaur:  Not sure I fully understand your reply ... but seems you might well be referring to that evangelical proselytising group, aka Alpha, sadly now entrenched in churches, which preaches dangerous mumbo jumbo.  If so, why did you invoke the name of the group in your thoughts on Thomas’ School?  When you say ‘ …. Alpha children & connected families have a much different experience to other children in my view, which is a disappointing message to the community’ (which frankly is unintelligible nonsense), it's to be hoped that you're not saying  that children from Alpha families are superior to those who are not.

[dinosaur]

Happy to clear that up for you dimelda. 

I am not making reference to a religious group. In this context, alpha children are simply those children who believe the world revolves around them. They are bossy, commanding and have little consideration for others, obviously through no fault of their own. 

Ideally such children are supported in a constructive way to see the world through a different lens -  that everyone should be treated the same, without entitlement. However, sometimes a school will turn a blind eye, or in fact reward this behaviour and that is sad for the whole community in my view.  
 

[dimelda]

To Dinsaur:  Aaah …. good to know you’re not involved with the Alpha group of religious lunatics.  But I did ask you – in my earlier post – if you were referring to that group, or if you were referring to bossy strong-willed children.   Your answer wasn’t clear.  I do agree with you that such children – particularly those who have little consideration for others - should be taught to see that everyone should be treated the same, & I’m surprised that some schools don’t support this concept, or take it seriously.   Although, having said that, when it comes to British schools, nothing would surprise me.   Best regards.

[Familycompleted]

Our daughter joined Alleyns at 7+ and yes the logistics being based in Balham isn’t great but she loves it. We knew we want Co-Ed for secondary so was a bit stuck anyway and as you say getting out of the 11+ stress is a big relief. She takes the school bus (possible from yr3) and our son is in Wimbledon so moving isn’t an option for us. If moving is not a problem for you, Alleyn’s is prob a fab bet. To be honest though, all these “top” schools are not that different at the end of the day. Go with whatever makes it easier for you all! X

Ps - I know a family who have both of their children in Alleyn’s and based in Clapham - not sure if they are planning to move. Obv bus 37 is direct and depends how much you want to drive back and for activities and events which is the biggest issue for us but figured it’s worth the price.

[superdad79]

Thank you so much for your insightful replies! We did decide to go with Alleyn's to avoid the 11+ 'circus'. Also thanks for pointing out the bus 37 / school bus options. We always struggle with time in the morning so I don't think it would work well for us - just started looking for a house. 

I also like the advice on the approach to alpha children - exactly what we've tried with our DD but so far haven't had much of a result... sounds like she could have done well at TC