|
Schiann
|
 |
« on: July 13, 2009, 02:56:34 pm » |
|
I am researching the possibility of my 13 year old son coming (from America) to live with myself and my husband for a year or two in the near future, but I have so little understanding of the school system here in England as it compares to America, I feel quite lost.
In America, kids are placed in "grades" based not only on age, but also academic level. While my son is 13, and thereby a "7th grader" in the states, he takes quite a few advanced courses; some - such as reading/English/Literature and math - he is several years ahead. How is that handled over here? I understand kids are placed by age, but... is that all?
My son has Asperger's Syndrome, which is akin to high-functioning Autism (or entirely different, depending upon what school of thought you subscribe to) and does require a little bit of accommodation. As an example, he can become quite bothered by persistent noises; at his current school, he is seated away from air/heating vents, machines, windows facing the street, etc. He also has some minor "stimming" behaviours that can sometimes be disruptive to other students, such as humming to himself, or rocking. He's been very fortunate up to this point to have excellent teachers who have worked with and around his quirks, and bred a sense of understanding and unity with his classmates.
My main concerns are whether he will be academically challenged enough if he moves here, and whether he will receive adequate support and/or specialised education.
I would especially love to hear thoughts from parents of kids with Asperger's or other special needs.
|
