Other people noticing

It seems everyone is noticing how Harry has changed all of a sudden. My dad commented how grown up he sounds on the phone and he confused Harry with his sister who is nearly 3 years older. Previously, his conversation would have been short and difficult with his speech problems and lack of confidence.

The best praise of all was last night from his karate teacher - who is very strict - and doesn't give praise lightly.

He pulled me to one side and told me he is really pleased with Harry - how focused he is and how hard he is trying - particularly recently in his grading exam. He has noticed a big change in him.

End of year results

I have mixed feelings here. Teacher assessment came out at Level 3 for Speaking & Listening and Science and 4s for Reading, Writing and Maths - what a jump from where he was - pre-Dore (Yr 4) Harry got 2C for English and 2B for Maths (both below level).

However, with the shambles this year over the SATS results, our English scripts are being sent back for re-marking and not due back until mid-September. The results we did get though were quite disappointing - Level 2 for Science (he hates science) and 3 for Maths.

.... another karate belt!

Well done Harry! You deserve it!

Assessment

Well, we finally made the assessment in Kenilworth after our disastrous attempt last Friday by train. This time we drove, and as we were early, we took a nice stroll to the Town Centre and had a coffee and something to eat in Costa Coffee.

Our assessment was done by Hannah, and I got to meet Donna, the lady on the video. I had a long chat with both, but the outcome was surprising ... Harry got reds again for test 3 & 4 and Hannah consulted with Support and Dr Roy and they feel Harry has probably reached the end of the programme, having been on the harder exercises for a while and on the programme for 18 months. They advised Harry should wind-down. It was a surprise as I was expecting to repeat the book again with additional exercises, so we agreed that I would finish my current book and then upgrade on MyDore for the wind-down exercises.

...and more progress

We saw some friends last night we hadn't seen for a while, and they commented how Harry's stance had improved and how confident he looked. Hadn't noticed his stance was poor, so was pleased someone had taken notice. A Dore friend commented this means his balance is improving - I really wish we could have an assessment to confirm this. MyDore is great, but you can't beat that personal touch and the PS's always offered great advice. How do we know we're marking the exercises correctly without their regular guidance.

Today, Harry had his early birthday party (his birthday is in the summer hols, so we always have a party in July during term time) and here are a couple of pics. He looks so happy and confident doesn't he?

Scouts Sports Day

Had a lovely afternoon watching the Scouts Sports Day. What a difference in Harry!

Assessments

Wonderful news! We heard on Monday that assessments are being carried out in Kenilworth. Appointments will be prioritised for those due when Dore went into administration. Things are definitely moving forward.

Check out www.dore.co.uk for Wynford's latest video.