Research into the two-tier and three-tier schooling systems
Questionnaire for parents or carers
As part of my PhD research I would like to find out what you think about your child's school and your views on the suitability of schools covering different age-ranges. If you would like to view an information sheet about this research and the purposes of this questionnaire, please click here.
This questionnaire is intended only for parents or carers of children currently attending a state school in Dorset (i.e. Dorset County Council schools). If you have more than one child currently attending a Dorset school, please answer with reference to the oldest child.
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Please answer each question by ticking in the box or typing your answer in as appropriate, when you reach the end of a page, please click on 'next' to move to the next page.
Many thanks,
Kathy Seymour
PhD Researcher
School of Education
The University of Nottingham
To begin the survey please click 'next' below, if you cannot see the 'next' button, please scroll down the screen.
Remember, if you have more than one child currently attending a Dorset school, please answer these questions with reference to the oldest child.
Q1.
Which type of school does your child currently attend?
Infants school (nursery or reception - age 7)
Junior school (ages 7-11)
First school (nursery or reception - age 9)
Primary school (nursery or reception - age 11)
Middle school (ages 9-13)
Secondary school (ages 11 - 16 or 18)
Upper school (ages 13 - 16 or 18)
Unsure (if unsure, please write the name of your child's school in the box below)
School name:
Q2.
How would you rate the following aspects of your child's school?
Good
Fair
Poor
Don't know
The out-of-lesson activities available (e.g. sports teams/clubs, school plays, choirs, school magazine, hobbies clubs etc.)
The general behaviour of children at the school
The opportunities children have to take on responsible roles (e.g. house captains, prefects, student representatives, school council etc.)
The help and support offered with school work (e.g. individual help with class work, additional tutoring if required etc.)
The help and support offered with non-school work related issues (e.g. help with personal problems etc.)
The facilities and equipment available (e.g. science labs, sports facilities, library, design & technology equipment etc.)
Q3.
How far do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your child's school:
Strongly agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Strongly disagree
Agree
Disagree
My child is treated fairly by staff
My child is taught by teachers who are experts in their subjects
There are few problems of bullying or harassment between children
The school encourages the personal and social development of my child
My child likes this school
The work my child is given is generally too easy for him/her
Your child attends a school in an area which operates both a 'two-tier' and a 'three-tier' schooling system.
The two-tier system involves primary schools (or infants and juniors) for children up to age 11, and then a secondary school for ages 11+.
The three-tier system in your area involves first or primary schools for children up to age 9, and then a middle school for ages 9-13 followed by an upper school for ages 13+.
Q4a.
Ideally, which system would you prefer for your child? [Please tick one only]
Two-tier with transfer to secondary school at age 11
Three-tier with middle schools for ages 9-13
Three-tier with middle schools for ages 8-12
Other system (please detail below)
Q4b.
Please give brief reasons for your preferred system for your child:
Q4c.
Which system matches most closely the schooling system you went through?
[Please tick one only]
Q4d.
If you would like to comment on the suitability of the system you went through (e.g. did you feel you transferred to secondary school too early / too late?) please use the space below:
Q5a.
At what age do you think your child is/was ready for transferring to a secondary school environment?
Q5b.
Please give brief reasons for your answer to Q5a:
If you would like to enter the prize draw for £30 in Amazon.co.uk vouchers,
please provide an email address below:
Closing date for prize draw is 4th August 2008, the winner will be notified by email by 15th August 2008
If you would like to receive a summary report on the findings from this survey by email,
Thank you very much for completing this questionnaire.
Please click 'submit' at the bottom of the page.