Don't mess

Go in armed.
Prepare your arguments.
Take no prisoners.
Let them dig the hole....

...and then assist them with climbing into it.

Then smile sweetly and walk away.

It was an evening of meetings with James' teachers.  Positive, constructive advice from most.  

There was no adequate explanation for the strange combination of grades.  I let the person in question try to fob me off, with explanations of a piece of coursework with a lower grade...then I asked what the overall weighting of the coursework was.... the flash of realisation in their eyes....25%....

"And I am correct that the specification you are studying has 3 equally weighted examinations, P1, C1 and B1?" .... 

"Yes, that's right"  (I could hear the voice in their head whispering....AAAAAARGH ....she knows what she is talking about!)

"And so with a combination of an A, a B and a C....without the coursework that would equate to....?

.... "A  grade 'B'..."

"And so the weak piece of practice coursework that had no preparation time for it and was done effectively blind....that brings a 'B' down to a 'D'?"

..."Oh!'

"Oh.  So you see what I am saying?"

"Yes, you want me to change it to a 'C'?"

"No, I would like you to check all of the assessment grades across his three science teachers and email me to let me know whether the grade is correct and explain why OR if you feel a mistake has been made, change the grade"

"Oh, OK, yes, I will do that"

"Excellent, I very much look forward to hearing from you.  Now, what else can I do to support you in supporting James?"


Do not underestimate me.

Do not think the quietness, or measured responses, or flippant attitude or silly behaviour are  signs of weakness.

I know a LOT more than many people realise.  

I am strong and I will protect and support the people I care about, my family and those who I work alongside as well, many of whom I consider true friends.  

But I will not tolerate being fobbed off or treated with condescension.

HEBS...Fighting...woohoo!