Should my child repeat a year?

When the school asks if my child could repeat a year, what are the factors to consider?

Taking into account the child's intellectual level

If the child's intellectual level is lower than the average, it is sometimes important to take an extra year to let the child catch up. Conversely, sometimes the child's intellectual level is normal or high: something else causes low academic performance. That cause needs to be identified. In that case, repeating a year is often not the appropriate response. The intellectual level is objectified by the intelligence test for young children (Wppsi), for children who are less than 6 years old or the intelligence test for children and adolescents (Wisc) for 6 to 16 year old students. For an adolescent who is at least 16 years old, psychologists use the intelligence test for adults (Wais).

Repeating a year

Taking into account the child's maturity

Another important aspect to consider is the maturity of the child or adolescent. Is there not going to be too much of a difference in maturity if the child repeats a year? Personality tests (Rorschach, CAT, Black Paw, TAT) give a clear idea of the child's maturity.

A normal decrease in academic results around 13-15 years

Too often, teachers who have difficulty with a student recommend to begin professional training at an early age. How many 13, 14 or 15 year old teenagers have their professional fate decided too early, at an age where bad results can just be temporary? Repeating a year appears as an alternative to consider.

The paradoxical school failure of intellectually gifted children

Sometimes, gifted children can feel bored in class, they may lose interest and paradoxically experience school failure. In most cases, getting a more appropriate schooling is enough to get out of school failure.