My first parental challenge

For this year anyway. Recieved a phone call from JQ's parents saying that he was bored with what was happening so far and was starting to lose interest. I think it is mainly in Maths. I said "Not a problem" as we were having PTS interviews in two weeks and we could discuss it there. JQ has come from England and got into a Grammar School there - which I think is pretty significant academically. He was in the top xx% academically and so was a little concerned about where we were going.
This has forced me to start putting in place the criteria needed to ensure that we are doing the right thing and that all students are improving.
The other thing we did yesterday and built on today, was a slide show where the students had to ezplain BODMAS to other Year 8 students. They are producing some excellent work and are very adept at using the software. I wish I had allowed them to explain ANY part of the chapter we have just finished as I don't know where it could be used but they did not really understand the concept of BODMAS. The exercise has been good but I would make it a little more open-ended.
Finished today with students taking photos of each other to be able to pin up on the board as part of the decor of the classroom.
I find I am saying "yes" more these days to student requests - such as allowing students to go get a camera from the library. I didn't think there would be enough time but in the end they did a good job and we will end up with some great photos.
The first eight weeks have been very interesting, but I believe the best is yet to come.