School writing him off?

[Fiona24]

Any thoughts as to what we might do? DS failed most of his AS levels - low pass at one. Absolutely no support/signposting during results day (is that unusual?). We saw the Head - DS didn't want to - was very upset and went home. Said we and DS could come back this week and meet the new Hd of Sixth Form to discuss repeating the year.

Now Head is saying he hasn't managed to speak to all DS' previous teachers for their input - but says that those he has spoken to don't want DS to repeat their subjects, even the one that he passed. Will see DS at the start of term but really that is very late. Saying we should look at other options - institutions and courses. His tone is really very dismissive - it is more than clear that he/the school doesn't want DS back.

DS' studies went awry last year - there was next to no study support (though promised) from school and DS' study methods, despite our best efforts, were bad up until the last few weeks by which time it was probably too late. A fresh start seems sensible but I feel that the school has let DS down - badly. It's been celebrating its successes and leaving the others to sort themselves out.

What is the school's role right now? Are they obliged to advise DS - to have him back to re-sit or do other subjects? Can they wash their hands of him? Maybe they can but there are ways of doing it, surely.

DS has one 'careers' interview in year 12 from an outside agency that went into the school - should I ask the Head for that contact?

[Fiona24]

Thanks, tiddy. No, DS doesn't have a statement - school told us that he'd get study support as a sixth former - never happened.

I was shocked by the total disregard for students who hadn't done so well on results day - there was no-one for them - nothing at all. Just the local paper to snap a group of very successful candidates. Is this anyone else's experience?

DS went home upset and shocked on results day - he was genuinely surprised by his results. Head took an age to see us - I don't think he expected DS to be there.

Sounds like options closing in at school - DS wants to stay - it's so familiar - but Head, even before talking to all subject teachers, is now saying not at all likely he can re-take any of his subjects, even that for which he got a D.

I guess a move is very likely but I feel that the Head should be gently advised that this isn't the way to go about things - he is clearly delighted by the generally very good results and probably doesn't the hassle of dealing with someone like DS at this time.

[rusty100]

We are in the same situation and my son's college, similarly, are not interested. I suspect that they are interested solely in league tables and not at all in student welfare.
I wouldn't want my son to go back to a school which failed him so badly and so we are looking round at other places. Good luck.

[Fiona24]

You've hit the nail on the head, rusty - 'league tables, not student welfare'.

(Though I guess a good head could take a keen interest in both ..)

Good luck to you and your DS too -

[cansu]

I am going to sound harsh but I think you need to see things in a more realistic way. It sounds like your ds hasn't studied and worked as he should have. A levels are not like gcse. Just attending wont work. Your ds may have done well at gcse because he is bright and because the demands are less rigorous. I think you are cross with the wrong person. You should be supportive but realistic with your ds. If a levels are right for him he will need to start again and this will probably have to be elsewhere. He wil need to have a different approach. You also need to think longer term. Is he hoping to go to university? If so he does need to understand the need to study and work. I honestly think parents think that school can 'fix' things for their dc in the same way as they did when they weren't doing their homework aged 14 or 15. School have no way of sanctioning your ds. It is up to him if he wants to get the grades or not. It is a difficult lesson but it is one he needs to understand.

[secretscwirrels]

I don't think all schools behave this way. Maybe the fact that it is a school and not a 6th form college makes a difference.
My DS attends a 6th form college with a huge intake as none of the local schools have a 6th form.
They have a large team of staff in on results day to give advice to those with disappointing results and a well documented process for 2nd year options.
Those with results as expected confirm their course on line. The ones who don't meet the grades have an appointment to discuss options. In many cases this will be to repeat Y12, others will adjust their subjects.
I think I'd be looking for a fresh start at another 6th form. Better now than at A2 level.

[englishteacher78]

Not all schools behave this way either. Several of our students had disappointing grades. None of them were a surprise and they were all offered support on the day. Several are re-sitting the year and one has left to go to the sixth form college. One is still working through his options.
It is sad that many schools don't realise how important pastoral care is in enabling students to get their best grades.

[ShipwreckedAndComatose]

Our school sixth form would not do this...so I don't think that's a particularly fair/helpful comment there secretsquirrel.

Sorry to hear of your bad news op. the fact that teachers are not happy to have him back is telling in that it appears they don't expect to see a change in his work if he did repeat. I think that cansu has it about right.

If he does want to continue with A levels then a change of sixth form would be the way to go...and a complete change of approach to study/revision too.

Good luck.

[Fiona24]

Thank you, all -

Certainly, DS had his part to play - his study should have been far more focused and consistent. But, on a very serious note, he was very badly let down by the school who didn't step in to offer anything in the way of support when we were asking them to and who were appallingly bad at communication.

And results day was a disgrace - there was nobody there for DS for any other child who clearly needed to be given some support or guidance. englishteacher - you are so right - good pastoral care is vital if students are going to give of their best.

I guess it will be a change and perhaps for the good.