Science - choosing Higher or Foundation papers

[TeenAndTween]

DD was asked today (with no notice) to decide which of her double science GCSE papers she wants to take at higher level and which at foundation in the summer. She got no specific advice to her on what to choose.

This is before mocks, and she was told she can change her mind next week but not afterwards.

I've looked on the edexcel website and as far as I can see entries have to be in my mid Feb, and amendments can be made up to mid April??

Her predictions are Cs for science (started y10 at Bs but they have dropped). For science exams / tests when she has revised well she can get Bs, but when she hasn't she can get Es - little natural feel or retention of the knowledge.

Obviously no plans to continue with science after GCSE. She is predicted to get Cs or above in all her GCSEs.

So

• is it right that decisions can be changed next term?
• is it 'easier' to get a C on a foundation paper?
• what should be considered when choosing?

[noblegiraffe]

I'm not science but maths. I'd say if a B is a possibility, then she should take higher. It seems extraordinary to me that a school would leave it up to the pupil to make such a decision without any discussion!

[TeenAndTween]

noble yes I'm a bit surprised too, especially without informing parents. Our DD tells us stuff (when she remembers), but what about all those kids who don't?

Is it right that the deadlines for choosing/changing are quite a bit later?

[HSMMaCM]

I agree with noblegiraffe. If there's a chance of a B, then go for the higher.

[TeenAndTween]

What about mix and match? Would taking e.g. Physics in Foundation and the others in Higher be at all sensible?

[busymummy3]

I wasn't aware that a combination of foundation and higher papers can be taken ? I am sure we were told that if you chose foundation then that would apply to all 3 papers and same for higher.
We were also under the impression that you need to get nearly 100% to get a C in a foundation paper ?
We are having similar dilemma with our Ds but has just done mocks and has astounded us by gaining A B C for Biology, Physics ,Chemistry In his mocks last week so thinking may be best to persevere with Higher papers.

[noblegiraffe]

It is utterly impossible to say, at least without any mock results. I'd suggest she sits all mocks at higher and see how it goes

I recently amended the tier of entry for a kid a month before the real exam. If you do it too close there's a fee, but it's still possible.

[titchy]

Are you sure they are asking about the actual exams, and not the mocks?

[TeenAndTween]

Definitely the actual exams.
She chose for the mocks a couple of weeks ago (and chose Higher).
We will chat this weekend and look at how much of each syllabus she is happy with and go from there.
noble Good to hear adjustments can be made late.

[whathaveiforgottentoday]

You can mix and match so she could foundation in physics and higher in the other 2. The teachers will review the entry tier based on the mock results. I would think they are allowing her to decide as she is on the border.
It often comes down to whether she finds the higher paper intimidating so can go into panic - in which case opt for foundation. If not, go for higher.
I tend to opt for higher paper for borderline students unless they either have literacy issues or get anxious in exams.

[flicktuck]

Higher tier

[TheFallenMadonna]

It depends on the student. Some freeze at hard questions, some are sloppy with easy questions. I'm teaching the C/D borderliners and I'm trying them out on Foundation amd Higher questions to decide what's best for them.

[TheFallenMadonna]

You can amend tier of entry on the day of the exam if necessary, assuming you have the paper in school. Triple fees I think.

[heatheranneelizabeth]

No question - Higher! (from experience). All kids have the potential to pull out the stops for the real thing.