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Original poster

Drop a GCSE for Functional Skills

58 replies

Meheh8 · 10/07/2024 20:57

My daughter has been offered to do Functional Skills English and Maths. She's already dropped a GCSE for extra study (which is being turned in FS English). Shes been offered to drop another GCSE option for FS Maths.
She struggles in both Maths and English so FS would be ideal but we're unsure about her dropping another GCSE. There is a high chance that she won't get the Level 4 needed in Maths so will need to redo it post 16.
Part of me thinks that given that Maths and English are important for any post 16 and apprenticeships that she should drop the extra GCSE to do the Maths. Also it would be less pressure on another load of coursework and she could focus on other 3 and the FS. On the other hand that means shes only doing 3 other options (rather than 5).

In terms of jobs, the option she'd have to drop for the Maths is relating to what career she wants (working with children). But she could easily pick it up post 16 or apprenticeships so not a huge hindrance.

Any advice would be great please!
Thank you :)

AWBU - dont drop another GCSE. Doing FS post 16 isn't a big deal etc
AWNBU - drop the GCSE and do FS Maths. Maths is more important and it will save her post 16

OP posts:
FumingTRex · 10/07/2024 21:17

As above, check which level. She needs FS level 2 to be considered equivalent to GCSE. Check whether she would be able to do FS at college if she doesn’t pass either gcse or level 2. How’s her science? Some courses will take that instead of maths.

BoobyDazzler · 10/07/2024 21:13

I’ve just done my L2 functional skills maths and English as I’m currently doing a L4 apprenticeship. The English was pretty straightforward but the maths isnt easy and I passed on my second attempt (I’m dyslexic). My further maths A level qualified daughter was confused by a lot of it as is didn’t align with what she’d learned at gcse at A level and is more aimed at adult levels of problem solving.

If your daughter has started the GCSE course it might be worth sticking with that.

winewolfhowls · 10/07/2024 21:08

Depends what level functional skills, be careful to ask which.

worcesterpear · 10/07/2024 21:06

If the college have said FS is acceptable instead of GCSE, and she wouldn't also need to do GCSE resits as well, then I would do functional skills now (if she is willing) as it will improve her college experience.

NotMeNoNo · 10/07/2024 21:05

You need English and Maths for everything. 3 GCSEs + the two FS will get her into a Level 3 course.

GeneralMusings · 10/07/2024 21:03

Definitely do it. Getting maths and English out the way is a huge achievement and frees up her future years to do the subjects she enjoys.

And functional skills has less content so I would so do it.

FawnFrenchieMum · 10/07/2024 21:01

I 100% wish my DS had been given the option of FS. It would have been far better suited then an exam he was very unlikely to pass.

JacquesHarlow · 10/07/2024 21:00

I voted YABU @Meheh8 , but not according to the criteria you set out, but for another reason.