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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want 9s not 7s for my child in their GCSEs?

438 replies

ZeldaFighter · 13/03/2025 17:40

Child is a model student and no problems with behaviour or attendance. Definitely seems intelligent and diligently completes homework, often without prompting.

Report is 6s and 7s. Husband is pleased and says they're As and Bs. He thinks only kids in private schools doing extended papers get 9s.

I got As, Bs and Cs many years ago but I always strived for As. AIBU to think they should be getting 9s or at least striving for them?

OP posts:
Whatzehellizdiss · 13/03/2025 17:46

YANBU to think it, I just hope you arnt verbalising that to your child. I have images of a very stressed out young person now. I hope you keep your expectations to yourself

Itisbetter · 13/03/2025 17:46

I think you are being ridiculous. Take your child out for a huge celebratory slice of cake, apologise to your husband for behaving like an idiot and have a look at your own current attainment levels and do a little striving of your own.

Whoarethoseguys · 13/03/2025 17:46

Of course children in state schools get 9s. But I have said you are being unreasonable because it's not for you to say what you want it's what your child is able to do.
In the scheme of things it doesn't matter in the long run if they get 7s 8s or 9s but their mental health is important.
Don't pressurise them.

UndermyShoeJoe · 13/03/2025 17:45

A model student is surely already trying their hardest and best so no you would be unreasonable to expect or want 9’s as clearly that’s not what they are genuinely capable of.

Dragonsandcats · 13/03/2025 17:44

Don’t put so much pressure on your child.

Pinkandcake · 13/03/2025 17:44

What do you mean, ‘AIBU to think they should be getting 9’s’? The vast majority of children DON’T get nines as it’s exceptional. So YABU to assume getting 9’s is easy.

As long as your child is doing their best that’s all you can ask!

outofofficeagain · 13/03/2025 17:44

Are they y11 now?

What are school saying their predicted grades are?

Branleuse · 13/03/2025 17:44

You can want what you like, but It doesn't mean youll get it.

NiceProblems · 13/03/2025 17:43

9s are the equivalent of an A** so yes I think you are being unreasonable. If you got As then why are As not good enough for your child.

Playdoughcaterpillar · 13/03/2025 17:43

You don't say what year they are now. Some schools like ours don't predict any 9s at all

sprigatito · 13/03/2025 17:43

Does it really matter what you would prefer? If your child is a “model student”, then presumably they are doing their best and these are the results they are capable of achieving. Parental disappointment is much more damaging than non-stellar GCSE results.

Jeschara · 13/03/2025 17:42

Just be grateful he is doing well. 7 is the old A. Why would you be fissapointed you are lucky.

2025willbemytime · 13/03/2025 17:42

My kids went to state schools and got nines.

However, there is no should. They can either do it or they can't.

Maybe lay off with the pressure.