Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

'Foundation' GSCE Maths - what's it all about??

33 replies

SauvignonBlanche · 27/08/2011 13:28

My DS, due to start Yr 10 and his GCSE options has been told he will be doing a 'Foundation' GCSE.He is at a non-selective comp which has special provision for ASD, DS has AS.

He has been in the next to bottom set for the first 2 years, the SENCO assured us it was the best set for him due to additional classroom support.
DS is reasonably bright, will be doing triple science and got a Level 6 for KS3 but will be doing this 'Foundation' GCSE.
We queried it but just got a snotty 2 line letter (the day after term ended) from the head of Maths saying that in their "considered opinion" DS was in the right set.

We haven't queried the set only the qualification he is being entered for as DS is very science-orientated.
Will try to talk to school again at the start of term, does anyone have any further information about this 'Foundation' GSCE and its implications?

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 27/08/2011 15:00

Why should she fight it all the way, spiderpig?

spiderpig8 · 27/08/2011 14:55

Fight it all the way!

noblegiraffe · 27/08/2011 14:39

A C on the foundation paper is exactly the same qualification as a C on the higher paper at GCSE. They both give you a maths GCSE - it seems from the way you have put foundation in quotes that you might think it is a different qualification; it's not, and if an employer saw a C on his CV, they wouldn't know which paper he achieved it on.

If he got a level 6 at KS3 then he would probably be predicted to get a C at GCSE. The top grade you can get on the foundation paper is a C, so the school putting him in for this paper, if that is his expected grade is reasonable. He could sit the higher paper and get a C, but this would mean him taking an exam where he would be unable to answer the majority of the questions which can be quite demoralising.

If you want him to sit the higher paper, you need to have an argument as to why this would be a better paper for him to sit - i.e. you think he has a chance of getting a B.

Original poster
SauvignonBlanche · 27/08/2011 14:09

Yes, mich that wouldn't be much use would it?

OP posts:
michglas · 27/08/2011 14:00

You need to be careful though because if you manage to get him changed to do the higher, then he will have to get a 'c' or above or he gets a fail, and if he has been taught in a set aimed at sitting the foundation paper he may not have the required knowledge to sit the higher.

hocuspontas · 27/08/2011 13:56

You would have to check the admission requirements. Normally a minimum grade is required to take a subject to A-level. But certain subjects e.g. Physics may additionally require a minimum Maths GSCE grade. So definitely needs discussion. Good luck!

Original poster
SauvignonBlanche · 27/08/2011 13:48

It was the HOD that sent us the snotty letter, whilst I'd rather not seen them I guess they're the best person. Hmm
I imagine it would automatically rule him out of A level study?

OP posts:
hocuspontas · 27/08/2011 13:42

I don't know anything apart from the highest grade for foundation papers is a 'C'. I imagine he would have to change sets to do the higher but I would make an appointment to see the HOD and discuss it further.

Swipe left for the next trending thread