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Original poster

Is it possible to drop a so-called "compulsory" subject for GCSE?

54 replies

NigellasGuest · 27/01/2012 11:42

DD hates languages, is not good at French or Spanish and already feels she's not going to do well in her chosen language for GCSE (currently in year 9 and in the process of choosing options for September).

She has mentoring / counselling privately, and also in school (so school are aware of issues) to deal with anxiety. My feeling is that things will be made worse by being forced to do a language. And that may have an adverse affect on her other GCSE's.

Does anyone know where I stand? Can they MAKE her do either French or Spanish? TIA

OP posts:
CustardCake · 27/01/2012 11:54

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Original poster
NigellasGuest · 27/01/2012 11:52

Thanks, Orm.
Well they say that as it's a specialist language school everyone must do a language. Funnily enough, they are also a technology specialist school but this year technology is not compulsory! food for thought!

How on earth do i go about this? Write a letter? phone the head? Confused

OP posts:
IndigoBell · 27/01/2012 11:51

A language is not compulsory.

And even if it was kids with SEN can have any and all reasonable accommodations made - ie there is no subject they have to do.

She should be on the SEN register, and they should let her drop all languages.

OrmIrian · 27/01/2012 11:45

Yes it is and no, they can't. It's not compulsory although I know the idea is to encourage a language at GCSE.

DS1 gave up his only MFL at GCSE because he wasn't much good and his option were such that he's have to give up music (NOT going to happen as it's his only potential A* subject).