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Original poster

oh wise ones... Any options for a very bright sixth form drop out??

42 replies

Gimmeabreak · 08/03/2012 19:56

I am a name changer

At a loss as to what to do with DD (17 year 12) who is bright but done virtually nothing since starting year 12 and has today got a clutch of dreadful results that reflect this...

She's out tonight on a school trip so not had a chance to talk to her but think (judging by last parents evening) that school may well suggest she leaves

Her school is high flying and gets great results and they cull students who wont work and get appalling results

They've warned her many times....

So - faced with this ...What options/schemes/education could she do??
She is clever enough (14 gcses all A /A*) and can work well if focused - she has a saturday job in a highly esteemed shop/cafe and is fabulous - attentive - always turns up - works hard

If i sound chirpy about this - I am not but need to move forward for her sake..

ANY advice or help would be great as we really feel lost at sea!

OP posts:
Original poster
Gimmeabreak · 08/03/2012 20:21

yes mylittlemiracle - without being specific her employer is a small high powered family chain with very high standards and sje has really risen to the challenge

not so at school...

all the advice is so helpful ...SES thank you am very interested!

OP posts:
MyLittleMiracle · 08/03/2012 20:17

I was going to suggest an apprenticeship. It sounds like she enjoys her saturday job, and maybe she would be better in a more "hands on" environment rather than in a sixth form where it is all written work?

joanofarchitrave · 08/03/2012 20:15

Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer? No idea if this is realistic, maybe someone here will know.

Kez100 · 08/03/2012 20:13

Accountancy - could try and get a training contract with a firm to do AAT which can give opportunities to higher qualifications) all earning as you go and gaining experience. This won't be easy to get but if she can sell herself. She should gen up on AAT first though - know it is what she wants to do because you work and study at the same time.

Or, a level 3 Business Diploma.

Or, while waiting look at correspondance courses for bookeepers.

A few ideas there.

MarshmallowFarm · 08/03/2012 20:09

Like imnotmymum was going to suggest 6th form college? If she is at a very academic school and not applying herself there may be an issue with the environment or peer group - maybe she is bored of being at school with all the rules and expectations? Maybe she wants to be treated more like an adult, and needs to be in a more self-motivating environment? 6th form colleges often seem to suit high-fliers who need a bit more space to find themselves and respond better to the less structured environment ?

I went to a v. academic school and noticed that a lot of bright girls did very badly at A level - however when they retook their exams at 6th form college many of them did brilliantly. They had just had enough of school!

SESthebrave · 08/03/2012 20:08

I will PM you in a bit with more info. Obviously this is a very specific answer/option and probably one of many that she may wish to consider but happy to give you as much info as I can :)

Original poster
Gimmeabreak · 08/03/2012 20:08

weevils how did you find out about that?

OP posts:
Original poster
Gimmeabreak · 08/03/2012 20:06

we were thinking about apprenticeships??

OP posts:
Original poster
Gimmeabreak · 08/03/2012 20:05

SES i AM interested -yes

She was studying sciences with maths (chem physics maths furthermaths) all were A* GCSE ....

She was looking at engineering - or possibly accountancy?

She is a good public speaker ( that's what she's doing tonight ) her schooll had suggested law?

OP posts:
weevilswobble · 08/03/2012 20:04

Local College? My DD messed up 6th form, i cant say she has any actual results. She left last summer, had had health problems and depression. Shes now studying at the University of Life, ie au pairing in Paris. Has mafe some great friends and spends evenings writing out french verbs, school style! Coz she wants to make sense in her texts to french friends. Dont really know where its leading but shes learning alot!
Go with the flow and dont force anything, but thats only my opinion. You often have to try alsorts and then find yourself on a path you never imagined. Difficult age.

imnotmymum · 08/03/2012 20:03

My SS dropped out of 6th form to our horror!! It was the whole school environment that did not gel he changed tacic and now at college excelling on electronics course. Sometimes school not for everyone !

GavisonandOn · 08/03/2012 20:01

Level 3 vocational course at college
Apprenticeship
Internship somewhere - but may be difficult to find without connections in current climate and ta her young age

Kez100 · 08/03/2012 20:01

Does she have career in mind, or general area she is interested in as a career.

Is there anything in particular that has gone wrong between GCSEs and A's or is it purely she worked hard for former and has done little work for latter?

SESthebrave · 08/03/2012 20:00

What subjects is she most interested in? Would she want a science based career or an arts one or a people one?

I have done some work recently promoting the option of being a dispenser in a pharmacy (community or hospital) for students in a similar position to your DD. It is one of the few careers that you can train on the job whilst earning a salary and eventually become a member of a recognised professional body without having to study for a degree.

Let me know if you'd like to know more!

madwomanintheattic · 08/03/2012 19:59

Gap year once she's earned enough to travel. Reassess.

No Pressure to continue education right now as long as she's doing something.

joanofarchitrave · 08/03/2012 19:58

catering/front of house training?

joanofarchitrave · 08/03/2012 19:58

Start her own business?

Full time at the shop, poss with business studies/managerial day release course?

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