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Original poster

Who else fell foul of English 'downgrading'? Feeling glum.

136 replies

rosajam · 24/08/2012 22:35

My DS did really very well in his GCSE's despite being a July boy

He achieved mostly A*, a couple of A's, a couple of B's and one D - English.

School are querying and were 27%b down in English despite a good year generally. We're gutted. Just hope remark works.

How many universities expect a B?

Did your child suffer?

OP posts:
Original poster
rosajam · 25/08/2012 09:29

my DS will be pursuing a Science type degree but I think they will expect a B in English in the competitive uni's. His school were marking coursework thinking this will get a B/A etc and this has been downgraded - drastically so for them. I'm hoping that as his school have been particularly hit that something will be done. Other local schools do not seem to have been so affected

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FellatioNelson · 25/08/2012 09:11

I doubt they will to be quite honest. I think the move towards downgrading is as a result of universities complaining for years that they have students turning up with 'excellent' grades who nonetheless are incapable of constructing decent essays, etc.

FellatioNelson · 25/08/2012 09:08

Yes, he is clearly capable, but my point was that when universities get their applications they cannot tell whether people with C grades sat foundation level or upper level to get that C, and it is generally accepted that it is easier to get a C at foundation level. Certain subjects at certain unis want to filter out those who sat foundation level in Eglish or Maths as generally they won't be considered to be sharp enough to cope with the course offered, and they only way they can do this is to spipulate a B. Although admittedly I know this from when my son was applying to uni, and he is just going into his second year now. The B at foundation must be a new thing.

maddiemostmerry · 25/08/2012 09:06

My ds got a B but was predicted an A. His older brother got a B two years ago and their work isn't really comaprable.

I am very sorry for those that thought they would get a C and have ended up with a D.

Are Uni's really going to make any allowances though?

Original poster
rosajam · 25/08/2012 09:01

He will have to sit it again I'm sure but I'm upset that the grading seems so unfair.

Actually, you can now get a B on foundation if coursework is good.

He is not doing foundation and capable so hopefully we can turn this around.

OP posts:
AppleCrumbleAndFish · 25/08/2012 09:01

Rosa. Do you know what the boundary mark is? I couldn't find it. Does your DSs D include his controlled assessments? If it doesn't, then his grade may increase anyway.

RugBugs · 25/08/2012 08:56

My poor DSis failed by 5 marks Sad she's 18 and really needed to pass it to go to uni. She's been working so hard and finally got confirmed help for her dyslexia and memory difficulties this time round.
Thankfully she got an easy pass on another test yesterday....her driving exam!!

FellatioNelson · 25/08/2012 08:53

Actually I hate to be the harbinger of doom, but most 'good' universities offering traditional academic degrees will not like the look of a D in English at all - unless perhaps it is a maths degree! When making their offers they tend to stipulate that you have a minimum of a B in English and Maths, to avoid people who have achieved a C by sitting the foundation level.

I would look into this in advance if I were you, as it may be a good idea for him to re-sit GCSE English in conjunction with his AS levels if he definitely wants to apply to any of the more academic unis . Although many schools and colleges will not allow you to take certain A and AS levels unless you have a minimum of a B or a C in English and/or Maths anyway.

To be fair, it is usually for the best, as someone who cannot achieve a C at foundation level will probably not cope with the academic rigours of many subjects beyond GCSE, so there is a good reason they do this, and it is ultimately for the pupil's benefit. However, as they move to adjust grade boundaries across core subjects this should level out a bit - your son is unfortunate that he is in the first cohort to be affected.

Congratulations on the rest of his results though!

Original poster
rosajam · 25/08/2012 08:38

Yes, it was AQA. His marks are one mark from borderline which means they may move them. But his grade is still way down on what we expected. School willl provide resits if all else fails. They are being very lovely and they are very upset for him.

Still feel this is tough - word is they made decision to move boundaries 2 weeks ago. The marking examiners would not have known about it if this is true.

OP posts:
AppleCrumbleAndFish · 25/08/2012 08:27

DD2 has just finished year 10. They did English language this year and English lit is next year. Her controlled assessments were B and she too got an unexpected D in her exam. Overall, including her assessments she should achieve a C. The school has said all their results were appalling and they will be doing resits. Was it AQA?

BeingFluffy · 25/08/2012 08:20

Firstly I think Uni's are aware of the furore and I wouldn't worry too much - a lot are in the same situation. Did your son pass English Lit? - I think they accept either.
Secondly AS levels are more important in Uni applications than GCSEs. Especially if your son is more inclined to maths or science subjects.

My DD got an A in English Lang (OCR) strangely enough, although she didn't get as many As as predicted in other subjects and Literature was her stronger subject in which she only got an A.